When researching addiction treatment options, it’s common to wonder if your plan covers rehab and what facilities will accept it. We often work with clients with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plans at United Recovery Project, so we know the ins and outs of how these plans work.

Does BCBS cover addiction treatment? We’ll discuss Blue Cross Blue Shield rehab coverage in-depth in the rest of this article to help you understand if your plan will work and what considerations you need to make before signing up for a treatment program.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Coverage for Rehab Treatment - United Recovery Project
Source: www.bcbs.com

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Addiction Treatment?

Most BCBS plans offer behavioral health treatment coverage, which includes rehab for substance use disorder (SUD).

Since 2019, BCBS has been working to expand its network of behavioral health providers nationwide. A report they published in 2023 showed that the number of medical and rehab centers that accept BCBS for mental health, addiction, and other behavioral health conditions has increased by 55%.

Therefore, treatment for mental health and addiction is something BCBS takes seriously. You’ll likely find options across the country that can accept your insurance and provide support.

How Mental Health Parity Laws Help

In addition to the general coverage offered by BCBS plans, mental health parity laws provide extra support to ensure you receive the treatment required to recover from mental health conditions or SUD.

The primary law that’s applicable is the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). It was added as a federal law in 2008 to ensure insurance coverage for mental health and addiction is no more restrictive than coverage for general medical care.

That means providers like BCBS should make the process of getting benefits for addiction treatment feel similar to getting coverage for any other medical condition you’d go to the doctor to treat.

Types of Rehab Programs Covered by BCBS

Blue Cross insurance for drug rehab generally covers several types of programs, such as:

Detox Services

Medical detox programs are usually covered under BCBS. This is the initial step required in most addiction treatment programs to let the drugs leave your system, safely manage withdrawal symptoms, and receive early support as you begin the rehabilitation process.

Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab

BCBS inpatient and outpatient rehab are also an option under most plans. That includes intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs, which are a step up and provide more intensive care than the general outpatient program.

Inpatient or residential treatment involves living at a treatment facility for a duration of time while you recover. It’s a good option to have 24/7 support from a friendly treatment staff and be in a controlled environment away from temptations.

Outpatient treatment allows you to continue living at home while reporting to the rehab facility at designated times each week. It’s a bit more flexible for those with less severe addictions or who don’t want to give up work or family responsibilities while recovering.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Coverage is typically available for medication-assisted treatment for alcohol or opioid use disorders. It involves using FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone that are meant to prevent relapse or reduce cravings while someone is recovering from moderate to severe addiction.

Therapy and Counseling

Therapy and counseling are staples in most addiction treatment programs. That includes options like individual, group, and family therapy sessions, which provide effective support throughout the recovery process and help manage underlying issues contributing to addiction.

Behavioral health packages in BCBS plans will usually cover each of these types of therapeutic treatment.

How to Verify Your BCBS Coverage for Rehab

There are a few options available to verify BCBS coverage for rehab. Those are:

  1. Call the number on your BCBS insurance card to speak with a representative. They’ll help you review your plan over the phone, understand your coverage, and locate a treatment facility that accepts your insurance.
  2. Review your plan’s documents through the BCBS online portal. Logging into your account online will also help verify coverage. There should be a section to review behavioral health coverage and find treatment options near you that accept your insurance.
  3. Work with us at United Recovery Project. We know insurance plans and reviewing benefits packages can feel confusing, especially when you’re seeking immediate help. Our friendly admissions team can work with you to verify your insurance, understand costs, and select a treatment program that fits your needs.

Are There Limitations or Requirements?

There may be some limitations or requirements before you can sign up and get coverage for a rehab program through BCBS. Some plans may require:

  • Pre-authorization or referrals: You may need to get a referral from a doctor before your insurance will be accepted at a rehab center. Pre-authorization that your insurance will work with the treatment program and facility might also be required before you can receive coverage.
  • In-network provider usage to achieve the lowest costs: Typically, rehab facilities that are in-network with BCBS will have the lowest out-of-pocket costs. Out-of-network coverage may still be available, but it will usually cost more.
  • Copays, coinsurance, or deductible payments are usually required: You’ll typically have to pay for a certain percentage of the rehab program through a co-pay, coinsurance, or deductible payment that varies by plan. However, this still reduces the costs compared to paying fully out of pocket, so it’s well worth having and using insurance.

We can assist with each of these requirements at United Recovery Project. We’ll review your plan with you before committing to a treatment program to understand the steps required, such as if you need to get a referral or how much your deductible payment will be, so you feel confident and prepared.

Why Choose United Recovery Project for Treatment

United Recovery Project is a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center that’s in-network with many major insurance providers, including BCBS.

When you work with our experienced and friendly admissions team, we can help you navigate the intricacies of BCBS insurance plans to ensure you receive accessible and high-quality care that’s covered.

All of our inpatient, outpatient, and detox treatment plans are personalized based on your needs. If your insurance plan has any limitations, we can customize treatment for you to ensure you achieve the best possible results in rehab while balancing affordability.

Don’t Let Insurance Confusion Delay Your Recovery

You don’t have to hesitate when working with confusing insurance plans. We’re here to help you navigate the process at United Recovery Project to ensure you or a loved one struggling with addiction receives the care necessary to recover.

You can get started today. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about we can help you minimize financial stress and out-of-pocket expenses while still receiving top-notch care.

References

  1. Blue. “Access to Mental Health Support Is Growing as Blues Add Providers.” Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, 20 Oct. 2023, https://www.bcbs.com/news-and-insights/article/access-mental-health-support-growing-blues-add-providers
  2. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) | CMS.” www.cms.gov, 10 Sept. 2024, https://www.cms.gov/marketplace/private-health-insurance/mental-health-parity-addiction-equity
  3. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Information about Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD).” FDA, 2024, https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/information-about-medications-opioid-use-disorder-moud

Popular In-network Insurances at United Recovery Project: