Blue Cross Blue Shield Tennessee Coverage for Opioid Detox & Rehab Centers

The opioid epidemic affects millions of families across the United States, including Tennessee. Opioids are a class of highly addictive prescription and illegal substances, including heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine.^{1 what are opioids} In 2020, about 70,000 Tennesseans struggled with opioid addiction.^{2 intro} Synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, have been responsible for a significant number of overdose deaths nationwide.^{2 intro} From January to March 2022, 79% of fatal drug overdoses in Tennessee involved fentanyl. ^{3 p. 1 Suspected Fatal Drug Overdoses}

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee understands the importance of addressing the opioid epidemic and providing appropriate treatment options for its members. All BCBS of Tennessee healthcare plans provide at least some coverage for behavioral health services, including substance abuse treatment.⁴

If you are a loved one is ready to seek treatment for opioid addiction, some, if not all, of the costs of rehab and other therapeutic interventions like medical detox, outpatient programs, and behavioral therapies could be covered under your BCBS of Tennessee policy. Hundreds of in-network rehab centers are available throughout Tennessee.⁵

What Does BCBS of Tennessee Insurance Cover for Opioid Treatment?

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee insurance covers several evidence-based opioid treatment services that aid in promoting long-term recovery. Everyone is different, and treatment depends on the specific person. Still, opioid addiction is typically treated with a combination of therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or motivational interviewing, along with medication-assisted treatment (MAT).^{6 Recovery is possible}

Based on your specific policy, you could receive BCBS of Tennessee coverage nationwide for a portion, if not all, of the costs for the following:

• Screenings and interventions. Mental health professionals use screenings and interventions to grasp the severity of your addiction and recommend the best methods for effective treatment.^{7 p. 18 How do we get more substance-abusing people into treatment?}
• Medical detox. Detox is a necessary first step when treating opioid addiction. Harmful substances need to be eliminated from your body when opioid use ceases. Medical professionals administered medications to stop cravings and aid in the withdrawal process.^{7 p. 32 Types of Treatment Programs}
• Inpatient and residential rehab. Inpatient and residential rehab can be very helpful for those with opioid addictions. Inpatient rehab provides a safe space to live and build healthy coping skills while in recovery, promoting long-term sobriety. Most standard programs last between 30 and 90 days.^{7 p. 33-34}
• Outpatient rehab. Outpatient rehabs are a great choice for treating mild to moderate addictions while living at home. With similar treatments as inpatient rehab, like medical detox and therapy, you can develop coping skills to fight addiction triggers and prevent relapse.^{7 p. 35}
• Behavioral therapies. A combination of behavioral interventions and medication is often used to treat opioid addiction.^{6 Recovery is possible} Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) effectively treats substance use disorder by helping patients change their behaviors through learning what triggers drug use.^{7 p. 10-11 What is drug addiction treatment?}
• Treatment for co-occurring disorders. When someone struggles with addiction along with a mental health illness, it’s called a co-occurring disorder or “dual diagnosis.”^{8 intro} Nearly half of the 21 million people fighting addiction also suffer from a mental illness.^{8 intro} Mental health professionals recommend treating both issues simultaneously for the most effective results.^{8 what should I do?}

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee offers a variety of BlueCare plans covering individuals and families, employers, Medicare options, and Medicaid.^{9 See what plans we offer} All BCBS of Tennessee healthcare plans cover mental health and substance abuse treatment.⁴ Members can contact mental health specialists for information, consultations, and referrals for addiction treatment services. This includes coverage for MAT, which is often vital to treating opioid addiction. More than 1,300 opioid rehab centers and mental health specialists nationwide accept BCBS of Tennessee.¹⁰

What BCBS of Tennessee does not cover for Opioid Treatment?

At least a portion of the costs for most standard evidence-based psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy treatments for opioid addiction are covered under your BCBS of Tennessee insurance. Like most insurance companies, BCBS of Tennessee coverage often depends on whether the treatment is deemed medically necessary and appropriate for care.

Supplemental accommodations and non-medical amenities, like holistic care services, recreation programs, food delivery, private treatment services, and alternative therapies, are often offered by luxury or private rehabs. These services are beneficial for additional support and making the recovery journey as comfortable as possible, but often aren’t considered necessary to achieve sobriety. Thus, most of these services won’t be covered under BCBS of Tennessee insurance plans.

What Is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee?

