Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) insures one in three Americans. The insurer has been in operation for over 80 years and remains one of the most stable insurance providers in the world. BCBS serves individuals in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. With over 106 million Americans carrying Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, the company works closely with doctors, hospitals and communities to provide quality, affordable health care.

For those who are struggling with substance abuse, insurance can help pay for some treatment costs. Blue Cross Blue Shield is an insurance company that provides coverage for substance use and mental health disorders. In fact, more than 96 percent of hospitals and 95 percent of doctors and specialists are contracted with BCBS. This is more than any other insurer. What your insurance policy covers is determined by your specific plan.

Let’s learn more about what it means to have Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance and what you can expect in terms of substance abuse treatment coverage.

BCBS Companies Announce New Approaches to Opioid Treatment

Our nation is struggling with a drug epidemic. Overdose deaths are on the rise – more than 40,000 or 115 a day – making it the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. Much of this increase is driven by opioids, including synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. In response to the crisis, insurance companies like BCBS are responding with new initiatives to treat opioid use disorders. Initiatives include:

  • Ensuring patients receive the right care in the right setting
  • Providing states with enough resources to address the epidemic
  • Reducing the use of opioids in emergency rooms
  • Providing Medicare and Medicaid with additional resources
  • Requiring oversight of addiction treatment facilities
  • Addressing fraud and abuse

Blue Cross Blue Shield provides addiction treatment coverage as long as it’s received at a licensed facility that practices evidence-based treatment. Montco Recovery Center is proud to accept BCBS insurance. To verify your specific plan, call our admissions coordinators at 215-398-1888. All calls are confidential and handled by our compassionate, knowledgeable coordinators.

Levels of Coverage from BCBS

Blue Cross Blue Shield has individual and family plans that fall into one of four categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum. The type of plan that you have will determine how much your insurance company will pick up. Generally speaking, the lower deductible and higher monthly payments you have, the more coverage you will get.

  • Bronze level. Bronze level plans are the lowest cost insurance plans. They are ideal for people who are young and generally healthy. The deductible is high, but monthly payments are affordable. Bronze plans usually cover 60 percent of treatment costs once the deductible is reached. You will still be responsible for copays.
  • Silver level. Silver level plans are also affordable and have slightly lower deductibles than the Bronze level. Typically, 70 percent of medical costs are covered once the deductible has been reached.
  • Gold level. Gold level plans are a great option. The payments are still reasonable, but the deductible is lower. These plans cover 80 percent of treatment costs after you reach your deductible. Copays will still be your responsibility.
  • Platinum level. Platinum level plans have high monthly premiums and low deductibles. Even though monthly payments are more, you get the most coverage with this plan. Once your deductible has been met, platinum level plans cover 90 percent.

HMOs and PPOs: How they Affect Your Coverage

Another factor to consider is whether you have an HMO or PPO insurance plan. Blue Cross Blue Shield offers both. HMO plans are generally less expensive but have a smaller network of medical providers to choose from. If you have an HMO plan, you’ll have to choose from treatment centers that are contracted with your insurance company. The good news is that the costs are usually less because of this relationship.

PPOs traditionally grant members more freedom when choosing doctors and medical providers. If you have a PPO plan, you’ll have more treatment centers to choose from, and you may have the option to choose in-network or out-of-network facilities. PPOs generally cover more of in-network facilities, but you may get some help for out-of-network ones as well. The best way to know what your insurance policy will cover is by calling them directly.

Montco Recovery Center Offers Three Levels of Care

Montco Recovery Center accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plans. We are happy to verify your insurance so that you know what benefits are covered and what you can expect to pay out of pocket. All treatments and therapies offered at our facility are evidence-based and never questioned by insurance companies. We also keep our costs down by offering partial hospitalization and outpatient programs – no inpatient programs. Because clients are not eating or sleeping at our facility, the treatment is affordably priced.

We offer three levels of care:

  • Partial hospitalization. This is our highest level of care and is recommended for those who have not received treatment. Five hours of treatment, five days a week, is recommended. Addicts must spend a minimum of 20 hours a week in treatment.
  • Intensive outpatient program. A level down from partial hospitalization, our IOP requires five hours of treatment, three days a week. Clients can start with this program or choose our IOP after partial hospitalization.
  • General outpatient. Those who have received treatment but need ongoing support will benefit from our general outpatient program. One individual and one group counseling session are offered each week.

Make the Investment in Your LIFE Today

Blue Cross Blue Shield is aware of the drug epidemic. If you have BCBS, you have options. The insurance company may cover some or all of treatment, including medical detox, hospital stays from medical problems, private or semi-private rooms, inpatient/outpatient rehab, 12 step programs, group and individual therapy, mental health treatment, aftercare services and withdrawal management medications.

Even though substance abuse treatment is an investment, it always costs less to get help than to continue using. Substance abuse costs our nation billions of dollars a year. It can lead to criminal charges, legal fees, custody disputes, decreased work performance, damaged relationships and more. Contact Montco Recovery Center at 215-398-1888 to verify your insurance and find out how much coverage you can expect from your BCBS insurance plan. All calls are confidential.