If you’re in South Carolina and struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of South Carolina can provide you with access to substance abuse treatments that can help you overcome your addiction. Blue Cross Blue Shield has been writing health insurance policies for more than 80 years and routinely monitors the health insurance market to ensure they are providing the best possible coverage at competitive prices to all of their policyholders. This same business model enables them to provide world-class substance abuse coverage for those needing help overcoming a drug or alcohol addiction. That said, Blue Cross Blue Shield use Companion Benefit Alternatives (CBA), an independent company that manages substance abuse and mental health benefits for their policyholders as well as their dependents. In this article, we will take a closer look at substance abuse coverage offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina and how the right policy can minimize the cost of addiction recovery.

WHY DOES BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF SOUTH CAROLINA PROVIDE SUBSTANCE ABUSE COVERAGE?

Like all health insurance providers in the United States, Blue Cross Blue Shield are required to include substance abuse coverage in all of their policies to comply with the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010. Similarly, the passing of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act in 2008 requires that they also provide coverage for treatments involving mental health disorders as well. Considering that substance abuse and mental illnesses tend to go hand in hand, providing members with access to treatments that can resolve both problems makes sense. To further put this into context, a 2014 study published by the National Institute of Mental health revealed that 7.9 million of the 20.2 million people with a substance abuse problem also had a mental health disorder of some kind. Also, Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina and BCBS as a whole recognizes that addiction is a disease. Furthermore, being able to rely on health insurance to absorb the majority of the costs associated with addiction recovery allow individuals to focus on getting through their treatments as opposed to worrying about how they will pay for them.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COVERAGE AND BCBS OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Substance abuse coverage under a Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance policy is not too different from substance abuse coverage provided by most major health insurance providers, meaning coverage can vary from one policy to the next. And some treatments may require prior approval from the health insurance provider. The one thing that sets Blue Cross Blue Shield apart from their competitors, however, is their relationship with Companion Benefit Alternatives, a company with more than ten years of experience in the clinical and behavioral health benefits management field. This unique business relationship enables Blue Cross Blue Shield to provide members with access to clinically proven substance abuse and mental health treatments that can change their lives for the better.

HOW CBA AND BCBS WORK TOGETHER TO PROVIDE MEMBERS WITH THE BEST CARE POSSIBLE

Companion Benefit Alternatives has a large staff of healthcare professionals that work diligently to provide Blue Cross Blue Shield policyholders with the best possible care. This team of healthcare professionals consist of board-certified psychiatrists, registered psychiatric nurses, licensed practical nurses, social workers, and substance abuse counselors. Although Blue Cross Blue Shield plays a critical role and has the final say in the treatments that are approved under specific health insurance policies, most of the heavy lifting is being performed by Companion Benefit Alternatives (CBA). For example, individuals who need substance abuse treatments under their Blue Cross Blue Shield policy will have access to CBA’s extensive network of rehab facilities, physicians, substance abuse counselors, and addiction experts that all work collectively to help members get their lives back on track. That said, the company’s network spans the entire state, so you will have access to the treatments you need no matter what part of South Carolina you call home.

BETTER CARE WITH CBA AND BCBS

In addition to an expansive network of rehab facilities, physicians, substance abuse counselors, and addiction experts, CBA works diligently to ensure that all healthcare professionals and their respective institutions meet the high standards of care and credentialing requirements of the National Committee of Quality, an organization that reports on the quality of managed care plans, the healthcare systems that integrate the financing and delivery of healthcare treatments.

WHAT SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENTS ARE COVERED UNDER A BCBS OF SOUTH CAROLINA POLICY?

Some of the substance abuse treatments covered under a Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina policy include

MEDICATION-ASSISTED DETOX

Detox is arguably one of the most important parts of overcoming a drug or alcohol addiction. Of course, this is not suggesting that making a mental shift to better one’s life is not equally important, but allowing the body to rid itself of drugs and other toxins can make achieving long-term sobriety that much easier. It is worth noting, however, that detox can trigger a wave of severe withdrawal symptoms that can make breaking the cycle of addiction difficult. Fortunately, medication-assisted detox is one of the many substance abuse treatments covered under a Blue Cross Blue Shield policy health insurance policy.

INPATIENT PROGRAMS

Depending on the nature of your addiction, your Blue Cross Blue Shield policy may cover the cost associated with inpatient treatment. These programs, which can last for 30 days or more, are especially beneficial for those who have a problem with prescription-based opioids, heroin, or alcohol. That said, inpatient programs provide round-the-clock monitoring as well as access to physicians and substance abuse counselors to help individuals avoid relapse. In some cases, treatments at an inpatient program may require prior approval from Blue Cross Blue Shield. Also, depending on the member’s policy, they may be subject to out-of-pocket costs related to their treatments.

OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS

Similar to inpatient programs, outpatient programs may also be covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield depends on the member’s policy. For those who may not be familiar with outpatient substance abuse treatments, they closely mirror treatments offered in an inpatient program, meaning individuals will have access to physicians and addiction experts that can help them put addiction behind them. Depending on whether an individual opts for intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) or a partial hospitalization program (PHP), they will have to attend 2 to 5 outpatient sessions each week and will need to undergo routine drug testing.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE A SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROBLEM?

Now that we know how a Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina policy can help individuals with a substance abuse problem let’s take a moment to identify some of the tell-tale signs of addiction. Although they can vary depending on the substance, some of the more common signs of addiction can include

  • Trying to conceal substance abuse from loved ones
  • Feelings of guilt or shame
  • Partaking in risky behavior
  • Ignoring financial responsibilities
  • Legal problems

BOTTOM LINE

If you consume drugs or alcohol and have noticed any of these signs, there is a good chance that you may have a substance abuse problem. Fortunately, the right Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance policy can help you overcome your addiction and better your life. To learn more about substance abuse coverage offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, consider speaking with one of our associates today.