Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas

If you’re among the nearly 24 million Americans with a drug or alcohol problem, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas can help you overcome your addiction. According to SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), fewer than 11 percent of those with a substance abuse problem will ever seek treatment for their addiction. In many cases, those with a substance abuse problem cite a lack of health insurance as a contributing factor, which makes sense given that the cost of professional rehab treatments is often more than most people can afford. A Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas health insurance policy not only lowers the cost of substance abuse treatments but also provides members with access to top-tier rehab facilities, physicians, substance abuse counselors, and addiction experts.

HOW MUCH DOES SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT COST?

To put into context the cost of substance abuse treatments without health insurance, let’s take a look at some of the data compiled by drugrehab.com, a web resource provided and funded by Advanced Recovery Systems (ARS). For those with severe addictions that require inpatient (residential) treatment, the cost of these programs can be anywhere from $2,000 to $20,000 for 30 days. Those who need long-term treatment lasting 60 days or more can expect to pay even more. It is important to note that these costs are associated with treatments provided at a no-frills facility with little to no amenities. While outpatient treatment is slightly less expensive, these treatments can also be cost-prohibitive for many people. Studies show that a 90-day outpatient program can cost between $5,000 and $10,000.

Along with inpatient and outpatient treatments, overcoming certain substances will require medically-assisted detox, which can help ease severe withdrawals symptoms. Depending on the type of prescription medication needed and the length of the detox program, most individuals can expect to pay between $250 and $800 per day. All in all, getting your life back on track can cost a small fortune.

HOW DOES SUBSTANCE ABUSE COVERAGE WORK UNDER A BCBS POLICY?

In response to the passing of two federal laws, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, like other major health insurance providers, is required to include substance abuse coverage in all health insurance policies marketed to consumers. However, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas coverage can vary from state to state and also from policy to policy. That aside, substance abuse treatments fall under behavioral health benefits for most Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas health insurance policies, which means that individuals can use their health insurance coverage to treat not only a drug and alcohol addiction but also mental health disorders as well. Similar to many other health insurance providers, some mental health and substance abuse treatments may require a physician referral and prior authorization. As such, members and prospective members should verify the details of their policy with a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas representative.

WHAT SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENTS, ARE COVERED BY BCBS OF TEXAS?

Whether an individual is struggling with alcohol, drugs, co-occurring disorders, or a stand-alone mental health disorder, a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas health insurance policy can be a great ally in their fight to overcome these struggles. To that point, the health insurance provider covers many of the treatments needed for individuals to finally put substance abuse and mental health problems to bed, some of which include

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS

If you’re struggling with a co-occurring disorder, a stand-alone mental health disorder, or severe withdrawal symptoms associated with detox, prescription medication can help. And many of the medications provided by professional rehab facilities are covered in some capacity by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas of Texas. It is important to note that some drugs, namely Suboxone, Naltrexone, and certain benzodiazepines, may require a letter of medical necessity and preauthorization.

DETOX ASSISTANCE

Although medically-assisted detox is provided at most rehab facilities and is covered under most Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas policies, getting past the challenges of drug or alcohol withdrawal may require more than just medication alone. Detox, which is the body’s natural way of ridding itself of harmful drugs and other toxins, can take days or even weeks. During this time, individuals will have access to physicians and addiction experts who will make sure that they are progressing through detox as safely as possible. More importantly, they will have access to immediate medical attention if something goes wrong during this critical aspect of addiction recovery. Some of the withdrawal symptoms associated with detox include

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Panic attacks
  • An inability to concentrate
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Sweating
  • Fatigue
  • High blood pressure
  • Muscle pain

Of course, this list does not represent all of the symptoms associated with drug or alcohol withdrawal; however, they are some of the most common. That said, the right detox assistance program can make these symptoms and many others slightly more manageable.

INPATIENT TREATMENT

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas recognizes that some forms of addiction can be more challenging to overcome than others. To help individuals struggling with prescription-based or street-level opioids, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas will cover some or all of the costs associated with inpatient treatment. The same applies to those needing help with alcohol addiction as well. For those who may not be familiar with inpatient programs, they provide individuals with round-the-clock monitoring to help prevent relapse. While in these programs, individuals will also have access to physicians and prescription medications to help with detox. Also worth noting, individuals will be required to undergo regular drug testing to remain in an inpatient facility.

OUTPATIENT TREATMENTS

For individuals who need help with a mild addiction, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas also covers outpatient treatments, which can be either an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or a partial hospitalization program (PHP). While in either program, individuals will have access to the same resources offered in an inpatient program. However, they will benefit from the flexibility of only need to attend treatment sessions 2 to 5 times per week, which allows them to fulfill work or family obligations in-between treatments. Similar to inpatient treatment, those who are being treated at an outpatient program will have to undergo regular drug testing to remain in an outpatient program.

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

Not surprisingly, it can be difficult for most people to recognize that they have a substance abuse problem while in the throes of addiction. Nonetheless, those with an alcohol or drug problem will exhibit some of the following behaviors:

  • Feeling compelled to consume drugs or alcohol regularly
  • Experiencing extreme cravings for drugs or alcohol
  • Developing a higher tolerance for drugs or alcohol
  • Incurring financial problem as a result of substance abuse
  • Losing contact with friends or family
  • An inability to stop using
  • Developing severe withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using
  • Needing always to have access to drugs or alcohol
  • Uncharacteristic behavior
  • Problems at work

BOTTOM LINE

If you notice any of these signs within yourself, it is critical that seek help sooner rather than later. To learn more about how a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas health insurance policy can help with the costs of substance abuse treatments, you’re encouraged to visit bcbstx.com. Alternatively, you can also speak with a friendly and knowledgeable representative by calling 1- 800-521-2227.