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee is an independent branch of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, providing local, community healthcare resources to its members across Tennessee.¹¹ With different plans like BlueCare and TennCareSelect, members receive various benefits, including prescription coverage, well-care checkups, and physical and behavioral health emergency care.^{12 BlueCare Tennessee benefits overview} All BCBS of Tennessee members receive mental health and substance abuse treatment benefits.^{12 BlueCare Tennessee benefits overview}

How Much Does Opioid Rehab Cost?

Many factors contribute to the cost of opioid rehab besides your specific insurance policy. The treatment center you choose, the services they offer, and how long you remain in treatment all affect how much you’ll pay for opioid rehab. Choosing an inpatient or residential rehab is generally more expensive than outpatient programs. A standard residential rehab is often less expensive than a luxury or private inpatient rehab, with exclusive amenities like maid service, recreational rooms, and alternative therapies.

The intensity and duration of your treatment also affect cost. Everyone is unique, and no one treatment will work for all.^{7 p. 5 #2} Individualized treatment plans, developed to address your specific needs, are often most effective in promoting long-term recovery.^{7 p. 5 #2} Based on the severity of your addiction and where you are in your recovery journey, specific services and time in treatment will be recommended. As you spend more time in treatment, costs will continue to increase.

The following costs are estimates based on research studies and costs reported by different rehab facilities. To find out specific prices, it’s best to contact the facility you’re interested in.

Cost of Inpatient Opioid Rehab

Prices for inpatient opioid rehab can differ based on several factors, including the duration of your treatment, the facility you choose, and your location. These factors and limited research make it hard to determine the average cost for inpatient rehab. A 2008 study found that a standard 30-day inpatient opioid program averaged about $6,000.^{13 p. 3.2 Cost band estimates table 2}

For a 30-day luxury program, prices were about $20,000. The cost for longer stays of 60 to 90 days ranged widely from $12,000 to $60,000.^{13 p. 3.2 Cost band estimates table 2} Needless to say, these prices have increased since then, so it’s best to contact the rehab you’re interested in for specific pricing.

Cost of Outpatient Opioid Rehab

Outpatient opioid rehab is helpful for those with mild to moderate addictions and can often be more affordable than inpatient rehab. The same 2008 study listed the average cost for a standard 3-month outpatient program as $5,000.^{13 p. 3.2 Cost band estimates table 2} Prices for well-renowned programs increased to about $10,000.

Again, these costs have increased since then, so it’s best to check directly with the rehab you’re interested in attending for information on specific costs. How often you attend treatment and for how long also determine how much you’ll pay.

Cost of Opioid Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), or day treatment programs, provide similar services as inpatient rehabs but allow you to live at home and attend treatment daily. The price of PHPs differs and has increased, but in 2008, the average cost of an opioid PHP was between $375 and $500 weekly.¹⁴

Cost of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT is often a pillar in treating opioid addiction.^{6 Recovery is possible} Medications like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone are administered to those in recovery to prevent withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and normalize brain chemistry.^{6 Recovery is possible} The price of MAT can differ based on the duration of treatment and medication prescribed, but the average price in 2017 was between $6,000 to $15,000 a year.¹⁵

Opioid Rehab vs. the Cost of Opioid Addiction

It can be difficult to figure out how to afford opioid rehab, but you shouldn’t let this deter you from seeking treatment. The cost of opioid addiction is far more damaging to your finances and other critical aspects of your life than the cost of rehab. Leaving opioid addiction untreated can cause you to deplete your finances, destroy relationships with family and loved ones, and put your life and others at risk. Many face significant struggles and losses due to opioid addiction, like homelessness and legal issues.

When you factor in the cost of addiction over time, the price is way higher than the cost of opioid treatment. Investing in opioid rehab heightens your chances of achieving a happier, healthier lifestyle through long-term sobriety. Understanding what’s covered under your BCBS of Tennessee insurance can ease some of the stress related to financing rehab and help you find a suitable program.

What Length of Opioid Rehab Does BCBS of Tennessee Cover?

Although everyone is different, mental health professionals agree that longer treatment times are generally the most effective in promoting long-term recovery.^{7 p.5 #5} Remaining in treatment as long as necessary gives you ample time to recover from your addiction and learn new coping skills to handle difficult situations without relapsing.^{7 p.5 #5} Research shows treatment for less than 90 days has limited effectiveness, and many fighting opioid addictions benefit most from at least 12 months of MAT.^{7 p. 16 How long does drug addiction treatment usually last?}

If you’re wondering how long BCBS of Tennessee healthcare plans cover opioid rehab, call the number on the back of your insurance card or contact American Addiction Centers (AAC) for assistance. Since there are so many different types of policies and tiers of coverage, the length of time covered by your insurance will be based on your specific plan.

