Does BCBS of Texas Offer Insurance Coverage Plans for Alcohol Rehab?
Alcohol abuse is a serious issue in Texas. According to National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, alcohol use causes over 7.245 deaths annually. Of those deaths, 52.3% are due to chronic health conditions linked to alcohol abuse and 79% are people aged 35 and older.1 In addition, more than 69,000 people in Texas are arrested for DUI every year, and 46% of all traffic fatalities involving a vehicle can be attributed to alcohol abuse.2
Still, people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) are reluctant to seek treatment, as only 7.3% of people struggling with this issue over 18 in the United States receive any treatment. In fact, people dealing with AUD are more likely to seek treatment for an alcohol-related health problem than substance abuse itself.3
Sadly, not everyone can afford to pay for substance abuse treatment. In fact, fewer than 2% of those who need rehab actually get it.4 Financial reasons are most frequently cited as the cause people with SUD never get the help they require.5
The majority or nearly 60% of those who receive substance abuse treatment report having no insurance to cover for it. Only 10.5% of those admitted to treatment rely on private health insurance plans such as Blue Shield rehab coverage to pay for their rehab expenses.5
BlueCross BlueShield insurance is a great private pay alternative for those not eligible for standard insurance coverage. Many Texas residents use it to pay for the costs of AUD rehab treatment.5
If you are looking to check whether your BCBS of Texas insurance coverage may cover the expenses of AUD treatment, you can reach out to the number written on your insurance card to find out what your insurance plan entails. Additionally, the admissions navigators at American Addiction Centers can help verify your insurance via the phone, chat, or by filling out an online form.
What’s the Extent of BCBS of Texas Coverage for Alcohol Treatment?
Private insurance companies are required to offer the same coverage for alcohol use disorder and any other medical or health service, as SUDs and mental health disorders should be treated equally. However, the scope of benefits covered varies based on individual insurance plans.6
In the case of Blue Shield coverage in Texas, most plans will likely cover the costs of the following treatment components:7
- Interventions and screenings are important because they help identify the areas in which a person needs help. Patients with co-occurring disorders can be assessed and identified, and then treated accordingly. These procedures also help provide the necessary assistance and support to the person so that they can recover from their addiction.
- Medical detoxification is the first step in addiction treatment following the intake process. It helps to rid the body of all the toxins that have built up from alcohol abuse. The detox process and withdrawal can be uncomfortable, but they’re essential for recovery.
- Inpatient care is a form of addiction treatment that involves spending a certain amount of time in a rehab facility. This type of substance abuse treatment is often recommended for people who have a severe addiction, or for those who have failed to recover from addiction through other programs. Inpatient rehab can be very effective, but it’s also expensive and not everyone can afford it.
- Outpatient care is a model of care where the patient receives treatment for their addiction from a healthcare provider or facility outside of a hospital setting. Outpatient care is often less expensive than inpatient care and can be more convenient for patients.
- Behavioral therapies are one of the commonly used tools of addiction treatment. They help people learn how to cope with their addiction in a healthy way. Behavioral therapies can be used in combination with other forms of treatment or on their own.
- Co-occurring disorders are simultaneous instances of addiction and a mental health issue. They are often treated with a combination of therapies, including medication and counseling. Treatment should be tailored to the individual, depending on their needs.
In Texas, over 271 facilities accept private insurance as a form of addiction treatment payment, which includes BCBS of Texas healthcare plans.7
What Aspects of Alcohol Treatment Aren’t Included in BCBS of Texas Insurance Coverage?
