Are you or a family member struggling with risky behavior relating to addiction or substance abuse? Do you feel that substance rehabilitation may be necessary, but you are worried about how to pay for it? This is a struggle facing millions of Americans. It is estimated that over 23 million Americans are fighting addiction or substance abuse. Of these 23 million, only 11% are receiving treatment for substance abuse, with much of that attributable to the high cost of rehabilitation programs.
However, by covering substance abuse treatment in insurance policies, more individuals can receive the treatment they need. Read on to learn about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma’s substance abuse treatment coverage.
Signs You Might Need Rehab
No two substance abuse struggles look the same. However, there are signs that you should take note of if you notice them in yourself or a family member. If you see some of the below symptoms, you may need to consult with your doctor about pursuing professional substance abuse treatment.
- Hiding your alcohol or drug use from loved ones.
- Feeling shame or guilt over your substance use.
- Feeling pressure to use drugs or alcohol to fit in with your social group.
- Behaving in a risky way while using substances, such as driving while intoxicated.
- Being unable to meet work or school commitments consistently.
- Experiencing civil or criminal liability as a consequence of substance use.
- Losing touch with loved ones due to your substance use.
If you or a family member is experiencing any of these issues and you are insured with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, you may have some or all of the treatment program covered by your insurance.
Do Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans of Oklahoma Cover Drug and Alcohol Rehab?
If you are considering treatment for addiction or substance abuse and are insured by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, you may have options. Substance abuse treatment is regarded as a component of the behavioral health benefits included in BCBS insurance. Depending on your level of coverage, you may have your substance abuse treatment fully or partially paid for. Patients with comprehensive health insurance will likely pay little or no money out of pocket to receive treatment from top behavioral health specialists.
The History of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma
With decades of experience providing coverage and health care to residents of Oklahoma, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma is dedicated to a healthy, protected community. BCBS of Oklahoma works with nonprofit organizations and make investments throughout the community to foster improved access to healthcare throughout the state, especially to underserved communities.
To learn about how your coverage may help you become sober, reach out to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma today.
Why Do We Need Rehab Coverage?
With over 23 million Americans struggling with addiction or substance abuse, this is an issue that touches everyone. Before modern research in the field, it was generally thought that addiction was a consequence of a person choosing to abuse a substance – a result of moral failings or weak personality traits. We know now that this is not how addiction works. Addiction is essentially a chronic disease like obesity, heart disease, or diabetes, and it is treatable.
Addiction is primarily a disease of the frontal cortex of the brain, rewiring how a person experiences reward, motivation, and pleasure. This damage is worsened with the repeated abuse of a substance or substances, and the physical dependencies only get worse.
Professional treatment at a substance abuse facility is the gold-standard treatment to overcome the disease, manage symptoms, and give patients the tools they need to live a happy and sober life.
One of the critical components of success in a substance abuse program is how focused the patient can be on recovery. Patients who attend the program with stress around the financial burden of paying for it are less likely to stick with the program and more likely to relapse. This issue is compounded by individuals having to leave work for full-time recovery, creating even more financial stress. By covering some or all of the cost of rehabilitation, patients can focus entirely on recovery and beating their addiction.
How Does Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma Rehab Coverage Work?
While rehabilitation coverage is a component of the behavioral health benefits portion of BCBS health insurance, it is vital to follow proper procedures when submitting claims or seeking out a treatment facility. Some detox, inpatient, and outpatient programs will require preauthorization before receiving treatment. The best way to ensure that you comply with all requirements is to contact your insurance company, provide the required information, and follow all of the steps that they offer you.
What is Detox?
Detoxification is the process of ridding the body’s dependence on a substance. This is done by either weaning or entirely abstaining from the abused drug. This is the first, often necessary step in most substance abuse programs. Depending on the addictiveness or dependency level of a given substance, detoxification can take days or weeks.
Detox is a lousy time for patients. During this time, most patients experience withdrawal symptoms like nausea, fever, uncontrollable shakes, anxiety, seizures, or more. Detox must be medically supervised so that a professional ensures the safety of the patient and provides prescription medication to ease the symptoms of detox.
What are the Differences Between Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment?
While each substance abuse program is unique, there are some crucial similarities and differences between outpatient and inpatient programs. It is essential to understand both kinds of treatment so that you know which one would work best for your individual needs. The most significant differences between these two programs are:
Outpatient:
- Therapy tends to run longer than for inpatient treatments.
- Clients continue to stay in their own home and maintain their work or school commitments.
- This treatment may be best for patients that have already completed detox and have learned how to regulate their exposure to substances on their own.
- Patients usually meet weekly or more for the group and individual therapy.
- Clients are accountable for their mistakes.
Inpatient:
- Treatment typically lasts between 30 and 90 days, though some programs can run for six months or more.
- Clients are medically supervised 24 hours per day.
- Food and housing are included in the cost of treatment.
- Due to the full-time nature of inpatient treatment, patients will have to take time off of work or school to focus entirely on their recovery.
- Patients attend daily therapy and skill-building sessions, including individual and group therapy.
- Clients are protected from environments and substances that could trigger a relapse.
By determining which type of program is best for your needs, you can better understand and plan for out-of-pocket expenses you may need to pay. Speak to your doctor about the best plan for you.
Get the Help You Deserve Today
If you or a family member were struggling with substance abuse and worried about the cost of getting treatment, you are not alone. Contact your doctor and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma today to find out the best type of treatment for you and how BCBS can help cover the cost.
