Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Alabama Opioid Rehab Coverage

Can I Use Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama to Cover My Opioid Rehab?

Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, insurance companies have to provide the same level of coverage for alcohol and drug abuse as they would for any other medical service.1

However, whether Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama will cover your treatment depends on the type of treatment, the intensity of services, and a variety of other factors. Nonetheless, BCBS of Alabama healthcare plans should typically cover most, if not all of the opioid treatment costs.1

In Alabama, opioid overdose is responsible for 381 deaths annually, with 49.2% of all overdose fatalities resulting from opioid abuse.2 Cost of treatment is one of the main barriers to seeking help, as only 10% of those who checked into rehab had a private insurance policy, like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama insurance coverage, in 2011.3

Fortunately, Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Alabama coverage works nationwide. You can find and pay for the best treatment facility in Alabama or state-wide, including facilities operated by American Addiction Centers.

An Overview of Services Covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Insurance

Depending on the specific plan, your Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Alabama drug coverage may include:4

• SUD screening and drug interventions: These are two important first steps in dealing with opioid addiction. Screenings are usually performed in a treatment facility by a doctor and are meant to give an insight into someone’s addiction and how far it has progressed. Interventions are meant to raise the patients’ awareness of the issue and should be done with the help of a professional.
• Medical detox: This process helps to remove the opioids from the person’s system and prepares them for the rest of the treatment process. Medical detox should be done in a hospital setting, under medical supervision. While detox alone is not considered the treatment and a person who completes detox may still relapse, it’s an important step to take toward complete recovery.
• Inpatient rehab: Inpatient opioid treatment is a necessary step for many people struggling with opioid addiction. It provides a safe and supportive environment where people can receive care and treatment for their addiction, and get on the path to recovery.
• Outpatient rehab: Outpatient treatment can be very flexible, with programs that fit work and family commitments. It still provides all the support and cares someone might need to overcome opioid addiction. If a person is committed enough to treatment and doesn’t struggle with severe addiction, outpatient treatment can be highly beneficial since it generally costs less than residential care.
• Behavioral counseling: These therapies help people to change their thoughts and behaviors related to drug use. There are a number of different types of behavioral therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and family-behavior therapy interventions.
• Co-occurring disorder treatment: Insurance also covers treatment and assessment of co-occurring mental health issues that may have led to developing opioid addiction in the first place. Successful recovery requires dealing with both issues, and integrated co-occurring disorder treatment programs are invaluable in these scenarios.

What Does Insurance Not Cover?

In general, non-medical services and amenities are not included in the insurance coverage for opioid addiction. This includes, but is not limited to, holistic and alternative treatment practices such as yoga or reiki, recreational activities such as swimming and personal training, and additional services such as same-day admittance, private rooms, and food deliveries.1

What Is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama?

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama is a member of the BCBS insurance company that spans 50 states and has 35 independent branches, including the one in Alabama. Close to 3 million people are covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Alabama healthcare plans. The insurance covers patients throughout Alabama, with in-network facilities in Birmingham and other major cities, such as accredited treatment centers in Mobile, AL.5

How Much Does Opioid Rehab Cost?

Opioid rehab can be expensive, with costs ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. However, the cost of opioid rehab is often much less than the cost of long-term addiction treatment and the potential medical costs associated with opioid addiction.6

Various factors such as treatment duration in inpatient rehab or treatment frequency in outpatient treatment, as well as intensity and variety of services provided, may affect the cost of treatment. In addition, different Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama healthcare plans cover different costs of treatment, which will affect the final cost of treatment.7

Inpatient Treatment Cost

Inpatient addiction treatment is generally the most expensive treatment option, depending on the treatment center. However, insurance often covers inpatient treatment, and many rehab centers offer financing options for those who cannot afford to pay out of pocket.8

The cost of inpatient treatment can vary based on several factors:8

• Treatment duration
• Intensity of treatment
• Treatment center location
• Additional services provided

Inpatient addiction treatment usually lasts between 30 and 90 days. Treatment may be shorter or longer, depending on the severity of the addiction and the progress made in treatment.9

Outpatient Treatment Costs

Outpatient treatment costs can vary depending on the type of treatment that’s required. Some common outpatient treatment options include therapy, medication management, and psychiatric care. The cost of each of these treatments can vary significantly, so it is important to verify your insurance with the treatment center.8