There are several elements of addiction treatment that are not covered by insurance. One such example is holistic care, which can include services such as massage, acupuncture, and meditation.8
It also excludes any non-medical amenities, food delivery, and private treatment services.8
Most insurance plans likely do not cover alternative therapies or recreation programs such as yoga or animal-assisted therapy either.8
Alcohol Rehab: How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of alcohol rehab can be expensive and difficult to cover for those with no insurance coverage for the treatment. There are many important factors that contribute to the cost of rehab, such as the length of the program, the amenities offered, services and scope of services included, and more.6
Expenses of Inpatient Alcohol Rehabilitation
The cost of inpatient addiction treatment can be affected by a number of factors. The main factors that can affect the cost are the location, type, and length of the treatment. The fact that patients have access to professional care around the clock, a structured and accountable environment, and immediate access to tools and resources makes inpatient care highly cost-effective in the long run. Treatment length varies from person to person but usually ranges between 30 to 90 days or more. The length of treatment will also determine the price.7
Expenses of Outpatient Alcohol Rehabilitation
The main factor that affects the cost of outpatient treatment is the level of care needed by the individual. The more intense and frequent the treatment, the higher the cost will be. Outpatient treatment involves patients visiting a rehab facility for individual or group therapies while living at home and performing their family and work obligations. The frequency of visits to the center will determine the costs. However, costs of outpatient rehab are generally lower than those of inpatient treatment.7
Expenses of Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) for Alcohol Abuse
The cost of partial hospitalization programs for alcohol addiction can be attributed to a variety of factors. These programs are often quite comprehensive. In addition to providing access to therapy and medication, many partial hospitalization programs also offer their patients social activities and educational opportunities, such as group therapies or support group meetings. This holistic approach often helps patients recover more quickly and reduces the likelihood of relapse.9
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Expanses for Alcohol Rehab
Medication-assisted treatment is a vital part of comprehensive care for patients. Its role varies depending on the needs and goals of each individual. Patients diagnosed with alcohol use disorder can greatly benefit from medication-assisted treatment when it comes to reducing alcohol consumption and achieving abstinence. The price of the treatment will vary based on the prescribed medication and its use.11
The FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder include:11
- Acamprosate
- Disulfiram
- Naltrexone
The Cost of Getting vs. Not Getting Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol abuse costs the U.S. more than $27 billion in healthcare, with overall costs amounting to $249 billion each year, factoring in criminal justice costs and the cost of a decline in work productivity.12 Excessive alcohol use is prevalent in Texas, which ranks among the top states with a median of 5.6 drinks consumed on occasion, and 9 in the 75th percentile.13
With an average of $2.05 per drink, excessive alcohol use costs each individual $807, and $2 out of $5 is paid by the state and local governments.13
The cost of this dangerous behavior has a huge impact on many aspects of everyday life. In fact, 72% of the costs come from the loss of work productivity, 11% come from health care expenses, 10% are criminal justice-related, and 5 % are caused by motor vehicle crashes due to DUI.13
In turn, every dollar invested in rehabilitation programs has a return ranging from $4 to $7 dollars on those costs, with a 12 to 1 ratio in savings when factoring in medical care costs.8
How Long Will My BCBS of Texas Coverage Last for Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
Positive treatment outcomes are directly linked to treatment length. That said, there is no universal solution for everyone, as every patient progresses through recovery differently.8
In general, treatment programs of 90 days or more have shown the best results in rehabilitation and relapse prevention in inpatient and outpatient treatment settings. Longer stays or participation in aftercare programs, such as sober living facilities, also play an important role.8
The length of time that a person is covered by their provider will depend on their specific plan and what benefits are included in their private insurance policy. Refer to your insurance card for BCBS of Texas helpline, where you can find out more about your insurance coverage and facilities included. Additionally, the admissions navigators at AAC can help with the verification of your insurance coverage or offer alternative payment methods via a phone call, email, or by filling out an online form.6
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Alcohol Treatment: Which One to Choose?
When it comes to choosing between inpatient and outpatient rehab, there are a few factors that you should consider.8
- The first is the quality of care. Inpatient rehab provides a more focused environment and has higher accountability standards than outpatient rehab. This means that you’ll be getting more intensive care and be held more accountable for your actions.
- Another factor to consider is the treatment ecosystem. Inpatient rehab offers a comprehensive treatment ecosystem, while outpatient rehab focuses more on individual therapy. This means that inpatient rehab will provide a more holistic approach to treatment, while outpatient rehab will focus more on addressing the individual’s specific needs.8
- Finally, consider the support. Inpatient rehab typically offers strong support from both medical professionals and peers. Several programs focus on building a community of equals, such as group therapies and support group meetings.8
BCBS of Texas: How to Use This Insurance for Alcohol Rehab?
Talk to your insurance agent about your policy by calling the hotline number on your insurance card or visiting your insurer’s website.6
In most cases, you’ll need to pay a certain amount up-front before your insurance starts covering addiction treatment. Ask how much your deductible is and what you’ve already paid toward it. All medical expenses can count toward that total.6
Get a list of preferred in-network facilities or providers from your insurer. Your insurance will likely cover more services if you choose from this list, which will help you avoid unexpected costs down the road.6
You can also work with the treatment center directly to determine whether your Blue Shield of Texas rehab coverage can pay for the costs of treatment. The admissions navigators at American Addiction Centers would happily check this and give you any information necessary to take the first step toward recovery.6
How to Find a Treatment Center That Accepts BCBS of Texas Insurance?
There are several ways to find an available treatment facility that’s an in-network BCBS of Texas provider and start your journey to recovery. The first one is to contact the BCBS of Texas helpline and talk to their representatives about your coverage details. You can also get in touch with the admissions navigators at AAC directly via an alcohol and drug rehab hotline. Their dispatchers will gladly provide any information you need, such as verifying your insurance coverage or offering different financing options.6
Over 270 facilities in Texas will accept most forms of private insurance, including Blue Shield rehab coverage. One such facility for you to consider is AAC’s Greenhouse Treatment Center.7
Each patient at Greenhouse Treatment Center receives a luxurious experience and personalized service. Patients can get quality treatment here whether they are looking for local treatment in Texas or willing to travel out of state. The entire experience is entirely private and confidential. Feel free to reach out to AAC to learn more about your options.
