Alcohol & Health
Treatment
Helping Alcoholics
Medically Reviewed by Dr P. E. Pancoast, MDÂ
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Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) provides healthcare coverage across the United States. They work closely with hospitals to develop personalized healthcare plans for members.
BCBS is widely connected and accepted in many addiction treatment facilities. This includes the American Addiction Centers (AAC).
Check with BCBS first to get information on the plan’s coverage for addiction treatment. Customer service hotlines can be found on the reverse side of the ID cards or on their website.
BCBS customer service can address the following:
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The cost of drug and alcohol rehabilitation depends on many factors. It can be expensive without insurance.
Factors that affect the cost of drug and alcohol rehab include:
An inpatient facility, which houses people, will cost more than outpatient facilities, which do not house people. An inpatient facility provides meals and lodging for people while they receive treatment.
Inpatient facilities are usually necessary for people with severe withdrawal symptoms, as they are able to receive around-the-clock medical care and treatment.
Alcohol and drug abuse rehab facilities are all over the country. Facility location also impacts treatment cost. The cost might be higher at treatment centers in more remote areas.
The cost will also depend on the number of participants in the program. More intimate programs may cost more.
Rehab program costs will depend on how many addiction treatment services are included in the package. A comprehensive program will cost more than a program that does not include many additional services.
Depending on the person’s treatment needs, a rehab program can last between 30 to 90 days. Some people require extended care for 120 days or more. The longer the program is, the more costly it can be.
Most inpatient facilities offer additional amenities that outpatient sites don’t have. An inpatient facility’s rate will also depend on the amenities they offer. These amenities include:
Blue Cross Blue Shield’s coverage for addiction treatment depends on the treatment type and its geographical location.
For drug and alcohol rehabilitation, a treatment provider may offer:
Detox programs cleanse the body from drugs and alcohol. Because of the possibility of harmful side effects, detox typically requires professional medical assistance.Â
Some detox programs for drugs and alcohol can be uncomfortable, painful, or even life-threatening if not done right.
Medically supervised detox ensures safer withdrawal. Medical assistance and medications are available if necessary.
Blue Cross Blue Shield has partnered with many inpatient treatment centers nationwide. These live-in centers provide intensive treatment for drug and alcohol abuse.
Participants stay in these facilities for 15 to 90 days or more. Program length depends on needs and the specific program.
Inpatient treatment is not suitable for everyone. Sometimes an intensive outpatient program (IOP) is the better option, especially for those with more stable home environments.
In IOPs, substance abuse treatment is required a few evenings a week. Then, participants return home.
People who have undergone inpatient treatment often need follow-up outpatient treatment. This is for ongoing support and includes programs geared towards sobriety.
Participants complete 10 to 12 hours a week of treatment in an outpatient facility.
Partial hospitalization is a hospital-based outpatient program. It includes medical health care services.
The structure of a PHP may include:
They’ll connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor
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As with other health insurance plans, verify member eligibility and benefits beforehand. This can be confirmed by calling BCBS or checking online.
The eligibility and benefits quotation will include:
Providers will ask for the member’s ID card and photo ID to avoid identity theft. They will also notify members if they do not cover certain services.
BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat.
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The two most common ways to check BCBS coverage are:
Call the Interactive Voice Response for BCBS that is available Monday through Friday, from 6 am to 11:30 pm. They are also open Saturday, 6 am to 6 pm.
Providers should check the Availity Provider Portal to confirm member eligibility and benefits. With this portal, users can easily print important, updated benefit information.
The information available in the portal includes:
Members need to register to the Availity portal first. There, they can check their eligibility and benefits. For exceptions, call customer service first for a more detailed explanation.
For additional costs, it’s best to check with the provider and facility for a complete understanding of all included costs. Providers should make sure members are aware of all treatment options.
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