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) Costs

Partial hospitalization programs are an affordable option that offers intensive therapy in a less restrictive environment than traditional inpatient care. Partial hospitalization programs offer mental health services at a local treatment center, allowing patients to live at home while receiving treatment. Therefore, partial hospitalization programs’ costs will depend on the frequency and intensity of services offered.8

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Costs

Medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are effective at helping people overcome opioid abuse by eliminating withdrawal symptoms and relieving drug cravings by either stimulating opioid receptors in a controlled manner or blocking them completely.6

The cost of medication-assisted treatment varies based on the treatment prescribed, ranging from $126 per week to $1,170 per month. These costs include daily treatments like counseling, behavioral therapies, and drug administration.6 

Is the Cost of Addiction Higher Than the Cost of Treatment?

The costs of opioid addiction are high, as they include various expenses associated with the following:6

• Overdose treatment
• Injuries sustained during intoxication (traffic accidents)
• Criminal justice
• Lack of productivity at work
• Poor lifestyle
• Treating infants born with opioid addiction
• Treating infectious diseases linked to opioid abuse (using the same needles)

In 2013, 78 billion dollars were spent in the United States on prescription opioid use disorders and overdoses. About 3.6%, or $2.8 billion, was spent on treatment. This shows that the amount paid for treatment of opioid abuse is only a small fraction of the costs these disorders have on the nation.6

How Long Is Recovery Covered With Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Healthcare Plans?

In most cases, insurance companies cover a certain length of treatment. The length of treatment is often based on the severity of the addiction. It can be as short as 30 days or as long as 90 days, or even longer. It may be necessary to keep using maintenance drugs for longer than a year in some cases. In general, longer treatment times are correlated with greater rates of recovery.9

It’s important to work with an insurance company representative to find out what is covered under the policy. The insurance company may have a list of in-network facilities, including inpatient facilities, sober-living homes, and couples’ centers for recovery. Attending treatment in these facilities ensures that most, if not all, costs of treatment are covered.1

It’s also important to find out if there are any limits on the number of days that can be spent in treatment. Some insurance companies will only cover a certain number of days in a facility. Others may have no limit.1

Addiction treatment can be expensive, and it’s important to know what is covered by insurance. There are a number of ways to find out if your insurance will cover treatment. The best way to find out is to call the insurance company and discuss your policy with them. The representative can tell you what is covered and how much the private insurance policy will pay for treatment. You can call the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama helpline number at the back of your insurance card. You can also call specialized helplines, such as confidential hotlines for individuals abusing prescription drugs, and get information on treatment and coverage from them.1

Is Inpatient Treatment Better Than Outpatient for Opioid Abuse?

Inpatient treatment modality is usually more beneficial for people struggling with opioid addiction due to their structured, treatment-focused environment, and access to premium care.9

During inpatient treatment, patients live at the treatment center and receive around-the-clock care in a recovery-focused environment. They participate in group and individual therapy sessions, and activities designed to help them recover from addiction. Inpatient treatment centers typically offer a variety of therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, 12-step programs, and family therapy.9

On the other hand, outpatient treatment can be a good option for someone who has a strong support system at home and who is motivated to stay sober. Outpatient treatment can also be less expensive than inpatient treatment.9

However, it is important to remember that outpatient treatment is not as intensive as inpatient treatment. It may be more difficult to stay sober without the accountability and constant support of a team of professionals.9

How to Use Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Insurance Coverage for Rehab?

Addiction is a serious problem and it’s important to get help as soon as possible. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, don’t wait until it’s too late. Seeing a doctor or a medical professional will help you know more about what you are dealing with and what further steps may be necessary.1 

You will need to get in touch with your insurance company representative and ask for a list of in-network addiction treatment facilities in Huntsville or other AL cities that can accommodate you or your loved one. Next, you need to confirm that they still accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama insurance coverage with the treatment center.1

The admissions agents at AAC will help you by verifying your insurance during your phone call and let you know if there are any other payment methods available. They will be able to let you know what your Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama rehab coverage entails and explain the intake process at the facility.1

How to Find Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Inpatient Rehab Centers Nationwide?

