Does Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina Offer Coverage for Alcohol Rehab?

Alcohol abuse is a growing cause for concern in South Carolina. The annual average prevalence of past-year alcohol use disorder in South Carolina was 5.6% between 2014 and 2017, which is similar to the national average of 5.8%, and the 5.0% regional average. In 2017, 16,844 substance abusers sought treatment in a single-day count, up from 15,824 in 2013. Around 15% of those enrolled sought treatment for alcohol use disorder, while 32.4% reported abusing alcohol and drugs simultaneously.1

The South Carolina Mobile Crisis program reported that between April and June 2020, as the Coronavirus pandemic reached its peak, 84% of patients seeking treatment and services reported experiencing a psychiatric crisis, including drug and alcohol abuse.2

While many cite financial issues as reasons for not seeking treatment, 68.5% of all treatment centers in South Carolina accept private health insurance plans for drug and alcohol abuse. If you are a member of Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina seeking drug rehab, you must be interested in whether BCBS of SC covers these services.3

According to the Affordable Care Act, the answer is yes – private insurance companies have to cover drug and alcohol treatment the same as any other medical treatment. However, the length and scope of coverage vary based on your individual Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina healthcare plan.4

What is Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina?

Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina is a not-for-profit health insurance company headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina. The company offers a variety of health insurance plans, including individual and family plans and Medicare and Medicaid plans. Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.5

The company employs over 16,000 people across the U.S. and ranks as the top South Carolina employer. The company offers its members the greatest choice of physicians, hospitals, and other health care providers in the state.5

Which Aspects of Alcohol Treatment Are Covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina Insurance Coverage?

There is a wide variety of alcohol treatment programs available, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina insurance coverage can help cover the cost of many of them. More than 70% of all drug and alcohol treatment centers nationwide accept private health insurance, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina healthcare plans.3

BCBS of SC offers coverage for screenings and interventions, detoxification, inpatient and outpatient care, behavioral therapies, and treatment for co-occurring disorders. Coverage may vary depending on the specific plan, but most plans offer some coverage for alcohol treatment. To find out your exact coverage, contact BCBSSC directly or speak to your alcohol treatment provider.6

Alcohol screenings and interventions are typically covered under Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina addiction treatment plans. These screenings can help identify problem drinking behaviors and may be conducted by a primary care physician, mental health professional, or addiction specialist. If alcohol abuse is suspected, interventions may be recommended to help the individual stop drinking or reduce their consumption.7

Detoxification, or detox, is the first step in many alcohol treatment programs. Detox helps the individual to safely and effectively withdraw from alcohol use and can be done in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Inpatient detox is typically more intensive and may be necessary for those with severe alcohol dependence or health complications. Outpatient detox may be an option for those with less severe dependence who are able to safely detox at home with medical supervision.6,7

Inpatient and outpatient care are both covered under most Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina healthcare plans. Inpatient care may be recommended for those with severe alcohol dependence or health complications. Outpatient care is typically less intensive and may be an option for those who are able to safely detox at home with medical supervision.6,7

Behavioral therapies are a key component of many alcohol treatment programs. These therapies can help individuals to understand and change the behaviors that contribute to their alcohol use. Common behavioral therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy, contingency management, and motivational interviewing.7

Finally, treatment for co-occurring disorders is often necessary for those struggling with both mental health and substance abuse issues. Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina (BCBSSC) insurance coverage can help cover the cost of treatment for co-occurring disorders. Treatment for dual diagnosis may be conducted in an inpatient or outpatient setting and may include individual, group, and family therapies.6,7

Are There Services Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina Won’t Cover?

Yes. Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina (BCBSSC) generally won’t cover the following services:4

Non-medical amenities such as spas, massages, or private rooms.
Holistic care services such as acupuncture or chiropractic care.
Recreation programs such as hiking, swimming, or private trainers.
Food delivery services.
Private treatment services such as concierge medicine.
Alternative therapies such as acupuncture or homeopathy.

How Much Can I Expect to Pay for Alcohol Rehab?

The cost of alcohol rehab can vary depending on a number of factors, including the intensity of services, the duration of treatment, and the amenities offered. Services can range from detoxification and withdrawal management to counseling and aftercare planning. Treatment lengths vary from a few days to several weeks or even months, and amenities can include private rooms, same-day admittance, and access to recreation and other activities.7

The intensity of services, duration of treatment, and available amenities all contribute to the cost of alcohol rehab. Services that are more intensive, such as around-the-clock care, will typically be more expensive than less intensive services. Treatment that lasts longer will also generally be more costly than shorter programs. Amenities that are offered, such as private rooms or access to recreation and other activities, can add to the overall cost.7

When choosing a BCBS of South Carolina alcohol rehab program, it is important to consider all of these factors in order to find one that is affordable and meets your needs. Your policy may cover some or all of the cost of treatment. And there are many grants and other financial assistance programs available to help with the cost of alcohol rehab.4,7

What Determines the Cost of Inpatient Alcohol Rehab?

The cost of inpatient alcohol rehab can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. The most important factor is usually the severity of the patient’s addiction. Other important factors can include the length of stay, the location of the facility, and the type of treatment program offered.7

Inpatient alcohol rehab programs typically last between 30 and 90 days, depending on the severity of the person’s addiction. Additional services such as medication-assisted treatment may also affect the cost of treatment. However, since Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina insurance coverage may help cover some or all of the costs of alcohol or drug treatment, those costs are more than acceptable for many. Additionally, treatment centers that are in-network with BCBS of SC will charge significantly less than out-of-network ones.4,7

What Determines the Cost of Outpatient Alcohol Rehab?

