Blue Cross Rehab Programs with Substance Abuse Insurance

Getting coverage through Blue Cross substance abuse insurance is a matter of life and death for some addicts. Addiction is a life-consuming disease, and clinical rehabilitation is often the best way to get clean. However, the healthcare industry is incredibly complicated, and many people have trouble understanding their options for affordable treatment. It is crucial that addicts learn about the various rehab programs on the market – and how they can use their existing Blue Cross insurance contracts to pay for them.

Detoxification

Detox is the simple process of drug deprivation which weans people of their chemical dependencies. Although it doesn’t cure addiction altogether, it does allow patients to suppress their cravings and reduce their needs for drugs. Fortunately, this crucial treatment is covered by most Blue Cross contracts.

Residential Inpatient Programs

Ideally, severely addicted people will attend inpatient treatment after they complete detox. Inpatients live full-time at their treatment facilities for one to three months, and they spend the majority of their time in one-on-one counseling, group discussions, and stress management classes. These programs are incredibly effective at producing lasting lifestyle change – the true key to long-term sobriety.

Inpatient treatment also tends to be expensive, and it can be difficult to get coverage for a full program. Addicts seeking this level of care should ask their Blue Cross agents the following questions:

*Does your plan cover mental health services? Many providers distinguish between “medical” and “psychological” treatments, and most rehab therapies fall into the latter category. Although the Health Parity Acts of 1996 and 2008 mandate equal coverage in group contracts, small businesses and individually-purchased contracts are not bound by such regulations.
*What are your time limits? The shortest programs at most clinics last one month, yet some providers will only cover one to two weeks. Costs vary by location, but inpatient stays at most facilities cost well over one hundred dollars per night. Potential rehab patients should find out exactly what costs they might incur if they stay for longer than their insurance companies are willing to pay.
*Do you need a referral? Addicts who contract with Blue Cross health maintenance organizations will usually need to get a referral from their primary care physicians to attend rehab. These referrals can impact the type of care a patient receives, as well as the length of stay for which they’re covered.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient care is a viable option for people with minor addictions – or who can’t qualify for inpatient treatment. Patients retain their independence, but they still attend a variety of evidence-based therapies each week. They don’t get the supervision and residential assistance that inpatients receive, but they can maintain their jobs and other responsibilities. This may be the best option for people are worried about losing their employer-provided healthcare if they attend more involved rehab programs.

Alternative Options

There are a few options for addicts who are unable to pay for their ideal treatments through Blue Cross substance abuse insurance. For some, it may be worth it pay for inpatient care by drawing from savings accounts and liquidating assets. Married addicts may also be able to get better coverage by dropping their current contracts and signing on to their spouses’ employer-provided insurance. Finally, those who maintain contact with family members can ask to borrow money. Even alienated relatives are sometimes willing to lend if the money is spent on rehab.

If you’re confused about how to get rehab coverage through Blue Cross, fill out the insurance verification form to the right of this page. We can help you find out how to use your current contract to get the best, most affordable care possible.

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