Choosing between BCBS of Tennessee Inpatient vs. Outpatient Opioid Rehab Centers

It may be tough to decide whether inpatient or outpatient rehab is the best option for you. Outpatient rehab centers are often helpful for those with mild to moderate opioid addiction. Inpatient rehab is particularly useful for those with severe addictions, but people with mild to moderate addictions can also benefit greatly.

Inpatient rehab provides an atmosphere to focus on recovery without distractions from everyday life. The severe mental health effects and withdrawal symptoms of detoxing from opioids can be dangerous and difficult to endure without medications and constant supervision.^{7 p. 32 Types of Treatment Programs} With inpatient rehab, access to high-quality care is available 24/7 with support and assistance from mental health professionals.

Opioid addiction inpatient programs also offer a supportive space geared toward your specific needs. You’ll be able to connect with others in recovery while participating in group therapy and support groups. Groups like these help members hold each other accountable and cheer each other on in difficult times.

How to Use BCBS of Tennessee Insurance for Opioid Rehab?

It’s easy to use your BCBS of Tennessee insurance for opioid rehab. Consult your primary care physician or an in-network mental health professional to find a suitable rehab program. When you find a program that’s a good fit, you can determine your ability to use insurance by working with the rehab to verify your coverage.

How to Find Opioid Rehabs That Accept BCBS of Tennessee Insurance

AAC can verify your insurance coverage and help you find opioid rehabs that accept BCBS of Tennessee insurance. Reach out through online chat or call our helpline to speak directly with a representative who can check your benefits for you, right while you’re on the phone. Hundreds of people attend rehab financed through BCBS of Tennessee every year.

With AAC, you can access some of the top treatment centers in the nation. Our facilities provide high-quality evidence-based treatment services, specialized programs, and alternative therapies. If you’re ready to embark on your journey to recovery, AAC is here to help.

Rehabs That Take Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance 

American Addiction Centers (AAC) has various rehab facilities around the country that provide drug and alcohol addiction treatment. If you have a Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plan, the following AAC facilities accept Blue Cross Blue Shield for drug and alcohol addiction rehab.

• AdCare Rhode Island: With various facilities located in Rhode Island, AdCare provides innovative, quality, and cost-efficient addiction treatment. Its integrated system of care offers an inpatient treatment center in North Kingstown and a network of outpatient offices throughout Rhode Island. AdCare’s continuum of care includes detox services, residential treatment dual-diagnosis treatment, intensive outpatient services, inpatient and outpatient services, and tele-health.
• Desert Hope Treatment Center: Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, Desert Hope provides individualized care programs as well as offering a full continuum of care including detox services, residential treatment dual-diagnosis treatment, intensive outpatient services, and tele-health.
• Greenhouse Treatment Center: Located in Grand Prairie, Texas, Greenhouse offers individualized treatment plans and many levels of care including detox services, residential treatment, dual-diagnosis treatment, intensive outpatient services, outpatient services, and tele-health, all in a luxurious setting with high-end amenities.
• Laguna Treatment Hospital: Located in Orange County, California, Laguna is a chemical dependency recovery hospital that focuses on treating people who are medically compromised and need 24/7 oversight. Provided care includes detox services, residential treatment, dual-diagnosis treatment inpatient treatment, and intensive outpatient services.
• Oxford Treatment Center: Located in Etta, Mississippi, Oxford offers gender-specific rehab while offering an opportunity to connect with nature and try new activities. Provided care includes detox, residential treatment, dual-diagnosis treatment, inpatient and outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient services, and tele-health, all with individualized treatment programs.
• Sunrise House Treatment Center: Located in Lafayette Township, New Jersey, Sunrise House provides treatment for people suffering from substance abuse from a medical and holistic standpoint. With various evidence-based therapeutic interventions, personalized care is provided through detox, residential treatment, dual-diagnosis treatment, and outpatient services.

There are various treatment programs for individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, so don’t give up if the first program you check out doesn’t meet your individual needs. There are rehabs near me that can provide the treatment you need. Check out the directory to find a list of facilities and programs. You can search by location and filter by Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance.