Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Alabama & Drug Rehab Coverage
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama is aware of the growing rate of drug and alcohol addiction.1(first paragraph) That is why BCBS clients are covered when they reach out for substance addiction treatment. There are plans from the platinum to the bronze level that carry unique co-pay and premium amounts. But how are you supposed to know which plan covers what kind of substance use treatment, and for how long?
BCBS of Alabama rehabilitation centers can check your insurance card to find out the details of what your specific plan covers. Just call the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama phone number or visit their website. You can also reach out to American Addiction Centers (AAC) through several channels. Contact AAC via a phone call, chat, or the SSVOB form. No matter how you reach out, this is an important step in the process of getting treatment.
How to Find BCBS of Alabama Covered Inpatient Drug Treatment Centers in AL?
American Addiction Centers can verify your insurance coverage for you. The most immediate way to do so is to visit the Verify Insurance page on the AAC website.2 Input your information, and AAC will instantly check the coverage you get through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. There is a chance that you can receive treatment at one of AAC’s facilities for a reduced rate. And, although it is not mandatory, you can enter your policy membership ID to speed up the verification process.
Every year, 20.7 million people in America ages 12 and older require treatment for a substance use disorder.3(pg 6) If you feel you or your loved one might need help getting into substance abuse treatment, you can call the AAC hotline to speak with a representative. They can check on your benefits over the phone and provide you with the necessary resources.
What Is BCBS of Alabama?
BCBS of AL began in 1936.4 Since then, BCBS has done its utmost to provide clients with high-quality, affordable health care coverage.4 They now rank as the biggest healthcare benefits provider in the state. Each year, they pay billions of dollars in benefits to cover over 2.8 million people.4
Being one of the highest-ranking states in the nation for substance use disorders, Alabama is home to 73 certified substance abuse treatment service providers.3 (pg 7) Some of them are free-standing agencies while others are mental health care centers. Of these agencies, 66 are funded through the Alabama Department of Mental Health to provide substance abuse treatment services to Alabama residents.3 (pg 6)
How Much Does BCBS of Alabama Cover (Addiction Treatment)?
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama drug treatment coverage can include paying for some or all of the cost of inpatient/residential rehab, outpatient rehab/therapy, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and partial hospitalization programs (PHP).
Inpatient/residential rehab can require a lengthy stay, but with BCBS of Alabama, you will get some coverage. The Bronze Saver Plan covers inpatient and outpatient substance use disorder treatment once you have met the deductible of about $7,750 Individual (or $15,500 Family).5
If you have the Blue HAS Bronze plan, the individual deductible is $7,000 (while the Family is $14,000).6
Silver plans offer different rates for inpatient and outpatient programs. Blue Value Silver has a deductible of $3,000 Individual ($6,000 Family) with a mental health specialist copay of $70 (or $60 when you are referred by a designated Primary Care Select Physician).7 With Blue Saver Silver, 75% of the services you receive will be covered after you meet the 25% annual deductible.8
BCBS’s Gold Plans can also come through for you. The Blue Value Gold plan fully covers inpatient addiction treatment after the copay, and there is a $45 copay if you receive outpatient services.9
Meanwhile, the Blue Choice Platinum plan for businesses can help cover costs too. Outpatient services have a $30 copay per visit with no overall deductible while inpatient services carry no charge and have no overall deductible.10 (pg 3)
Types of Addiction Treatment That Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama May Cover
Coverage for detox, rehab, and other types of addiction treatment will vary depending on your specific Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi insurance plan. Still, your insurance plan should provide at least some coverage for substance use, including alcohol, marijuana, or opioids.
BCBS of Mississippi may cover several types of addiction treatment, including:
- Medical detox: Medical detox can help you avoid significant side effects as your body rids the drugs in your system. Professionals can help you comfortably and safely manage your withdrawal symptoms and prepare for ongoing addiction treatment such as inpatient or outpatient rehab.
