Does Florida Blue (Blue Cross Blue Shield) Cover Alcohol Rehab?
Alcohol use is a significant problem in the U.S., including Florida, and this includes both weekend binge drinking and more severe forms of use that can lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD). This is a nationwide issue and Florida is among the states with the highest number of people who are abusing alcohol on a regular basis.1
A big problem with AUD is that social drinking is considered acceptable behavior. As such, many people don’t think their substance use is an issue. Those who realize they’re struggling with alcohol use often refuse to go to treatment due to stigma or the lack of funds needed for treatment.2
Fortunately, all health insurance companies have to provide the same coverage for mental health disorders and substance abuse treatment as they would for any medical procedure. This includes Florida Blue Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) healthcare plans which can cover various AUD treatment options, depending on your situation and the plan itself.3,4
How Much of Alcohol Rehab Does Florida Blue BCBS Insurance Cover?
In 2008, Congress enacted the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) according to which all insurance providers have to provide the same coverage level for mental health issues, including substance abuse, as they would for any other health issue. This means that depending on your policy, you’ll probably be able to use this type of insurance coverage to cover the costs of alcohol rehab.3
Addiction treatment is typically more challenging compared to most medical treatment options as there isn’t a single approach that works for everyone. All rehab plans need to be personalized, as every AUD sufferer will have their own needs that need to be taken care of.5
In general, Florida Blue BCBS will cover medically-necessary treatment that’s FDA-approved. In general, your insurance may cover the following aspects of treatment:5
- Screenings, assessments, and interventions upon intake
- Detox services in a safe treatment environment
- Outpatient therapy and intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Inpatient or residential treatment at specialized facilities
- Assessment for the presence of co-occurring disorders
- Dual diagnosis for patients suffering from co-occurring disorders
- Medication-assisted treatment
Does Florida Blue BCBS Insurance Coverage Cover Everything?
Treatment has to be individualized for every patient who comes to a Florida Blue BCBS-covered substance abuse treatment facility. However, some facilities may offer additional amenities that aren’t covered by insurance, such as:5
- Luxe amenities that some treatment centers offer, such as spa, personalized accommodation options, same-day admittance for certain individuals, and joint treatment for couples struggling with AUD
- Alternative therapies, which might include holistic care, alternative medication, or any other method that isn’t FDA-approved
- Non-medical amenities, such as recreation programs and food delivery
- Private treatment services
Is Alcohol Rehab Expensive?
Determining the cost of alcohol rehab in advance isn’t an easy task, as there are many factors that can influence the price. This might include the required services and their intensity, the length of your AUD treatment, and whether there are any additional amenities. Even the location of the facility might affect the price, as some addiction treatment facilities in Orlando might not cost as much as attending SUD treatment in Fort Lauderdale.3,6
Most of these details will be discussed once you contact the facility and get a professional assessment of your situation. Once you get more information, you can explore financing options that fit your budget and see whether your insurance will covers the costs of treatment.3
Is Inpatient Alcohol Rehab Expensive?
People who go to inpatient facilities usually have more severe forms of AUD or have struggled to achieve sobriety for a while. This type of care allows struggling individuals to stay in a controlled setting, with constant medical supervision.5
Due to the costs of accommodation and extensive treatment it provides, inpatient programs are usually the most expensive form of treatment since it can last for months. Fortunately, Florida Blue BCBS in-network and out-of-network coverage plans might be able to help you with at least some of these expenses.5
Is Outpatient Alcohol Rehab Expensive?
Outpatient alcohol treatment requires you to attend regular therapy sessions that will help you fight your AUD. However, you won’t be required to reside at a facility, but be able to spend your time at home.5
This type of rehab typically offers less extensive care than inpatient programs. Also, it doesn’t provide you with accommodation, which means the services are usually more affordable. Nonetheless, this is something you should check with the facility and your insurance provider.5
Are Alcohol Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) Expensive?
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are for people who don’t need to stay in rehab all the time, but still require more intensive treatment than outpatient care. If you go to PHP, you’ll probably stay in a facility for the biggest part of your day, but not overnight. As such, PHP is somewhere in between inpatient and outpatient care.5
PHP doesn’t offer as extensive care as inpatient treatment. It also may not involve accommodation costs. Therefore, its price will also be somewhere between the costs of inpatient and outpatient treatment.5
Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Expensive?
Certain FDA-approved medications can be used to help battle AUD and ease the symptoms of withdrawal. Some medications might even help decrease alcohol intake. What medications will be prescribed to you and the frequency of their use will depend on your unique situation.7
MAT can be used in combination with any other type of treatment. Therefore, it’s not possible to say how much treatment will cost. You should check whether Florida Blue BCBS covers the costs of medication at your preferred in-network drug rehab facility by reaching out to the their support team. In general, this will entirely depend on your plan and the referral you get.5
Is Alcohol Rehab More Expensive than the Cost of Alcohol Addiction?
Many people feel discouraged when they hear how expensive AUD treatment is. However, not getting the treatment you need can have serious consequences that can cost even more:8
- Alcohol abuse and binge drinking cost the US economy $249 billion in 2010 alone. This comes down to $807 per each individual, even those who’re not drinking.
