For those struggling with a substance use disorder, making the decision to reach out for help is a fraught one. One must deal with the negative stigma of drug or alcohol addiction, as well as the logistics involved in finding appropriate treatment. Meanwhile, the costs associated with addiction treatment can be exorbitant, more than enough to scare some people away from getting the help they need.
Fortunately, Detox Nashville is proud to be an in-network provider of detox and related mental health treatments with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. Thanks to its ability to work with BCBS for detox in Nashville, policy members in need of professional help can stop worrying and receive the treatment they need.
Read on to learn how the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee plan approaches treatment for substance use disorder, including detox.
What is BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee?
The 6,000 employees of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST) serve more than 3 million members, in Tennessee and across the U.S. Founded in 1945 and based in Chattanooga, the not-for-profit health insurance company has served the Volunteer State for more than 75 years.
BCBST is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. Because of this affiliation, BCBST customers can access the same network of providers while traveling or living out of state that they had when residing in Tennessee. In short, BCBST boasts a network of more than 20,000 healthcare providers to provide for its full-service health insurance policies. These providers include physicians, therapists, and specialized mental health and addiction treatment facilities.
BCBST individual health plan policies typically fall into one of three categories:
- Bronze. BCBST’s Bronze plans offer the lowest monthly premiums but with the highest co-pays and deductibles.
- Silver. Though this plan requires slightly higher monthly premiums, the deductible and copays are lower than in the bronze plan.
- Gold. Gold plan members pay the highest monthly premiums. However, they feature the lowest deductible and copays.
According to Scott Pierce, executive vice president and Chief Operating Officer of BCBST, the company paid out in 2021 a record $16.8 billion in insurance claims to its members, using 88 cents from every premium dollar to pay such claims.
Does BCBST Cover Detox?
Coverage of specific addiction treatment services like detox tends to vary, depending on the specifics of one’s plan. However, under the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010, mental and behavioral health treatments must be covered as essential benefits under all health plans—with very few exceptions. These benefits include detox, counseling and therapy, and mental health and addiction treatment.
In other words, the chances are excellent that any BCBS plan covers detox in Nashville. BCBST claims to cover most if not all of the general treatments for substance use disorder. These include detox as well as medically supervised, both of which are provided by Detox Nashville.
What is Detox?
Detox is the essential first step in recovery from substance use disorder. In detox, the patient’s body takes between three and seven days to rid itself of alcohol or drugs. In medical detox cases, medical staff may help the patient manage their withdrawal symptoms, sometimes with prescription medication. This is known as medication-assisted treatment or MAT.
Other substance use disorder treatments covered by most BCBST plans include:
- Inpatient residential treatment
- Outpatient (OP) treatment
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
- Aftercare services
While BCBST provides coverage for the treatment of substance use disorder, one should bear in mind some plans may not provide full coverage for services by out-of-network providers. Besides, what counts as substance use disorder treatment can vary depending on the member’s specific healthcare needs and what their doctor deems medically necessary. Therefore, BCBST members should reach out to a company representative for clarity.
BCBST recognizes drug and alcohol addiction are complex medical conditions. The company covers both detox and select treatments for most mental health disorders co-occurring with substance use disorders. Such disorders include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). BCBST policies reflect the idea that mental and physical health should not be separated from one another as they are both equally relevant to a member’s overall health.
Will I Have to Pay a Deductible on My BCBS Detox in Nashville?
A deductible is the amount of money BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee plan members must pay out of their own pocket before their plan starts covering medical services, including detox. A deductible can amount to a little or a lot, depending on the specifics of the plan in question.
For those who don’t anticipate racking up many medical expenses in a given year, enrollment in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) might make sense. This is because the monthly premiums on such plans are relatively low. HDHPs are well-suited to the young and healthy. They are also suited to those who can generally cover the costs surrounding unexpected medical situations, like ER visits. Meanwhile, a low deductible plan is appropriate for those who tend to accrue significant medical expenses in a given year.
Whether one must pay a deductible with BCBS for detox in Nashville depends on the type of plan. It also depends on whether the provider under consideration is in-network or out-of-network. Therefore, it’s a good idea to reach out to a BCBS representative to discuss options.
Find BCBS for Detox in Nashville, TN
You can find safe and accessible detox—including medical detox—with the help of Detox Nashville in Tennessee. We provide a supportive, caring, and healing environment. Also, we can answer most questions regarding BCBST coverage of a substance use disorder or a mental health disorder.
Find answers to your questions and start your detox treatment by contacting us today.