- Inpatient treatment programs: Inpatient programs allow you to live at the facility 24/7 for several weeks or months. You’ll process emotions, learn new habits, and practice living life without substances. This can be a good option if you want around-the-clock care.
- Outpatient programs: If you need to attend to family, school, or work during treatment, you may benefit from an outpatient program. You can live at home and attend treatment several hours per week. Many times outpatient programs follow inpatient treatment as a step-down.
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP): For those who can live at home but need more intensive care than a traditional outpatient program, there are intensive outpatient programs. An IOP allows you to stay at home overnight while having several hours of treatment throughout the week.
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP): Partial hospitalization programs are a good option for those who need full-time care but can return home at night. You’ll attend treatment up to at least five days a week for several hours each day.
- Aftercare: Aftercare helps ensure that the changes you made in treatment last over the long term. This part of your program will give you the support you need to maintain your new habits and substance-free lifestyle.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Provides Coverage for Mental Health Facilities?
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama can provide coverage for mental health facilities, including if you need to get help for co-occurring disorders. There are many people with substance use disorders who also experience symptoms of mental illness, hence the term “co-occurring disorders.”11 (1st para) Someone with a mental health condition is more likely to have a substance use disorder.11 (2nd para)
Being treated in tandem is crucial for addressing underlying issues. Treatment takes on various forms, and integrated behavioral treatments are known for their success. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) reduce unhealthy behaviors, enhance coping skills, and can be used in conjunction with medications.12 (11th paragraph) Clinicians and organizations can also work as part of the treatment team to handle health, housing, and employment issues.
Per the Affordable Care Act, insurance providers must provide mental health care and treatment coverage.13 (1st sentence) This means that both stand-alone heroin rehab and co-occurring disorders are covered.
How Long Does BCBS of Alabama Insurance Cover Alcohol and Drug Rehab Programs?
Long-term treatment might be something you need if you have a chronic substance use disorder. Treatments can last 30, 60, or 90 days. Some people might even need to stay longer.
Some benefit the most from a 30-day program, as it gives time to work through withdrawal symptoms and build relapse prevention strategies.14 (“The Benefits of a 30-Day Program” section) A 60-day program gives you double the time to work through withdrawals, receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT), go through various types of therapy (individual, family, and group), and do your after-care planning.14 (“The Benefits of a 60-Day Program” section) A 90-day rehab program is even more intensive. By the end, you might have already transitioned to outpatient therapy if you were in an inpatient program or could have done outpatient the entire time. 15 (6th paragraph)
Given that there are so many coverage tiers and types of policies, the length of a stay in one of the treatment centers of Alabama covered by your insurance provider could depend on your specific plan. Remember, you can instantly look up your plan information using your insurance card either on the AAC website or the BCBS of AL website.
What if My BCBS of Alabama Policy Does Not Cover an Inpatient Drug Rehab Program?
Only some of your inpatient drug rehab stay might be covered by your insurance provider. That is why it is crucial to check. If money is going to be an issue for you, there are a few free rehab centers in Alabama. They can provide partial hospitalization and outpatient programs, MAT, inpatient treatment, therapy (individual, family, and group), and continuing or aftercare. If you have Medicaid through BCBS, there are rehab centers in the state that accept it, meaning you will not have to pay.16
Some rehabs in Alabama offer financing or scholarship options. Combined with private insurance plans or Medicaid or Medicare, scholarships can shave a lot of the cost down. However, they are conditional and are awarded on a case-by-case basis.17 (2nd section, 1st para) You will have to ask each private rehab about its scholarships and their restrictions.
SAMHSA offers the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG) program, which has funding for all states. This program considers IV drug users, those at high risk for substance abuse, mothers or expectant mothers, and those needing recovery.18(1st section) There are also partial scholarships (which offer funding to cover a certain portion of the cost) and full scholarships.
