CareFirst Bluecross Blueshield Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers Coverage in Washington, DC

Edited by: Editorial Staff
Last updated on May 23, 2022

Does CareFirst BCBS Insurance Cover Inpatient Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers?

As the self-proclaimed most extensive health plan in the Mid-Atlantic region, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield provides easy-to-use and affordable quality care to residents in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Northern Virginia.1 All individual medical plans offered through CareFirst BCBS are Affordable Care Act compliant. These plans cover various core health benefits, including preventive care, emergency services, drug addiction treatment, and mental health treatment.2

The easiest way to verify your coverage is by calling the number on the back of your insurance card. A customer representative can answer frequently asked questions about your coverage. They can help you navigate your policy details and explain the benefits covered by your plan.

In addition, most rehab centers can also check your insurance coverage information. Call us at to speak with an admissions navigator, or use our insurance verification form to learn more about your coverage.

How To Find CareFirst BCBS-Covered Inpatient Drug Treatment Centers

At American Addiction Centers (AAC), we offer CareFirst BCBS addiction treatment services for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues. To learn more about AAC’s treatment options, please call our helpline at for information on various treatment plans. Or you can verify your insurance by filling out this form.

In 2020, over 4 million people aged 12 and older in the United States received treatment for illicit drug or alcohol use.3, table 5.9A CareFirst BCBS serves over 3.5 million members, giving them access to 1.7 million U.S. providers.1 If you or someone you love needs substance abuse treatment, you can utilize your insurance to get the help you need.

AAC has highly ranked rehab facilities near the Maryland, DC, and Virginia areas, that accept CareFirst BCBS. There are also public rehab centers within the Mid-Atlantic region, which you can search using BCBS’s Substance Use Resource Center search feature.4

What Is CareFirst BCBS Insurance?

CareFirst is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association.1 It’s a not-for-profit healthcare company with an extensive portfolio of health insurance plans.1 The company serves employers, providers, members, and communities by delivering accessible and affordable healthcare solutions.1 CareFirst BCBS has over 300 partnerships with regional non-profit organizations and a network of over 1.7 million providers to offer one of the largest medical, dental, and vision insurance networks.1

CareFirst BCBS has at least 12 in-network rehab centers throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia, providing intensive outpatient care.5 They also count on inpatient residential treatment centers that can help you get the care you need. Resources are widely available to help you coordinate your care, including health coaching, care coordination, and hospital transition care programs.5

Through CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, members can also access opioid treatment services in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia.6 Over 15 in-network opioid treatment providers can be found in their opioid treatment resource guide, providing treatment throughout their service areas.6

What States Does CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Cover?

CareFirst offers its services nationwide.1 However, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield extends its services throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland, and portions of Virginia, including the cities of Alexandria and Fairfax, the town of Vienna, Arlington County, and areas of Fairfax and Prince William counties in Virginia east of Route 123.7

Does CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Cover Alcohol Addiction Treatment?

CareFirst members have benefits that include access to behavioral health programs, including resources and professionals to help treat drug and alcohol addiction.

How Much Does CareFirst BCBS Cover (Addiction Treatment)?

Regarding addiction treatment, CareFirst BCBS may cover some or all of the cost for intensive outpatient or residential rehab.2. They also offer personalized programs to help find the treatment you need based on the substance of abuse and your unique situation. CareFirst’s support team can help you find rehab centers that:5

  • Provide individualized treatment that fits your schedule.
  • Provide counselors who can help you overcome triggers in your daily life.
  • Connect you with community settings outside a hospital or residential facility to improve outcomes and lower costs.
  • Educate you and your doctors on addiction’s causes, signs, and treatment options.

Substance abuse treatment occurs in either inpatient or outpatient settings.8 Each setting varies widely by cost, and the exact coverage will depend on your specific insurance policy benefits. The most common types of substance use disorder treatment include:8

Detoxification treatment programs: Medication-assisted detox programs provide patients with a safe and supportive environment to safely withdraw from substances. In this treatment setting, medical professionals may use prescription medications to manage and minimize the effects of withdrawal symptoms to help patients feel comfortable during the detoxifying process.

Inpatient/residential rehab: This type of treatment involves around-the-clock monitoring and treatment provided by medical staff. It focuses on detoxifying addictive substances while providing psychological support to manage withdrawal symptoms. Residential treatment is a live-in facility catering to individuals with serious substance use disorders who need ongoing support and a more structured treatment program.

Outpatient rehab/therapy: Outpatient treatments vary in intensity and the services offered. More flexible programs allow patients to live at home while attending therapy for approximately 10–12 hours per week.

Intensive outpatient programs (IOP): An IOP facility requires patients to attend treatment for a minimum of 9 hours per week. These rehab programs are more intensive than typical outpatient programs, yet patients are allowed to live at home or in a sober living facility while attending treatment.

Partial hospitalization program (PHP): This treatment setting is for patients transitioning from a residential or hospital setting in the early stages of treatment. PHPs may offer a full range of services but allow patients to have greater flexibility in terms of scheduling.

Does CareFirst BCBS Cover Alcohol and Drug Detox Programs?

Yes. Depending on your insurance policy, your CareFirst BCBS insurance may cover all or some of the costs associated with alcohol and drug detox programs.

Does CareFirst BlueCross Blue Shield Provide Coverage for Mental Health Treatment Facilities?

Over 9 million American adults have a co-occurring disorder.9 Co-occurring disorders occur simultaneously when someone has a substance use disorder and mental health condition.9 The most common co-occurring disorders include major depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders.9

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) lists substance use disorders and mental health as part of the 10 essential benefits covered by insurance.10 This leads to more people becoming eligible for rehab and co-occurring disorder treatment, also known as dual diagnosis.

In addition, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) requires health insurance providers to include benefits for mental health treatments in the same way they provide coverage for medical care.11

As a CareFirst BCBS member, you have access to providers and behavioral health resources if you or a loved one live with a mental health condition or substance use disorder.2

Does CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Cover Addiction Treatment Therapies?

Substance abuse is recognized as a brain disorder.12 CareFirst BCBS covers addiction treatment therapies at various rehab centers. The most common type of therapy used in addiction treatment is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).13 People in CBT learn how to identify and correct maladaptive behaviors by focusing on different skills that can help stop drug abuse and address a range of co-occurring mental health problems.13

Other behavioral therapies include contingency management (CM), which involves presenting patients with tangible rewards to reinforce positive behaviors, such as sobriety.13 CM may help people with alcohol, stimulants, opioids, marijuana, and nicotine addictions.13

Furthermore, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) fosters emotional regulation, mindfulness, and stress tolerance.13 It focuses on acceptance strategies by validating patients as they are. DBT is often used in conjunction with CBT and other behavioral therapies.13

Does CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Cover Couples Therapy for Drug Treatment?

As a CareFirst member, your benefits include access to mental health service programs.18 With their CareFirst Video Visit, you can visit with a therapist or psychologist ready to help you with couples therapy during your drug addiction treatment program.18

How Long Does CareFirst BCBS Insurance Cover Alcohol and Drug Rehab Programs?

Your insurance may only cover specific treatment lengths. Research has shown that residential treatment participation should be 90 days or more for the best outcomes.14 And 12 months is considered the minimum for maintenance treatment, while some may benefit from maintenance for many years to prevent relapse.14

Since CareFirst BCBS has multiple policies and coverage tiers, the length of time covered by your insurance depends on your specific plans. It’s best to verify your insurance information by calling the number on the back of your insurance card. You can also contact us at to speak with an admissions navigator and learn more about your insurance coverage.

What If My CareFirst BCBS Policy Does Not Cover an Inpatient Drug Rehab Program?

Even if your CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield policy does not cover inpatient drug rehab programs, you can still get financial assistance to receive treatment. Many rehab facilities provide scholarships to obtain treatment.

In addition, drug rehab facilities tend to provide financing options to help people receive the help they need. There are also state-funded or no-cost facilities funded by not-for-profit organizations, the federal government, or local governments. However, space tends to be limited in these facilities.

Financial barriers, such as not being able to afford the cost of treatment, are one of the many reasons why those in need don’t seek substance abuse disorder treatment.15 Nonetheless, it is vital to ask about financial alternatives to receive the treatment and care you need to live your best life.

CareFirst BCBS In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Inpatient Rehab Centers

CareFirst BCBS covers drug treatment programs through in-network providers. When a doctor, hospital, or treatment facility accepts your insurance, they’re in-network.16 On the flip side, facilities, doctors, and providers that don’t take your plan are considered out-of-network.16

In-network drug rehab centers agree to accept the insurance’s approved tier services.16 Most likely, your plan will pay for all or at least most of the costs associated with treatment.16 Out-of-network providers don’t accept the insurance’s approved amounts, and you’ll likely be responsible for paying the difference between the provider’s full charge and your plan’s approved amount.16

Over the years, CareFirst BCBS has expanded its network of specialized addiction recovery centers to provide highly individualized treatment, relapse prevention, and medication-assisted treatment in its service areas.17

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.

How To Verify CareFirst BCBS Insurance Coverage for Rehab Centers

If you are uncertain whether a drug rehab center will accept your insurance provider, check with the facility, call your insurance provider, or contact AAC to validate your insurance coverage. AAC can verify your insurance coverage over the phone or, if you prefer, online.

All you need is the information on your insurance card, and our admissions navigators can check your insurance benefits. These navigators can help you decide which CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield rehab center will be the right choice for your recovery journey.

CareFirst BCBS serves more than 3.4 million members.2 They’ve also invested over $1.5 million in programs and initiatives explicitly designed to address opioid use, addiction, and related issues.17 In addition, they have developed a behavioral health and substance use disorder program. These members seeking rehab services are assessed and connected to trained clinicians to identify health providers who can assist with access to treatment and help coordinate care.17

American Addiction Centers has rehab facilities that provide excellent drug and alcohol addiction treatment across the country. If you have a CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield insurance plan, various AAC facilities accept it for drug and alcohol addiction rehab.

These facilities provide individualized treatment programs, offering the highest level of care, integrated care systems, and high-end amenities. AAC rehab facilities provide quality and cost-efficient addiction treatments, including detox services, residential treatment, dual-diagnosis treatment, intensive outpatient services, inpatient and outpatient services, and telehealth.

Does CareFirst BCBS Cover MAT (Methadone Assisted Treatment)?

Yes. CareFirst BCBS works with opioid treatment partners providing medication-assisted treatment and counseling services.6 Methadone maintenance treatment benefits are also covered for outpatient services. When rendered in outpatient mental health and substance abuse settings, prior authorization is not required for administering methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone.19