Rehabs That Accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Insurance
The state of Michigan is in the midst of a fierce and pervasive substance abuse epidemic. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that there were more than 2,033 opioid-related overdose fatalities in 2017, representing the latest in a cycle of escalation each year. That same year, Michigan doctors wrote 74 opioid prescriptions for every 100 people in the state. Overall drug overdose deaths in the state increased by nearly 14 percent in one year. In addition to this epidemic of drug-related fatality, excessive drinking causes Michiganders more than eight billion dollars per year, according to data from the CDC.
In response to the rampant and escalating surge of substance use–related death and injury plaguing the state, Michigan’s health insurance apparatus has ramped up efforts to provide affordable and accessible treatment, and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Michigan is one of the entities leading that charge. BCBS of Michigan provides coverage for a wide array of behavioral health services, including substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring mental illness, exclusively for Michigan’s vulnerable population. The organization also offers Medicare and Medicaid-based services through its Blue Cross Complete insurance plan.
BCBS of Michigan Plan Types
BCBS of Michigan offers a full range of health maintenance organization (HMO) and preferred partner organization (PPO) plan types to help members with all healthcare needs. HMO insurance plans filter most if not all medical needs through one primary care physician via referrals and specialization. PPO plans offer more flexibility and let members find their own care providers. Addiction treatment is usually administered through PPO plans to work with different care providers in Michigan keep costs down. BCBS of Michigan’s Blue Care Network (BCN) plans cover or help pay for mental health and SUD services. They’re part of your behavioral health coverage.
Before getting mental health care, counseling, or SUD services, call the behavioral or mental health pre-authorization number on the back of your Blue Cross ID card. We’ll help you get the information you need. All BCN HMO plans require pre-authorization; some BCBS of Michigan PPO plans require pre-authorization, but not all. Check your mental health care and substance use treatment coverage. When providers need pre-authorization, they’ll contact us to get it.
Rehab Services Covered by Horizon BCBS of Michigan
The exact scope of services covered by BCBS of Michigan insurance plans varies based on plan type.
However, some of the services covered often include:
- Acute detox. When deemed medically necessary with pre-authorization, BCBS of Michigan will cover medically supervised detox and withdrawal management to help patients manage the acute symptoms of their SUD. These detox programs are typically residential treatment programs that last from three to seven days and may be totally or partially covered, depending upon patients’ tiers of insurance. Detox can be offered as a stand-alone service or as part of a comprehensive treatment program.
- Behavioral rehab. BCBS of Michigan plans will often cover some level of behavioral rehabilitation to help patients address the psychological and lifestyle factors associated with their SUD. These plans can take a variety of forms, including inpatient and residential, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and more. Rehab usually consists of group therapy, one-on-one counseling, supplemental therapies, and more.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Authorization of opioid use disorder maintenance drugs like buprenorphine (Suboxone), methadone, and naltrexone (Vivitrol). BCN is piloting a MAT incentive program this year for BCN providers. It targets providers who practice in counties that have a high degree of need and a low number of providers who treat opioid use disorder.
- Ongoing support services. Part of any addiction recovery regimen is maintaining an investment in the treatment of related physical and behavioral issues. This is why BCBS of Michigan often covers follow-up physicians’ appointments, drug screenings, and psychotherapy. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that relapse rates for drug addiction are between 40 and 60 percent. Part of this is because patients often lack the necessary follow-up resources to maintain their recovery.
Start Looking for Rehabs that Accept BCBS of Michigan Today
If you’re one of the thousands living in Michigan struggling with drug or alcohol use disorder, and are covered by BCBS, it’s time to start leveraging your insurance coverage toward a better tomorrow and future. There are hundreds of rehabs in the state of Michigan that accept BCBS insurance plans. The process of getting help starts with browsing our database of treatment centers to find the option that’s best for you or your loved one then conducting an insurance verification with the help of an admissions coordinator from your prospective facility.
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