The American Addiction Centers alcohol and drug rehab helpline is a great resource for those struggling with addiction. Their admissions agents can help you determine your insurance coverage and check your insurance benefits. AAC provides top-quality treatment programs nationwide, so anyone can get the help they need to overcome their addiction.

Finding an in-network facility will ensure you get the best treatment and the best coverage. Fortunately, American Addiction Centers have treatment facilities nationwide that accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama insurance coverage. These facilities offer high-quality care and support needed for people to overcome their opioid addiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Addiction Treatment Look Like?

Opioid treatment programs vary from one treatment center to another but generally follow the same principles and steps:9

• Opioid detox: Detox is the first step in getting help for opioid addiction. It’s a process where a person stops using opioids and goes through withdrawal. The process is best done with the help of a medical professional at a treatment facility since the withdrawal symptoms can be very uncomfortable.
• Personalized treatment plan: An individualized treatment plan for opioid addiction is developed following a comprehensive assessment for each patient. The assessment helps to determine the most appropriate type of treatment, which may include inpatient or outpatient treatment, medical-assisted therapy, and other treatment options.
• Substance abuse counseling: Substance abuse counseling entails meeting with a counselor to talk about problems with alcohol or drugs. This type of counseling is also called addiction counseling. It can help people who are trying to recover from an addiction, or those who have already stopped using drugs or alcohol but need help staying clean and sober.
• Individual and group therapies: Therapies like group therapy, individual therapy, and various behavioral therapies are vital tools in inpatient therapy. These therapies can help a patient deal with opioid cravings and understand what is causing them, whether it is a past trauma or a co-occurring mental health disorder.
• Aftercare programs: Aftercare is an important component of treatment for opioid addiction. It can include continuing to see a therapist, attending support groups, and taking medication. Aftercare programs help people stay clean and sober and can reduce the risk of relapse.

What Length of Opioid Rehab Is Covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Healthcare Plans?

If you have a chronic opioid use disorder, you may need long-term treatment. This can last for 30, 60, or 90 days. Some people might need to stay longer, or at least keep taking their medication treatment and continue seeing a counselor as a part of their aftercare program.9

• Often, 30-day programs can be most beneficial for occasional users since this is often enough time to work through withdrawal symptoms and develop strategies to prevent relapse.9
• A 60-day program is more intense approach that can incorporates detox and withdrawal, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), various forms of therapy, and planning an aftercare program.9
• A 90-day program is the longest and most intensive level of care. It’s typically recommended for people with severe addiction who have not been successful in less intensive treatment programs.9

The length of your stay in a treatment center in Alabama may depend on the specific type of policy you have. You can look up your plan information on the AAC website or the BCBS of Alabama website, or get in touch with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama helpline directly by calling the number on the back of your insurance card.

Are Luxury Inpatient Treatment Centers Covered By Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama?

Generally speaking, luxury rehab centers and most of the non-medical services offered there are not covered by insurance. However, there may be some insurance companies that will cover part or all of the cost of treatment at a luxury rehab center. People may choose these facilities for their outstanding accommodation, various amenities, and complete privacy during treatment. It’s important to check with your insurance company to see if they will cover treatment at a luxury rehab center or if any of them are in-network.1

Are Christian Rehab Centers Covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Insurance Coverage?

Some Christian rehab centers may be in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama coverage nationwide. This means that the rehab center has a contract with the insurance company to cover the cost of the services, with a small up-front amount or co-pay from the patient.1

It’s important to note that not all insurance companies cover Christian rehab centers. Some insurance companies will only cover a certain number of days at a Christian rehab center, while others may not cover any treatment at all. It’s important to check with your insurance company to see if they cover Christian rehab centers.1

Christian rehab centers provide treatment for a wide variety of addictions, including opioid addiction. Christian rehab centers use a variety of methods to treat addiction, including counseling, 12-step programs, and medication.10

Christian rehab centers typically require patients to stay for 30 days or longer. During this time, patients will receive intensive counseling and therapy. They will also participate in Bible readings, masses, and other faith-based activities.10

After completing treatment at a Christian rehab center, patients will typically be able to return to their normal lives. However, it’s important to have a support system in place to help prevent relapse. This may include family members, friends, or a sober living home.10