About Blue Cross – Blue Shield Federal Insurance for Rehab

5 Important Questions about Blue Cross – Blue Shield Federal Insurance for Rehab

Getting coverage for drug treatment is one of the biggest hurdles in addicts’ recoveries, but Blue Cross / Blue Shield federal insurance for rehab can help. As one of the largest groups of insurance carriers in the country, Blue Cross / Blue Shield provides crucial funding that allows thousands of people to attend the therapies they need. However, dealing with insurance claims can be extremely confusing and frustrating. Here are some answers to five of the most common questions among addicts with BCBS contracts. Recovery First is one of the few “In-Network” providers with Blue Cross / Blue Shield.

1. What kinds of treatments are covered?

Because of Congressional action throughout the last two decades, insurance companies must now give the same considerations to mental disorders as they do to physical problems. At the very least, this means that most insurance companies will at least cover clinical detox procedures.

However, not all Blue Cross / Blue Shield providers will offer the same coverage for longer-term care. There are thirty-nine different BCBS companies throughout the country, and each has abides by certain rules and state regulations. In some cases, hardcore drug addicts may be able to get full coverage for month-long inpatient programs. However, some providers will only partially cover the costs of counseling and other psychotherapies.

2. Will I need prescriptions?

Given the often-dangerous symptoms of drug withdrawal, addicts are often given painkillers during detox. People hooked on heroin and other opiates may also receive special “rapid detox” medications which speed the process. Since most BCBS carriers cover detox, the costs of these drugs will probably likewise be covered.

However, other issues can arise for addicts with co-occurring disorders. People who suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses may need anti-depressants and other psychoactive drugs to avoid stress and stay sober. Coverage for these types of drugs will vary, though many providers are becoming increasingly reticent to the needs of people with chronic mental problems.

3. What are the benefits of the Blue Cross / Blue Shield Federal Employee Program?

Blue Cross / Blue Shield is one of the many organizations which participate in the Federal Employee Health Benefits system – a program which allows for managed competition among insurance companies that provide care to government workers. In most cases, federal employees who receive this type of insurance pay a small fraction of the cost of insurance and have access to a variety of healthcare providers of their choice.

Most FEHB contracts are with Health Maintenance Organizations. HMOs don’t offer as great a selection as other types of insurance providers, but they do feature the lowest premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. Overall, this means that addicts with FEHB contracts may need to compromise when it comes to their clinics and rehab specialists. However, they will usually be able to get at least some treatment for little or no cost.

4. Will my premium and deductibles go up?

There is little history of addiction being treated as a pre-existing condition. However, some insurance companies may raise premiums for customers who attend drug rehab. Despite the positive effects of clinical rehabilitation, they could see the recovery process as an indication of higher future costs. Addicts who are worried about rate increases will need to check the applicable state and federal regulations, as well as the policies outlined in their individual contracts.

5. What if I can’t get covered?

In some unfortunate cases, people will be denied insurance for rehab. They may get full coverage for detox – but only minimal funds for crucial long-term therapies. Former rehab patients who look for new insurance contracts may also be denied altogether. Fortunately, there are federal programs which provide insurance specifically to people who are too “high-risk” to get insurance through private companies. There are also free and low-cost public clinics which admit people willing to wait.

Don’t panic if you’re worried about getting coverage through Blue Cross / Blue Shield federal insurance for rehab. Enter your current information into the insurance forms to the right of this page, and learn more about the payment options available to you. Getting covered for drug rehab can be frustrating, but you can soon be on the road to lasting recovery.

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Unsure of if your health insurance covers addiction treatment, or how to use it? Fill out the form below to learn more.