Can You Pay for Alcohol Rehab With Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Insurance?
One of the rising issues in the U.S. is alcohol abuse and alcohol use disorder (AUD). As social drinking is acceptable behavior, especially among the younger population, it’s easy to overlook the potential consequences. Even those who realize they’re struggling with AUD fail to get treatment due to their fear of being stigmatized or the lack of financial means to fund their treatment.1
Luckily, thanks to the Mental Health Parity and Equity Act (MHPAEA) from 2008, all health insurance providers must provide their clients with the same amount of coverage for substance abuse and mental health treatment as they would for hospital and medical emergencies. This allows a greater number of people to get the treatment they need.2
A number of people opt for private health insurance companies as they might not be eligible for Medicare or Tricare. One of the companies that helps struggling individuals fund their addiction treatment nationwide is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama.2,3
Does BCBS of Alabama Insurance Cover AUD Treatment?
Yes, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama insurance does cover the costs of alcohol and drug rehab. The exact scope of coverage for treatment depends on your policy, so it’s always advisable to consult your insurance provider directly.2
In general, alcohol abuse treatment can be challenging. The main issue is that there’s no unified approach to treatment when it comes to this disorder. Quite the opposite, treatment plans need to be personalized and adjusted to fit each patient’s needs.4
Most nationwide Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama insurance healthcare plans cover medically-necessary procedures and treatment approved by the FDA. This might include some common components such as:4
- Specialized assessments, screenings, and interventions.
- Detox treatment that helps fight the symptoms of withdrawal.
- Different aspects of outpatient therapy and programs.
- Residential and inpatient treatment in professional treatment centers.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
- Careful assessment for co-occurring mental health disorders that struggling indivuduals may have in combination with AUD.
- Individualized dual diagnosis for co-occurring disorders.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Cover All Costs of Addiction Treatment?
Insurance providers are unlikely to cover every single cost of alcohol rehab. There are different types of treatment approaches that aren’t FDA-approved or considered a medical necessity, so Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama insurance probably won’t cover such services.4
Your insurance plan may not include any non-medical amenities, such as couples’ treatment for partners struggling with alcohol abuse and same-day admittance for people who are in immediate need of therapy, alternative therapies such as alternative medication and holistic care, recreation programs, food delivery, and most private treatment services.4
How Much Do You Need to Pay for Alcohol Treatment?
It can be challenging to determine the exact cost of alcohol treatment. This is because there are various factors that affect the price. These include:2,5
- The required services.
- The intensity of services.
- The treatment length.
- Special amenities.
Most of the time, you’ll discuss these details upon the intake, when you get the chance to speak to a trained professional. Once the exact type of treatment is determined you’ll get an estimation of the price.2
How Much Do You Need to Pay for Inpatient Alcohol Rehab?
Most nationwide inpatient rehab facilities that are covered by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama are intended for people who have been struggling with AUD for a long period of time. Inpatient treatment gives patients constant medical supervision and high-quality care.4
However, inpatient centers also provide accommodation and a high level of care. All these factors affect the total cost of treatment, which is why inpatient rehab can end up being rather expensive for some individuals. Fortunately, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama can help you by covering at least a portion of these costs.4
How Much Do You Need to Pay for Outpatient Alcohol Rehab?
Outpatient alcohol rehab doesn’t provide you with accommodation. Instead, you simply have to go to therapy sessions per the agreed plan of treatment. This will usually include behavioral therapy and meetings that can be in a group or individual setting multiple times a week.4
As outpatient programs don’t provide the same level of care, they usually cost less than inpatient treatment centers. Still, most insurance providers are likely to cover this form of treatment. You can always check with your Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama provider.4
How Much Do You Need to Pay for Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)?
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are between inpatient and outpatient programs. While you won’t be required to live at a facility, you’ll be required to spend the biggest part of your day in treatment.4
As PHPs don’t provide accommodation and extensive care, they are more affordable than inpatient treatment. However, you can expect them to cost more than outpatient treatment.4
How Much Do You Need to Pay for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) includes using medications approved by the FDA to help individuals fight their alcohol addiction. Most of these medications are used to give people relief from withdrawal, but some are used to keep people from drinking.6
You can use medications together with any other form of treatment. As such, the cost of MAT will depend on the costs of the rest of your rehab. Contact the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama helpline to see whether your plan covers the costs of medication for your physical and mental health, or if this is something you’ll have to pay for out of pocket.6
The Cost of Alcohol Addiction
After hearing the price of AUD treatment, many individuals feel discouraged from joining a program as these costs may be too high for some of them. However, the consequences of AUD and binge drinking can be devastating. For example, in 2010, AUD cost the national economy $249 billion. That’s $807 per US citizen, even those who don’t drink.7
At the same time, a person struggling with AUD is at risk of losing their job due to decreased productivity. Additionally, people who are drinking may develop additional health problems due to alcohol abuse, which can bring an additional set of expenses. Finally, some individuals may also be at risk of going to jail and facing legal issues.7
Finally, AUD can cause brain damage that can deteriorate as the person continues abusing alcohol. This may also increase an individual’s medical bills.4,8
How Long Does the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Substance Abuse Coverage Last?
