Do You Need Rehab?

Do you ever wonder if your drinking or drug use is beginning to control your life? Often, a behavior that starts as a recreational activity gradually becomes a habit, and it can sneak up on you before you’re aware of it. Family and friends may be hesitant to speak to you about your substance use, or they may be unaware of the extent to which it controls your life. If you think you might have a substance abuse problem, then you probably do, although there are exceptions.

If you’re hesitant to contact a substance abuse clinic because of the cost, then Blue Cross Blue Shield may be able to help you, especially if you live in the state of Kentucky. Annually, substance abuse costs state, local and federal governments more than $600 billion in lost wages due to sickness, unproductive workers, healthcare costs, crime-related activities, incarceration expenses, treatment centers and more. Since treatment is more cost-effective than prosecution, insurance companies are encouraged to provide substance abuse treatment in most of their standard coverage plans.

If you’re ashamed of your substance abuse problem, don’t be. Drugs and alcohol can be insidious, and before you realize it, you may have developed a problem. This isn’t anything to be ashamed of, so don’t delay seeking treatment if you think you have a problem.

Do Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Kentucky Plans Cover Drug And Alcohol Rehab?

If you live in the state of Kentucky, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has several options for you to receive treatment, depending on the type and status of your problem. If you are starting treatment, there are in-patient programs that can help you with the most difficult first steps toward clean and sober living. Most substance abuse centers will accept Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kentucky insurance although copays may vary, depending on your plan. Anthem Kentucky considers substance abuse and behavioral health to be linked and part of a total overall health benefits package. Their programs are facility-based and administered by licensed and experienced care teams, and care is provided for all ages and all types of needs; pharmacy management is included.

The History Of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kentucky

In 2004, WellPoint Health Networks, Inc. merged with Anthem, Inc. and became the most significant health benefits company in the U.S. The name remained WellPoint until December 2014 when the name was changed to Anthem, but the company remains the largest provider of health benefits in the U.S. Anthem’s headquarters are located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Anthem is independently licensed with Blue Cross Blue Shield and serves members in:

  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Georgia
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Missouri
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin

Other states may have specialty plans with Anthem.

Why Do We Need Rehab Coverage?

Rehab, regardless of the reason, is usually expensive, and not everyone can afford the out-of-pocket expense. Statistically, those who complete an in-patient rehab program are more likely to remain clean and sober than those who try a do-it-yourself method or who opt for an outpatient program. It can be dangerous to try to detox yourself and free yourself of the pull of drugs and alcohol, which are powerfully addictive. Sudden withdrawal from either can have deadly consequences. In a rehab center, professional case managers guide you through the steps necessary to safely get free of your substance addiction. Medical personnel is always available in case there is an emergency. Also, professional rehab centers can provide you with prescription medications that wouldn’t otherwise be available to you. For your safety and your overall health, a professional rehab center is the best route for becoming clean and sober. It’s expensive to administer these facilities, and without insurance, you probably couldn’t afford the fees and therefore wouldn’t be able to complete the program.

How Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Kentucky Rehab Coverage Work?

Rehab treatment coverage varies according to the type of rehab you need and plan coverage. If you are addicted to certain substances, such as benzodiazepine, you may need to complete a detox program before you enter a substance abuse rehab facility. Sometimes, a pre-certification might be required for in-patient facilities, but they provide the most comprehensive care of all rehab and detox facilities.

If your policy provides coverage for addiction treatment, it should cover the cost no matter the type of program you need. However, coverage varies by each state and its applicable laws, and by plan provisos. If you need substance abuse rehab or detox, then call your provider to determine your policy’s exact coverage. If you can’t afford treatment even with your insurance, then many states offer alternatives that can help you. Above all, don’t delay in seeking treatment because of the cost.

What is Detox?

A detoxification program cleanses your body of substances by purifying your blood. Your lymphatic system removes toxins from your body and transports them to the liver and kidneys where they’re excreted through your urine and your intestines. Professional detox for substance abuse isn’t like the detox patches advertised on the media. Safely removing the residue of drugs and alcohol from your system requires training and expertise, and it’s a vital component of a successful rehab program. Drugs and alcohol stay in your order for a time even after you stop using them. Detox will safely remove them from your system, which clears their toxic influence on your body.

What Are The Differences Between Inpatient And Outpatient Treatment?

In-patient rehab requires the patient to enter the facility and remain there 24/7. Patients are discouraged from leaving during the program unless it’s for a legitimate reason such as a medical appointment or a family emergency. Rehab is more effective and has a lower recidivism rate when it’s conducted in a controlled environment. Also, in-patient facilities teach coping mechanisms, how to react in social situations without the use of pharmaceuticals and alcohol, and how to live a clean and sober life, along with other life skills. Although in-patient facilities aren’t jails and patients can leave if they choose to do so, they are encouraged to remain in the facility until they have completed the program.

Patients in an outpatient rehab program attend a rehab center during the day, which may be conducted in a hospital or similar facility, and then return home or to a sober-living facility at night. Although this type of treatment is usually less expensive, it has a higher recidivism rate and is generally considered less effective than that conducted in an in-patient facility.

Get The Help You Deserve Today

If you need rehab for substance abuse, don’t delay in seeking treatment because you don’t think you’re worth it, you’re embarrassed, you don’t think you can afford it or for any other reason. If you don’t think you can provide treatment, call a rehab center, and discuss your options with them. You may be surprised to learn that affordable treatment is available to you. You’re worth the effort it takes to become clean and sober, so call today.