Substance abuse and addiction have become a significant public health crisis. Especially as the opioid crisis grows, every day we hear more news of people of all ages dying from a drug overdose. Addiction is more than the sudden loss of an overdose: drug and alcohol addictions damage lives and relationships. Many people are trapped in the quicksand of addiction, a powerful force that slowly strips people of their health, financial resources, friends, family, and career. If you feel that you could benefit from addiction treatment or a rehab facility, many insurance plans can help cover the cost. Keep reading to learn about your Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island insurance substance abuse treatment and rehab coverage.

Signs You May Need Rehab

Many people who struggle with addiction do not want to admit that they have a problem. For some people, it is a matter of pride, fearing that admitting the addiction is a sign of weakness. For others, it is a matter of shame, having to acknowledge a problem they have worked hard to keep secret. There are some crucial signs that you may need to seek treatment.

  • You hide your substance abuse from friends and family.
  • Your addiction has led to problems with the law.
  • Your job performance has suffered, or you have been fired because of the addiction.
  • You have trouble functioning without the substance.
  • You have retreated from your relationships with loved ones.
  • You engage in risky behavior when under the influence.

If you see yourself in these statements, it is time for you to seek help. If you are covered through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, you may be eligible for financial assistance for both inpatient and outpatient treatment.

Do Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island Plans Cover Drug & Alcohol Rehab?

Most BCBS of Rhode Island plans substance abuse treatment coverage as part of their behavioral health benefits. You need to consult your plan to know the extent of the coverage and the costs you will need to pay. Some plans will cover all of your expenses after you have paid your deductible. Other plans have you pay a smaller co-pay for all inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment services.

The History of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island

BCBS of Rhode Island began about seventy years ago in 1939. At that time, Blue Cross was an association of hospitals in the state seeking to improve patient care. In 1982, the network of physicians known as Blue Shield joined with Blue Cross to form BCBS of Rhode Island. Since that time, the organization has worked to improve access to services and comprehensive care for its members. In recent years, BCBS of Rhode Island has focused on wellness as a key to long-term patient health. They have also developed several team-based models of patient care, taking a holistic approach to medical treatment.

Why do We Need Rehab Coverage?

Rehab coverage is critical to face the public health crisis that is an addiction. Most people who struggle with addiction cannot break the illness on their own. They need a place where they can detox safely under medical supervision.

Without rehab coverage, a powerful tool for treating addiction would be inaccessible to many people. A basic form of treatment would be available only to those with the financial resources to pay out-of-pocket. By covering a rehab stay, health insurance providers acknowledge that addiction is not a moral failure but a disease that requires treatment.

People become addicted to substances because of physical and chemical changes to the brain. With increased use, the changes to the reward centers of the brain grow, making the desire for the substance even stronger. To recover from addiction, it requires both medical and mental health interventions.

How does Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island Rehab Coverage Work?

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island insurance work with a network of physicians, counselors, and rehab centers. When you decide to seek treatment, check with your provider as to which your insurance will cover facilities. Depending on your plan, you will either have to pay up to your deductible, or you will have to pay a co-pay for treatment.

What is Detox?

One of the benefits of working with a rehab center is that you can go through the detox process under medical supervision. When you are addicted, your body becomes dependent on the drug or alcohol to feel normal. When you stop receiving your substance at a rehab center, the body’s response to the absence of the substance is known as detox.

The length and symptoms of detox depend on substance and the period of your addiction. It is common for people undergoing rehab to experience chills, fever, nausea, and pain. Detox can also affect your mental state. It is common for patients to become anxious, irritable, or depressed while going through the detox process. If you go through detox at a rehab center, doctors may prescribe medications to help you deal with the symptoms.

What are the Differences Between Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment?

Inpatient treatment involves 24-hour care at a facility. The treatment at a rehab center is entirely focused on overcoming the addiction. Going into rehab takes away the possibility of receiving your drug. You will have daily therapy sessions, both as groups and as an individual. Often, there will be activities to help you learn about healthy self-care, such as dealing with stress, healthy eating, and exercise.

Often, when someone is discharged from inpatient treatment, he or she will spend time in outpatient treatment. While in outpatient treatment, you can live at home and go to school or work. You will attend weekly counseling sessions to keep tabs on your progress. Outpatient treatment is designed to help people continue to be clean after going through detox. Many people who struggle with addiction see their outpatient therapy as an essential part of their clean lifestyle.

Get the help you deserve today

There is no shame in seeking help for addiction. If you are ready to get clean, your Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island insurance plan can help. Give them a call today and find a treatment center that can help you down the road to a healthy and clean life.