For a treatment program to be successful, it has to be adjusted to a person’s situation and condition. This includes the length of the treatment.9
Of course, any type and length of treatment are better than not getting treatment at all. However, the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) has conducted a study that proved that longer treatment has a better long-term sober rate compared to shorter treatment. In fact, the 3-month treatment seems to be the shortest duration for achieving long-lasting sobriety.10
To meet these requirements, most drug rehabs in AL that accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama provide their customers with treatment of adjustable length. How long your coverage will last will depend on the details of your healthcare plan.10 You can call the number on the back of your insurance card to see how long you’re covered.
Chould I Go to an Inpatient or Outpatient Alcohol Treatment Center That Accepts BCBS of AL?
Both inpatient and outpatient alcohol treatment programs offer important advantages and both can be successful in treating AUD. However, there are indications that inpatient treatment might be a better choice, especially for patients who’ve tried outpatient therapy and failed and for those with a severe form of AUD. This is because inpatient treatment centers:9
- Provide patients with high-quality care, 24/7 medical supervision, and a professional environment.
- Allow patients to stay in a controlled environment that keeps them away from triggering situations that might make them want to consume alcohol again.
- Give struggling individuals a strong support system as other patients have been through the same struggles.
- Teach patients to become accountable for their own actions and behaviors.
This doesn’t mean that inpatient treatment is the best possible choice for everyone. Some individuals show better success rates when allowed to spend time in a familiar home environment, which is available through outpatient treatment.9
Keep in mind that any type of treatment is better than not getting treatment at all. Alcohol abuse is a serious issue that you cannot properly deal with without professional help.9
How to Get Into Nationwide Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Treatment Programs?
There are specific protocols you have to follow if you want to use Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama in-network or out-of-network coverage for substance abuse.This is crucial if you want to get help for yourself or your struggling loved one. As you can use your BCBS of AL insurance to cover medically-necessary treatment only, the first thing you need to do is to get a referral.10
The process of getting a referral varies depending on your healthcare provider and the insurance company. A few likely locations for getting a referral include:10
- Your doctor.
- Any other type of healthcare provider.
- Your insurance provider.
Some providers even allow you to get a referral and schedule a meeting via phone, but this is something you’ll need to check. For more information on your coverage and benefits, you can call the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama helpline or a confidential hotline that offers advice on AUD and ask them to verify your benefits.10
Once you get a referral, you should contact your insurance provider to see what in-network treatment centers you might be able to go to and what your exact coverage is. This might be a good moment to determine the financing option that will work the best for you.10
Locating Nationwide Alcohol Rehab Facilities That Accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Insurance
If you want to find accredited local treatment programs covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Insurance, your best chance is to contact their helpline and ask them about any rehabilitation centers that might be in your area. They may direct you to:
- Professional facilities for addiction treatment in Mobile
- Recognized treatment centers available in Tuscaloosa
- Treatment specialists offering assistance in Birmingham
- Confidential rehab facilities in Montgomery
- Comfortable and safe treatment settings in Huntsville
Additional Options for Locating Treatment Facilities
You might even use the Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Blue Distinction Center for Substance Use, Treatment and Recovery. This is a great tool that connects members of BCBS of Alabama with substance abuse treatment providers.11
Another option is to call a local alcohol and drug rehab hotline and ask them about substance abuse treatment facilities that accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. Your information will remain private and most hotlines are entirely free.12
Lastly, you might want to call the American Addiction Centers (AAC) hotline or contact them via an online form. This will give you an opportunity to speak to a licensed dispatcher who can verify your insurance, help you locate treatment centers in and near Alabama, and help you determine what payment options might be the best choice for your situation. Use this opportunity to ask the dispatcher to check your benefits while on the phone.
AAC has leading drug rehabs nationwide and all will accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. Some of AAC’s nationally recognized facilities include River Oaks Center in Florida, Oxford Treatment Center in Mississippi, and many others.
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.
- 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 rehabs near me 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.
