Blue Cross Blue Shield Drug and Alcohol Rehab Coverage

Naomi Carr
Morgan Blair
Written by Naomi Carr on 14 March 2024
Medically reviewed by Morgan Blair on 04 September 2024

Blue Cross Blue Shield provides healthcare products and services across the United States and in many countries worldwide. On this page is an overview of the drug and alcohol rehabilitation services offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield.

BlueCross BlueShield logo with a blue cross and blue shield icon.

Blue Cross Blue Shield overview

Blue Cross Blue Shield was founded in 1929 and now comprises 33 companies offering healthcare solutions and insurance plans across all 50 US states to over 115 million people. They offer a Federal Employee Program that provides coverage for over half of all US Federal employees and a Global program for people living, working, or traveling internationally.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover substance use disorder treatment?

Yes, Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance covers substance use disorder treatment. Since the Affordable Care Act was written in 2010, all health insurance providers must cover substance use disorder and mental health treatments.

Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a range of health insurance plans, which vary by state. Depending on your plan, the provider you choose, and the level of care you require, Blue Cross Blue Shield may cover some or all of your substance use disorder treatment. Using in-network providers can reduce the amount required to pay out-of-pocket.

Some health insurance plans are tiered, from bronze to platinum. Generally, the more you pay monthly, the higher the percentage of coverage you receive and the lower the deductible will be.

It is recommended to contact Blue Cross Blue Shield before commencing substance use disorder treatment, to be clear about your options and costs and understand what may be included in your plan.

What types of addiction do Blue Cross Blue Shield cover?

Typically, health insurance plans do not differ depending on the type of addiction. As such, any substance should be covered to the same level by your plan. This can include: 

For specific details about the types of addictions covered by your plan, contact Blue Cross Blue Shield for more information. 

Do they cover inpatient treatment?

Blue Cross Blue Shield does cover inpatient treatments, such as detox and rehab services. The cost that will be covered will vary depending on your plan and treatment requirements. Generally, detox treatments for benzodiazepines, alcohol, and opioid dependence will be mostly or entirely covered, as this can be dangerous and even life-threatening without proper professional support.

Additionally, your out-of-pocket costs will vary depending on the provider you choose. In-network providers will be mostly or entirely covered by your plan. Using an out-of-network provider will result in higher costs. Many providers across the US are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, so finding a nearby facility that is covered by your plan should be possible.

Do they cover medically assisted treatment?

Medically-assisted treatments, such as medical detox, may be covered by your plan if it is deemed a necessary part of treatment. This is likely to include medications for alcohol and opioid detox and may include other necessary medications and maintenance treatments. Contact Blue Cross Blue Shield for more details on medications covered by your plan. 

Medications that may be covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield include:

  • Alcohol use disorder treatments: Disulfiram, known by the brand name Antabuse, is a commonly used medication in alcohol use disorder treatment. It can help prevent relapse and maintain abstinence.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance cover outpatient treatment?

Many outpatient treatment options will be covered partially or entirely by Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance, as they are often a necessary part of treatment. Varying levels of outpatient treatment are offered depending on individual requirements. The amount of coverage may vary depending on your needs, your plan, and your treatment provider. 

What therapy, counseling, and aftercare services are covered?

Aftercare services, such as individual and group therapies, may be covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, as it is often necessary for individuals to receive ongoing care following rehab treatment. Some types of therapy may not be covered, such as creative or holistic therapies, while others may be partially or entirely covered. Contact Blue Cross Blue Shield for more information.

Substance use disorder recovery is often more successful with ongoing interventions and mental health support. Evidence-based treatments include:

Blue Cross Blue Shield also offers virtual support to members, called Teladoc, via telephone, online, or an app. Members can contact Teladoc about their mental health and substance use disorders and professionals can offer advice and support in managing symptoms, finding treatment services, and understanding costs.

FAQs

What length of treatment do they cover?

Blue Cross Blue Shield does not specify a limit on the length of covered treatment. The amount of coverage you receive will vary depending on your treatment needs, your plan, and your treatment provider. Longer treatments may require more out-of-pocket payments.

How can I contact them to find out more?

You can contact Blue Cross Blue Shield by calling the number on the back of your ID card, logging in to your account on your local Blue Cross Blue Shield company’s website, or searching for your plan by entering the first three characters of your ID number found on your membership card.

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Resources:

  1. Blue Cross Blue Shield. (2024). The Blue Cross Blue Shield System. BCBS. Retrieved from
  2. Abraham, A.J., Andrews, C.M., Grogan, C.M., D'Aunno, T., Humphreys, K.N., Pollack, H.A., & Friedmann, P.D. (2017). The Affordable Care Act Transformation of Substance Use Disorder Treatment. American Journal of Public Health, 107(1), 31–32.
  3. Blue Cross Blue Shield. (2024). Our Plans. BCBS. Retrieved from
  4. Blue Cross Blue Shield. (2024). What's the Difference Between Bronze, Silver and Gold Plans? BCBS. Retrieved from
  5. Sharp, A. (Updated 2024). Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Coverage for Rehab Treatment. American Addiction Centers. Retrieved from
  6. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (Updated 2024). Medications for Substance Use Disorders. SAMHSA. Retrieved from
  7. drugs.com. (Updated 2023). Suboxone. Retrieved from
  8. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2009). Chapter 3 – Disulfiram. In Incorporating Alcohol Pharmacotherapies Into Medical Practice. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 49.). Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from
  9. National Institute of Mental Health. (Reviewed 2023). Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders. NIMH. Retrieved from
  10. Blue Cross Blue Shield. (2024). Mental Health. BCBS. Retrieved from
  11. Blue Cross Blue Shield. (2024). Contact Us. BCBS. Retrieved from

Activity History - Last updated: 04 September 2024, Published date:


Reviewer

Morgan Blair

MA, LPC

Morgan is a mental health counselor who works alongside individuals of all backgrounds struggling with eating disorders. Morgan is freelance mental health and creative writer who regularly contributes to publications including, Psychology Today.

Activity History - Medically Reviewed on 09 March 2024 and last checked on 04 September 2024

Medically reviewed by
Morgan Blair

MA, LPC

Morgan Blair

Reviewer

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