Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Rehab Coverage

Most Americans rely on some form of insurance to help them pay for medical care, behavioral health services, and addiction treatment. Unfortunately, it can often be difficult to determine exactly which services your plan covers and how much you may need to pay out of pocket for rehab or other types of treatment. If you are one of the millions of Americans whose healthcare is covered by a Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plan, Birmingham Recovery Center can provide the clarity you need about your BCBS rehab coverage, so you can focus on your treatment and your health.

bcbs rehab coverage, BCBS Rehab Coverage

What is Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) began as two separate companies that were established in the first half of the 20th century. 

Blue Cross was founded in Texas in 1929. The organization originally covered hospital stays for certain employees in the Dallas area. In the 1930s, Blue Shield was formed to help pay doctors who provided medical care to loggers and miners in the Pacific Northwest.

Through the decades, the companies expanded their services and began to merge their operations. This led to the establishment of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association in 1982. 

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association currently includes 35 companies that offer health care plans in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. According to the organization’s website, more than 100 million Americans are currently enrolled in BCBS plans.

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Does BCBS Cover Drug & Alcohol Rehab?

Originally, the companies that became Blue Cross Blue Shield helped people access medical care for physical injuries and diseases. Over time, as the companies grew, the types of services that were covered under Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans increased. 

Today, BCBS plans cover a variety of treatment services for people who have become addicted to alcohol and other drugs. The extent of BCBS rehab coverage can vary from company to company, state to state, and plan to plan. But people across the country have been able to use their Blue Cross Blue Shield benefits to pay for some or all of their addiction treatment. 

What Services are Included in BCBS Rehab Coverage?

According to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Substance Use Resource Center’s website, BCBS rehab coverage may include several types of addiction treatment services, including the following:

  • Detoxification: Detox is a short-term program that may include medical and therapeutic support to help people rid their bodies of addictive substances. During detox, clients complete the withdrawal process under the supervision of a team of experienced professionals. 
  • Outpatient care: Outpatient treatment may include full or partial days of care without a residential component. Clients who take part in outpatient treatment may receive individual therapy, group counseling, and an array of other services. When the outpatient program is not in session, clients can return to their homes or to sober living residences.
  • Sober living residences: A sober living residence is a supportive housing option for people who are working to establish a solid foothold in recovery. Some sober living residences offer on-site therapy, counseling, and support group meetings. To promote responsibility and accountability, random drug testing may be a requirement of some sober living residences. 
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): MAT is a time-tested approach to addiction treatment that includes counseling and prescription medication. The medications that are used in MAT may suppress withdrawal symptoms, so people can end their substance use without experiencing physical and psychological distress. The therapeutic element of MAT helps people make the behavioral adaptations that can empower them to resist relapse and live a healthy, drug-free life. 

The specific types of treatment that BCBS may cover, and the amount that they will pay, can vary depending on the unique needs of each policyholder and the specifics of their plan. 

To determine if addiction treatment services at Birmingham Recovery Center are covered by your BCBS plan, please contact us directly.

bcbs rehab coverage, BCBS Rehab Coverage

What Types of Addiction are Included in BCBS Rehab Coverage?

BCBS rehab coverage includes treatment for a wide range of recognized substance use disorders (which is the clinical term for addiction). 

As described in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), substance use disorders are characterized by “a cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms indicating that the individual continues using the substance despite significant substance-related problems.” 

This means that people who develop an addiction may find it impossible to end their substance abuse, even after experiencing negative effects related to previous use of the drug.

Common forms of addiction that may be included in BCBS rehab coverage include the following:

  • Alcohol use disorder, which is often referred to as alcohol addiction or alcoholism
  • Opioid use disorder, a category that includes addictions to heroin, morphine, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers
  • Stimulant use disorder, which includes addictions to cocaine and methamphetamine
  • Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder, which includes addictions to Ativan, Xanax, Valium, and other benzodiazepines
  • Cannabis use disorder, which is commonly referred to as marijuana addiction

To have their drug rehab services covered by BCBS, clients may need to be assessed by a qualified healthcare provider. This professional can determine the scope of the person’s needs, provide an accurate diagnosis, and recommend the most appropriate type and level of care.

bcbs rehab coverage, BCBS Rehab Coverage

Are Mental Health Services Included in BCBS Rehab Coverage?

Many people who struggle with addiction also have co-occurring mental health disorders. In clinical terms, experiencing both of these concerns at the same time is known as dual diagnosis. 

The following are examples of mental health disorders that commonly accompany substance use disorders:

  • Anxiety disorders, which can include social phobia, specific phobia, separation anxiety, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
  • Depression, including major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder
  • Bipolar disorders, a category that includes bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other effects of untreated trauma

When a person develops both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder, it is imperative that their treatment addresses the full scope of their needs. Treating one of the disorders while failing to address the other one significantly reduces the likelihood that the person will experience true and lasting healing. 

The good news is that BCBS rehab coverage typically includes treatment for a variety of mental health concerns. As with BCBS’s addiction treatment coverage, the types of mental health services that are covered can vary according to the specific parameters of each person’s insurance plan. Clients also typically need to receive an accurate mental health diagnosis and a recommendation for treatment.

bcbs rehab coverage, BCBS Rehab Coverage

Does Birmingham Recovery Center Accept BCBS Coverage for Rehab Services?

Birmingham Recovery Center, which provides drug rehab services for adults in the Birmingham, Alabama, area, accepts BCBS coverage and many other types of insurance.

Before you begin treatment at Birmingham Recovery Center, a member of our admissions team will discuss several important topics with you, including how you will pay for your care. 

If you have a Blue Cross Blue Shield policy, we can (with your permission) work directly with your provider to confirm your coverage and verify your benefits.

Learn More About BCBS Rehab Coverage in Birmingham, Alabama

At Birmingham Recovery Center, we understand that financial worries can be a significant concern among people who need treatment for addiction. Please don’t let an uncertainty about how you’ll pay for treatment prevent you from seeking professional care.  

Our team is here to answer all your questions about Blue Cross Blue Shield, other types of insurance, and additional options for funding your care. The call is free, the conversation will be completely confidential, and the information you receive may put you on the path toward successful recovery. When you’re ready to get started, visit our admissions page and contact Birmingham Recovery Center to learn how we can help.

bcbs rehab coverage, BCBS Rehab Coverage
bcbs rehab coverage, BCBS Rehab Coverage
bcbs rehab coverage, BCBS Rehab Coverage
bcbs rehab coverage, BCBS Rehab Coverage
bcbs rehab coverage, BCBS Rehab Coverage
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