Financial Support Options at Discovery Ranch
Paying for residential treatment is one of the biggest concerns families have when they first reach out to us.
We know this can feel overwhelming, especially when you're focused on helping your son. Our admissions and insurance teams are here to help you understand your options, explain how insurance may help, and walk you through other funding resources that may be available.
Call 855-662-9318 to speak with a member of our admissions team. We'll walk you through your options and answer your questions; there's no obligation.
How Families Typically Pay For Treatment
Discovery Ranch is a private-pay residential treatment program. Families begin treatment by paying tuition directly while our insurance team works to pursue reimbursement whenever possible.
- Why We Prioritize This Model: Beginning treatment without waiting for insurance approval allows your son to start receiving care right away. It also allows our clinical team to make treatment recommendations based on your son's needs rather than insurance coverage decisions.
- Our Team Advocates For You: After your son is admitted, our insurance team works directly with your insurance company by submitting documentation, requesting authorization when appropriate, and pursuing reimbursement based on your benefits. However, it is vital to note that insurance may not cover the entire cost of services or the recommended length of stay.
Using Insurance to Help Cover Treatment
While we're in network with TRICARE and First Health, we work with many other insurance providers as an out-of-network provider. If your plan includes out-of-network behavioral health benefits, our team will help you pursue reimbursement whenever possible.
We have a 97.6% success rate in helping families secure initial coverage if their policy contains out-of-network behavioral health benefits.
Other Ways We May Work With Your Insurance
Even though we are out-of-network, our team is highly skilled at handling insurance complexities, navigating unwarranted denials, and overcoming in-network deficiencies. We actively utilize two primary mechanisms to maximize your direct family reimbursement:
- Single Case Agreements (SCA): In some situations, we can work with an insurance company to request a one-time agreement that allows treatment at Discovery Ranch to be covered, even if we're normally out of network.
- In-Network Exceptions (INE): If your insurance company doesn't have an in-network program that can provide the level of care your son needs, we may be able to request an exception.
Verify Your Benefits Instantly: To see how your specific plan can help reimburse your investment, visit our master Health Insurance Page to initiate a secure, completely free Verification of Benefits (VOB).
Important Financial Disclaimer: We are fully committed to helping families secure the best possible insurance coverage, even though insurance may not cover the entire cost of services or the recommended length of stay. Discovery Ranch has a dedicated in-house team to help you navigate, audit, and understand your out-of-network behavioral health benefit options from day one.
Healthcare Financing & Tuition Loans
Some families choose to finance a portion of treatment through healthcare lending programs that offer monthly payment options.
Preferred Financial Partners
- Prosper Healthcare Lending offers financing designed specifically for healthcare expenses, with flexible payment options and a quick application process..
- Key Benefits: Immediate loan decisions without affecting your credit score, extended terms for affordable monthly payments, no collateral required, and zero prepayment penalties.
Other Funding Options
If insurance doesn't cover the full cost of treatment, there may be additional resources available to help. Our team can discuss these options with you and help you determine whether your family may qualify
Medicaid
Medicaid coverage for residential treatment varies by state, so eligibility depends on your family's specific plan.
Discovery Ranch has established Medicaid or state-funded contracts with families from:
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Colorado
- Oregon
- Texas (DFPS)
- Utah
If your state isn't listed, we may still be able to help. In some situations, our team can work with families to pursue a Single Case Agreement (SCA) with their state's Medicaid program. Every situation is reviewed individually, and we'll help you understand what options may be available based on your family's circumstances.
Can Residential Treatment Be Tax Deductible?
In some cases, the cost of residential treatment may qualify as a medical expense for federal income tax purposes. Depending on your family's situation, eligible expenses may include tuition, clinical care, therapy, meals, lodging, and transportation related to treatment.
Because every family's tax situation is different, we recommend speaking with your CPA or tax advisor to determine whether you may qualify for a deduction.
The following IRS guidance and legal cases may be helpful when discussing your eligibility with your tax professional:
IRS Guidance
- Internal Revenue Code Section 213(a): Defines allowable deductions for qualified medical expenses.
- Treasury Regulation Section 1.213-1(e): Provides guidance on what qualifies as medical care in institutional settings.
- Revenue Ruling 70-285 and Private Letter Ruling 8447014: Address circumstances in which residential treatment expenses may qualify as deductible medical expenses.
Tax Court Cases
- Griesdorf v. Commissioner (1970): Supported the deductibility of tuition at a specialized therapeutic school when enrollment was primarily recommended to treat a child's medical and behavioral condition.
- Urbauer v. Commissioner (1992): Upheld the deductibility of tuition and related expenses for a teen receiving therapeutic and educational services as part of medically necessary treatment.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Family's Financial Roadmap
We know paying for treatment can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out on your own. Our admissions and insurance teams will help you understand your options and answer your questions every step of the way.
At Discovery Ranch, We Are Here to Support You Every Step of the Way.
Let's discuss your teen's needs and explore how our residential treatment program can help them reach their full potential.