Does Empire BCBS of New York Insurance Cover Inpatient Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers?

Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a health insurance company that provides coverage of healthcare services for people living in the state of New York. Empire BCBS has been serving New Yorkers for 80 years, providing access to affordable, high-quality healthcare to more than 4 million members in the state.¹

If you are an Empire BCBS member seeking addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one, at least some of the costs of inpatient alcohol and drug rehab should be covered by your insurance plan. Exactly how much is covered depends on the specific Empire BCBS plan you have.

To learn more about your plan coverage for addiction treatment, call the number on the back of your insurance card to speak with an Empire BCBS customer service agent, who can walk you through the details of your plan.

Or, contact us here at American Addiction Centers. Call us at to speak with an Admissions Navigator, who will verify your insurance for you while you’re on the phone. You can also use the chat feature on our website to speak with someone virtually or complete the form below with your contact information and insurance details. We’ll email you within minutes to provide details about what addiction treatments are covered by your insurance plan.

How to Find Empire BCBS of New York Covered Inpatient Treatment Centers in NY?

In your search for an inpatient drug treatment center in New York, it’s important to look for a rehab center that accepts Empire BCBS.

Empire BCBS has developed a national designation program that recognizes nationally accredited treatment facilities. These facilities use evidence-based, patient-focused care. Using the “Find a Provider” tool, members can easily find rehab centers that have received the “Blue Distinction Center for Substance Use Treatment and Recovery” designation to make it easier to find a suitable treatment center.²

You can also call the number on the back of your insurance card to speak with a customer service representative who can help you find a suitable inpatient drug treatment center.

Many American Addiction Center’s top-notch rehab facilities are in-network with BCBS. Click here to scroll through our treatment centers.

What Is Empire BCBS of New York?

As the largest not-for-profit health insurance company in the United States, Empire BCBS provides coverage for millions of members throughout the state of New York, particularly in the greater New York City area.³ Empire BCBS was created in 1985, after the merger of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Greater New York and Blue Cross of Northeastern New York.³

Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. In the United States, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a federation of 35 independent and locally run health insurance companies that insure millions of Americans.⁴

Empire BCBS understands the impact addiction can have on a person, their family, and their community. The insurer understands that addiction is a disease that requires treatment, and recovery is possible. Empire BCBS provides coverage for a wide range of healthcare services, including rehab for their members with substance use disorder.²

How Much Does Empire BCBS of New York Cover (Addiction Treatment)?

There are many forms of addiction treatment available. The type you receive depends on your situation and specific needs, as well as what substances you are using and how long you’ve been using. As an Empire BCBS member, at least some of your addiction treatment will be covered by your insurance plan, no matter what type of treatment you access. Treatments that may be covered under your insurance plan include:²

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT treatment involves using prescription medications so that you can safely and comfortably withdraw from drugs and alcohol. In addition to the medication that may be used both during and after the withdrawal period, MAT includes individual counseling.
Inpatient/residential rehab. Inpatient facilities—known also as residential rehab—provide a place for you to live and sleep while you are in treatment. Trained staff, including counselors, doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists will provide care until you are sober and stable enough to return to the community. Individual and group therapy are a daily part of inpatient treatment.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP). PHP programs are typically held in a hospital setting. You will attend a combination of individual and group therapy, approximately 5 hours a day for 5 days a week. PHP programs are ideal for those who require more intensive care than outpatient rehab offers but cannot or do not want to attend inpatient rehab.
Intensive outpatient (IOP). IOP programs require you to attend treatment three days a week for approximately three to four hours a day. These structured programs are often used by people who want to continue their normal routines, such as caring for family and attending work. Individual and group therapy are both integral parts of IOP programs.
Outpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment involves attending group and individual therapy sessions in a rehab facility, hospital, or therapist’s office. Most programs are held in the evening hours, so you can live at home and attend to work and family responsibilities.

Does Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield of New York Provide Coverage for Inpatient Mental Health Facilities?

Yes. Empire BCBS provides coverage for mental health treatment in both inpatient and outpatient settings.⁵ The Affordable Care Act, passed in 2014, mandates that mental health treatment must be covered by insurance companies just as physical health services are covered.⁶

In addition, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act mandates that mental health and addiction treatment coverage is provided for anyone who needs these services.⁷ These laws ensure that at least part of your treatment for mental health concerns, including substance use disorder, is covered by Empire BCBS.