The cost of outpatient alcohol rehab can vary depending on the type of program, the length, and frequency of treatment, and the scope of services offered. Outpatient programs can be either short-term or long-term, and they may be conducted in an intensive or non-intensive format. In addition, some outpatient programs may offer more specialized services than others.7

Typically, outpatient treatment for alcohol abuse involves weekly meetings with a counselor or therapist, as well as group sessions. The outpatient treatment process may include participation in 12-step meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Most patients require treatment for 3 to 6 months, but some may require treatment for a year or more.7

What Determines the Cost of Partial Hospitalization Programs?

There are a number of factors that can affect the cost of partial hospitalization programs (PHPs). The type of program, the location, the length of stay, and the level of care required can all play a role in determining the overall cost.8

Patients who are enrolled in partial hospitalization programs (PHP) receive a more intensive level of treatment than those in outpatient programs. The program usually requires the patient to attend at least 20 hours of treatment per week, and lasts between a month and several months, depending on their progress.8

What Determines the Cost of Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol Abuse?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the cost of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for alcohol abuse will vary depending on a number of factors. These can include the type and severity of your alcohol use disorder, the medications used in treatment, the length of time you require treatment, and whether you opt for inpatient or outpatient care. Alcohol dependence can be treated with acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone, and each treatment costs differently. With this in mind, it’s important to speak with a treatment provider to get an accurate estimate of what your MAT for alcohol abuse might cost. Also, you can reach out to Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina to find out how much of your alcohol treatment costs your plan would cover.7,9

How Do the Costs of Treatment Compare to the Costs of Alcohol Addiction?

The main reasons people do not seek treatment for addiction are often financial difficulties and lack of access to private health insurance. In 2009, just 2.6 million U.S. citizens older than 12 received treatment for addiction, even though it was reported that 23,1 million required treatment the following year. Treatment costs can be high, but substance abuse is much more expensive in the long run.10,11

More than $220 billion was spent on healthcare, low productivity costs, criminal justice, and law enforcement in 2006 due to excessive alcohol consumption in the United States.11

Most people don’t realize how serious the consequences of alcohol abuse are. And even if they are aware of the dangers that alcohol presents to their health, personal lives, and careers, they are deterred from seeking treatment because of the cost.11

How Long Does Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina Rehab Coverage Last?

Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina offers both inpatient and outpatient rehab coverage for its members. The length of coverage will depend on the specific plan that you have, but most plans will cover at least 30 days of treatment. Some plans may cover up to 60 days, and some may even cover longer periods of time if necessary.4

In general, Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina will work with you to make sure that you get the alcohol rehab you need. If you have any questions about your specific coverage, you contact your Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina representative via their alcohol and drug abuse helpline or the number on the back of your insurance card.4,7

Their experienced insurance representatives can help verify your coverage for you, as well as give you additional information such as available financing options, inform you about the process or refer you to top-rated local rehab centers in-network with BCBS of SC.

Is Inpatient Treatment More Beneficial Than Outpatient for Alcohol Abuse?

It is difficult to say which type of treatment, inpatient or outpatient, is more beneficial for alcohol abuse. It depends on the individual’s situation and needs. Inpatient treatment may be more beneficial for someone who has a severe addiction and needs around-the-clock care. Outpatient treatment may be more beneficial for someone who has a less severe addiction and is able to maintain a job or go to school.7

Inpatient treatment provides around-the-clock care, which can be essential for those with a severe addiction. Inpatient treatment also provides a supportive, trigger-free environment which is extremely beneficial for those without a strong support system outside. This can be an important step in the recovery process.7

Outpatient treatment does not provide around-the-clock care, but it can still be effective for those with a less severe addiction. Outpatient treatment also allows people to continue their everyday routines while they are receiving treatment.7

What Should I Do to Enter Treatment Through Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina?

If you are struggling with addiction and seeking treatment, you may be wondering how to go about entering a rehabilitation program through Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina. Here are a few things to keep in mind that can help you get started on the road to recovery:

First and foremost, it is important that you consult with a doctor to discuss your treatment options. Addiction is a complex condition, and it is important to get professional help in order to choose the best possible course of action for your individual needs.4

Once you have consulted with a doctor, you will need to determine whether or not you are able to use insurance to cover the cost of treatment. BCBSSC offers a variety of different plans, so it is important to check with your provider to see what coverage you have.4

Once you have determined that you are able to use insurance to cover the cost of treatment, you will need to work with a rehab center to determine what coverage they accept. BCBSSC has a network of participating providers, so it is important to find a center that is in-network in order to maximize your coverage.4

American Addiction Centers are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina rehab coverage and have a number of facilities throughout South Carolina and nationwide that can offer professional alcohol treatment, including:

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, please call their alcohol and drug rehab hotline and get in touch with an admissions navigator who can help you get an initial substance abuse assessment and find the right treatment program for your individual needs. They are available to help 24/7 and offer a free and confidential consultation.

Finding Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina Addiction Treatment Near You

If you are struggling with addiction, know that you’re not alone. Addiction is a serious disease, but it is treatable. With the right help, you can recover and live a healthy, happy life. You can call the Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina helpline to speak with a treatment specialist at a substance abuse treatment facility who can help you find the right care for your unique situation.7

Additionally, the AAC network has a number of nationwide facilities in-network with BCBS of South Carolina. The admissions navigators at the center will help you determine what length of treatment your insurance policy will cover, help you find a suitable treatment center near you, and will guide you through the intake and assessment process.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina: Alcohol Rehabs