California Blue Cross Blue Shield Covered Alcohol Treatment Facilities

Blue Cross Blue Shield is one of the largest health insurance providers in the United States. Individuals in California that are covered by BCBS have access to different types of alcohol treatment facilities. Alcohol addiction is a serious problem, and without proper help, the addiction becomes progressively worse. Families should take advantage of their private health insurance to cover some of the costs of alcohol rehab. Blue Cross Blue Shield plans offer different coverage levels, and each service is covered at a specific percentage of each plan. Overall, every plan with BCBS is uniquely tailored to the policyholder.

For example, some plans may require the alcohol rehab center to be in-network to provide all coverage levels. Health Maintenance Organization plans offer in-network providers, whereas Preferred Provider Organization plans tend to offer more selection for alcohol rehab. The rehabilitation process for alcohol addiction usually begins with a medically supervised detox. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms do become severe and even life-threatening in some cases. The next phase of alcohol treatment involves attending a residential or outpatient alcohol rehab program. Residential alcohol addiction treatment is usually the better option because the alcoholic lives at the facility during treatment. It is also important to consider aftercare support, and BCBS health insurance plans may cover most of these options.  

How Does Private Health Insurance Cover Drug Rehab in California?

Almost all Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plans include treatment for substance abuse and addiction. The amount of coverage for alcohol rehab depends on the policy. Some BCBS companies have contracted with alcohol treatment providers to offer services to insured individuals. The individual plans usually include Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum and all plans include addiction treatment benefits. Most plans cover at least some portion of alcohol rehab, depending on the plan. Typically, the first step is to contact the Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance provider in California and determine what alcohol rehab options are provided within the network or out of the network. There may be a co-insurance or co-pay option required by the insurance company or alcohol rehab center.

It is also important to contact the alcohol rehab center in California and find out the process for accepting health insurance based on the plan. Bronze plans usually have a minimum deductible and are associated with in-network providers. Silver plans have a deductible and co-pay option, yet out-of-network providers may not be covered. Gold plans have deductible and co-pay options that are usually less than the silver plan. Platinum plans offer in-network alcohol treatment plans, and some out-of-network addiction treatment is covered. Overall, plans vary, and it is important to speak to the health insurance provider and the addiction treatment center.

What Type of Drug Rehab Does Health Insurance Cover in California?

Generally, Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance plans cover alcohol rehab programs in California. The specifics of coverage depend on the plan, but most BCBS health insurance policies cover some portion of outpatient treatment, residential alcohol rehab, partial hospitalization, and acute inpatient hospital care. However, there could be some restrictions regarding residential drug rehab, and with most alcohol rehab, there still could be an out-of-pocket cost. Health insurance plans may also cover family counseling or individual counseling. Someone struggling with an alcohol addiction would benefit from a hospital inpatient or medical detox as most of this could be covered by BCBS.

Family Intervention for Drug Addiction in California

Many families in California that are struggling with a loved one addicted to alcohol may not know where to start to get them help. Usually, the best option is to contact a professional family interventionist and hire their services. The purpose of a family intervention is to help the alcoholic understand how their addiction has impacted their life and the life of their family. Alcohol intervention can be difficult, yet with the help of a professional, they are successful. A family intervention is usually a two-day process, and the first day is spent with the family planning the intervention. Everything is organized, such as who is in attendance, where it takes place, and when.

The family writes down and rehearse what is to be said by each intervention member and what the consequences are if their loved one declines treatment. Most people struggling with alcohol addiction are unwilling to accept help and require professional intervention. Moreover, certified interventionists help families locate suitable alcohol rehabilitation programs in California. If the family is accessing alcohol rehab through their Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance plan, an interventionist will help the family with the admission process. Overall, the process happens quickly, and this is to ensure the drug-addicted family member does not have time to back out from going to rehabilitation. If the alcohol-addicted family member says no to treatment, the family is coached to stand firm and follow through with the consequences.  

Health Insurance for Drug Rehab and Drug Addiction Trends in California

According to the California Health Care Foundation, approximately 93% of California residents are enrolled in private or public health insurance coverage. Roughly 1.7 million people are enrolled in Blue Cross Blue Shield through group plans and 3 million through private health insurance plans. Overall, the uninsured rate in California has fallen from 17% to 7.1%, and the number of uninsured in the state has dropped by 3.7 million. Approximately 1.5 million California residents get their health insurance coverage through Covered California.

Additionally, around 12.5 million residents in the state are covered by Medi-Cal, and California built on the Affordable Care Act to further expand access to health coverage. People struggling with alcohol addiction can access treatment services through their health insurance plans. Within the state of California, alcohol use disorder was more prevalent than other types of addiction. Approximately 6% of California residents reported meeting the criteria for alcohol dependence. Unfortunately, alcohol addiction in the state accounted for more nonfatal emergency department visits than all other drug diagnoses combined.

Sources-
California Health Care Foundation. 2018 Edition—Substance Use in California. October 3, 2018, https://www.chcf.org/publication/2018-edition-substance-use-california/

California Health Care Foundation. How Many in Your Area Are Covered by the Affordable Care Act? September 24, 2020. https://www.chcf.org/publication/how-many-your-area-are-covered-affordable-care-act/

California Health Care Foundation. Health Insurance in California: A Recent History. December 17, 2018. https://www.chcf.org/publication/health-insurance-california-recent-history/