People who have a mental health disorder, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, along with substance use disorder have what is called a “dual diagnosis,” or a co-occurring disorder. Many rehab facilities throughout the state of New York provide mental health treatment for other mental health disorders alongside treating addiction.

If you have a mental health condition as well as substance use disorder, talk with one of our Admissions Navigators, who can connect you with a facility that provides care for those who have a dual diagnosis.

Does Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield of New York Cover Addiction Treatment Therapies?

Yes, addiction treatment therapies are considered to be mental health/behavioral health related, and at least partially are covered by Empire BCBS plans.² How much of your addiction treatment is covered by Empire BCBS depends on the type of plan you have.

How Long Does Empire BCBS of New York Insurance Cover Alcohol and Drug Rehab Programs?

How long you stay in a drug and alcohol rehab program depends on a few factors, such as how long you’ve been using drugs or alcohol, the type of substances you use, whether you have any co-occurring disorders, and the level of care you need.

The amount of coverage provided for your stay and how long the duration of your stay is covered by insurance depends on the insurance plan you have. Depending on your specific plan, you may expect to pay some out-of-pocket costs for your treatment, no matter how long you stay in treatment. Deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance are all costs you may be responsible for paying out of pocket.

While the duration of your stay depends on your specific needs, research suggests that people who stay in treatment for at least three months or longer have the best chances for long-term recovery.^{8, bullet 5} To ensure your long-term sobriety, it’s important to stay in treatment as long as is recommended by your healthcare provider(s).

To learn more about how long your insurance plan will provide coverage for rehab, call the number on the back of your insurance card. Ask the customer service representative about what treatments are covered by your plan and your financial responsibility for paying deductibles, co-pays, and any other out-of-pocket expenses.

You can also call us at American Addiction Centers at to speak with an Admissions Navigator, who will answer all of your questions, verify your insurance, and discuss the admissions process with you.

What If My Empire BCBS of New York Policy Does Not Cover an Inpatient Rehab Program?

As an Empire BCBS member, at least part of your inpatient drug rehab program will be covered by your insurance plan. What percentage of treatment costs are covered and for how long depends on your plan and your healthcare needs.

Even with an insurance plan that provides comprehensive coverage, you may have some out-of-pocket expenses you are financially responsible for paying. If you need help covering the costs of treatment, there are different ways to help you raise the funds and pay.

Personal loans. Many credit unions and banks provide loans to people who need help paying for the cost of healthcare. You will be required to pay these loans back over time, and in most cases, with interest.
Payment plans. Many drug and alcohol treatment facilities offer payment plans to those who attend their rehab. You will pay the costs back over time.
Scholarships and grants. Scholarships and grants are available through some states to help low-income people access and pay for treatment.
Crowdfunding/fundraising. Though it can be challenging asking for help from others, your friends and family may be happy to provide financial support to help cover the costs of your treatment.

Empire BCBS of New York In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient drug rehab centers are either in-network or out-of-network with Empire BCBS. Understanding the difference may help you save money in the end.

In-network facilities have an agreement with Empire BCBS to provide addiction treatment services at a discounted rate. When you attend a rehab that is in-network with Empire BCBS, this generally means fewer out-of-pocket expenses for you and an easier time getting insurance coverage for your care.

Out-of-network facilities do not have an agreement with Empire BCBS. This generally means higher out-of-pocket expenses for members. In some cases, the insurer may provide some coverage at an out-of-network facility, but this is not guaranteed. You are also more likely to need to fill out more paperwork in order for any coverage to be provided at these facilities.

Whenever possible, try to choose a rehab facility that is in-network with Empire BCBS to help you save money and make the insurance coverage process as smooth as possible. Call the number on the back of your insurance card to inquire about finding in-network rehab facilities, or call us at for a list of facilities that accept Empire BCBS.

What Rehab Centers Take Empire BCBS of NewYork 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 Center: 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.

How To Verify Empire BCBS of New York Insurance Coverage for Rehab?

There are a few ways you can verify your Empire BCBS insurance coverage of drug rehab centers:

Call our helpline today at to speak with an Admissions Navigator, who can verify your insurance for you while you’re on the phone, and answer any questions you may have about the admissions process, treatments available, and more.

Call the number on the back of your insurance card to connect with an Empire BCBS customer service agent, who can walk you through the details of your plan’s coverage for addiction treatment.

Still looking for the right rehab center for yourself or your loved one? Visit our “Find Treatment Centers” page to learn more about our leading treatment centers throughout the country.

Alcohol and Drug Rehab With Empire BCBS Insurance Near Me