Getting help now is imperative for getting better. There is a BCBS of Alabama substance abuse treatment facility that can help you if you reach out. Putting it off will likely lead to problems becoming worse. Trying to quit on your own can produce dangerous withdrawal effects, and you miss out on learning relapse prevention strategies as a part of cognitive-based therapies offered in many rehabs.19 (first paragraph)
BCBS of Alabama In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Inpatient Drug Rehab Centers
Finally, it is important to address in- and out-of-network inpatient rehab centers. What exactly is the difference, and how does that impact your stay in rehab? When you go to a rehab that takes your plan, they’re in-network. On the contrary, one that does not accept your plan is out-of-network.
With BCBS of Alabama, in-network inpatient facilities can cover up to 30 days per person each plan year.20(pg 1, top middle box) The full amount covered is subject to specific copays for certain days. Inpatient Substance Abuse is limited to one admission per planned year with a maximum of two admittances per lifetime.20(pg 1, top middle box) There is no rollover to Major Medical, and the Mental Health and Substance Abuse days are aggregate.20 (pg 1, top middle box)
However, with an out-of-network inpatient facility, pre-certification is mandatory. 100% of the allowance is subject to a deductible of $200 per admission and a copay of $25 for days 2-5.20 (pg 1, top right box) This only provides short-term coverage for crisis intervention.20(pg 1, top middle box) Once deemed stable enough, clients get moved to PPO hospitals.20(pg 1, top middle box)
An in-network option is likely going to be your best bet for getting rehab treatment through Blue Cross Blue Shield. Again, be sure to check your coverage to make sure you can afford a long enough stay in inpatient, outpatient, or partial hospitalization. This is an important step in your recovery journey—why not take it now?
What Rehab Centers Take Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Insurance?
American Addiction Centers (AAC) has various rehab facilities around the country that provide drug and alcohol addiction treatment. If you have a Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plan, the following AAC facilities accept Blue Cross Blue Shield for drug and alcohol addiction rehab.
- AdCare Rhode Island: With various facilities located in Rhode Island, AdCare provides innovative, quality, and cost-efficient addiction treatment. Its integrated system of care offers an inpatient treatment center in North Kingstown and a network of outpatient offices throughout Rhode Island. AdCare’s continuum of care includes detox services, residential treatment dual-diagnosis treatment, intensive outpatient services, inpatient and outpatient services, and tele-health.
- Desert Hope Treatment Center: Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, Desert Hope provides individualized care programs as well as offering a full continuum of care including detox services, residential treatment dual-diagnosis treatment, intensive outpatient services, and tele-health.
- Greenhouse Treatment Center: Located in Grand Prairie, Texas, Greenhouse offers individualized treatment plans and many levels of care including detox services, residential treatment, dual-diagnosis treatment, intensive outpatient services, outpatient services, and tele-health, all in a luxurious setting with high-end amenities.
- Laguna Treatment Hospital: Located in Orange County, California, Laguna is a chemical dependency recovery hospital that focuses on treating people who are medically compromised and need 24/7 oversight. Provided care includes detox services, residential treatment, dual-diagnosis treatment inpatient treatment, and intensive outpatient services.
- Oxford Treatment Center: Located in Etta, Mississippi, Oxford offers gender-specific rehab while offering an opportunity to connect with nature and try new activities. Provided care includes detox, residential treatment, dual-diagnosis treatment, inpatient and outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient services, and tele-health, all with individualized treatment programs.
- River Oaks Treatment Center: Located in Riverview, Florida just outside of Tampa, River Oaks Treatment Center has advanced accreditations and professional staff who provide the highest level of individualized care to each person who attends a treatment program at the facility.
- Sunrise House Treatment Center: Located in Lafayette Township, New Jersey, Sunrise House provides treatment for people suffering from substance abuse from a medical and holistic standpoint. With various evidence-based therapeutic interventions, personalized care is provided through detox, residential treatment, dual-diagnosis treatment, and outpatient services.
There are various treatment programs for individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, so don’t give up if the first program you check out doesn’t meet your individual needs. There are local rehab near you that can provide the treatment you need. Check out the directory to find a list of facilities and programs. You can search by location and filter by Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance.