The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment and Support Act
The state of Washington will pay for
drug abuse treatment or alcoholism treatment (grouped together under "chemical dependency treatment" of alcoholics and addicts) who lack financial resources. The
application process involves applying for public assistance.
The addict or alcoholic should go to the nearest DSHS office (often referred to as a "CSO" or community service office).
The public assistance application form will first be screened by a Financial Worker or determine whether the applicant meets financial guidelines.
Next the applicant will be interviewed by an Incapacity Specialist (sometimes referred to as a social worker). The Incapacity
Specialist will schedule the applicant for an alcohol/drug assessment by an ADATSA Case Manager.
If the applicant is found to be chemically dependent (an alcoholic or addict) and otherwise eligible, the ADATSA Case Manager will schedule an intake appointment at an appropriate chemical dependency treatment facility.
The ADATSA Case Manager will make the determination whether this should be inpatient or outpatient treatment.
Treatment is provided at treatment
centers, facilities that have contracted with the state and the nature of treatment to be provided is defined by the state.
Eligible persons can receive up to six months of treatment within a two-year period. This generally is defined as no more than three
months of inpatient treatment and not more than three months of outpatient treatment.
During inpatient treatment, the state
covers medical expenses and provides $39.00 monthly for personal and
incidental expenses. During outpatient treatment, the state
provides up to $339.00 a month toward rent, as well as food stamps and medical assistance.
Chemical dependency treatment received
under this system is frequently referred to as "ADATSA treatment," or
more correctly, ADATSA funded alcohol or drug addiction treatment.
Funding by the state legislature is currently very inadequate and so
ADATSA treatment is "rationed" in many ways--essentially denying
service to many of those who need drug or alcohol rehab.
For specific regulations, read the provisions of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) using the hyperlink shown below.
Floyd Else,
Webmaster
Access to treatment for TANF, SSI, GAU, GAX AND Medicaid Clients
The
Greenbook "Directory of Certified Chemical Dependency Services in Washington State"
online.
This level of funding is
anticipated for fiscal years 2005, 2006, and 2007, assuming no
further federal budget cuts.
[Information thanks to Representative Ross Hunter, 48th
Legislative District, Washington State Legislature, April 2005]