- An individual who struggles with SUD may experience reduced productivity at work, which can decrease their income or even lead to them being fired.
- People who abuse alcohol have more health problems than people who don’t drink, treatment of which can lead to even greater expenses.
- Many individuals struggling with AUD may have legal issues or might even go to jail.
Not just that, but excessive alcohol consumption can lead to brain damage that can worsen the longer the person consumes alcohol. Consequently, this can require longer, more extensive forms of treatment, further increasing an individual’s expenses.5,9
How Long Can You Go to Nationwide Florida Blue BCBS-Covered Inpatient Rehab Centers?
The length of treatment isn’t the same for everyone. In fact, there’s no universally recommended treatment length, as this is something that’s entirely individual. However, there are some indications that the longer the treatment, the better the outcome, no matter the type of SUD.10
In general, most people should stay at least 3 months in rehab to achieve recovery. Of course, treatment of any length is better than no treatment at all. Still, the data from the National Institute of Drug Abuse show that people who completed their 3-month inpatient treatment programs had a higher chance of staying sober a year after rehab.10
Florida Blue BCBS offers diverse plans for mental health and drug abuse treatment that may cover different lengths of treatment. To check how long your coverage will last, you should call the Florida Blue BCBS helpline number on the back of your membership card. This will connect you with a dispatcher who can check the details of your policy.
How to Pick Between Florida Blue BCBS-Covered Inpatient & Outpatient Rehab Programs
There are a few reasons why inpatient rehab might be a better option than outpatient care for some patients, especially for those who’ve battled AUD for a long time.10
Here are a few reasons why:10
- Inpatient treatment centers are able to provide you with a higher quality of care, professional surroundings, and 24/7 supervision.
- As you’ll be surrounded by people who’ve been through similar situations with SUD, you’ll have a strong support system.
- Since you’ll spend all of your time in one of the nationwide Florida Blue BCBS rehab centers, you won’t experience trigger situations that might tempt you to start using again.
- You’ll become more accountable for your own actions.
Of course, some people might prefer to spend most of their time in a familiar environment, such as the comfort of their own homes. Still, this is something a medical professional will determine.10
In general, inpatient treatment may offer better outcomes than outpatient care. As long as the treatment is of an adequate length, the relapse rates tend to be rather low.5,10
How to Apply for Nationwide Florida Blue BCBS Alcohol Rehabs?
To use your Florida Blue BCBS insurance coverage to get help for your or a loved one’s AUD, you need to follow certain protocols.
The first step should always be to consult with your doctor so you can get a referral. Florida Blue BCBS in-network treatment providers may refuse to accept your coverage if you didn’t get the referral beforehand. The preferred facility requires written proof that being admitted into rehab is medically necessary and in your best interest.11
Some healthcare insurance providers might allow you to get a referral via a phone call. Nonetheless, this is something you should discuss with your insurance provider. You can also call a specialized alcohol hotline to get accurate information and details of the process.11
Once this is done, most providers will allow you to choose a treatment facility or suggest a facility that offers suitable programs for your case. Afterward, you’ll work with the rehab center and insurance provider to determine your exact coverage.11
Locating Nationwide Florida Blue BCBS Treatment Programs
You can use several tactics to find reliable and recognized treatment providers. During this stage, you may also want to consider whether you prefer undergoing treatment at a local rehab center or traveling out of state. Nonetheless, here are a few steps that might help you:
- Call the Florida Blue BCBS helpline and ask them to point you in the direction of in-network facilities.
- Use the Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Blue Distinction Center for Substance Use Treatment and Recovery that can connect you with rehabilitation centers.12
- Call your local hotline that offers information on SUD, tell them all about your or your loved one’s situation, and ask them what your next step should be. All calls to such hotlines are confidential and free.13
Finally, you can contact American Addiction Centers (AAC) and get a chance to speak with a professional dispatcher. You can ask them to verify your insurance and to let you know what payment options might be applicable to you. The dispatcher can check your benefits while on the phone with you.
AAC has leading treatment centers nationwide and some might be in your region. For instance, they can offer guidance on addiction treatment across Florida, including information on specialized treatment facilities in Miami or assistance with finding help and treatment in Jacksonville. Some of their most recognized facilities include River Oaks Treatment Center and Recovery First Treatment Center.
River Oaks Treatment Center
River Oaks Treatment Center might be available to you if you need help and addiction treatment in the greater Tampa region. River Oaks is a professional facility that offers different types of treatment, including detox services, inpatient and outpatient care, dual diagnosis, and treatment of co-occurring disorders. If you’re looking for an addiction treatment facility that’s recognized nationwide and covered by Florida Blue BCBS, you should consider reaching out.
Recovery First Treatment Center
The recognized Recovery First Treatment Center is a facility that, as its name suggests, puts recovery above all else. While it doesn’t provide inpatient services, it does offer safe detox, dual-diagnosis, outpatient care, and residential treatment. This makes it suitable for people looking for a place that can help them fight withdrawal, get intensive outpatient therapy, or spend time in a comfortable setting. Recovery First also accepts Florida Blue BCBS insurance coverage plans.
