Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Opioid Detox Coverage
Opioid drugs are highly addictive and, once an individual has become dependent on these drugs, it can be very difficult to discontinue use without a substance abuse treatment program. Opioid drugs include heroin, as well as prescription painkiller medications such as morphine, OxyContin and Percocet. Opioids reduce the intensity of pain signals that reach the brain and impact the parts of the brain responsible for controlling emotion. Opioid detox can be a difficult and painful process with potentially life-threatening complications. When selecting a treatment program, the availability of medically supervised detox is an important consideration.
How Blue Cross and Blue Shield Opioid Detox Coverage Works
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a network of 37 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance companies. If you or a loved on have health insurance through a Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance company, then this insurance will provide access to 96% of all nationwide hospitals, including their inpatient drug detox treatment programs. Copayment and coinsurance amounts may vary depending on the type of insurance plan you hold; for example, a “Bronze Level” plan may require a higher copayment or out-of-pocket deductible to be met when compared with a “Gold level” plan. However, all plans will provide access to inpatient opioid detox treatment programs at a special rate pre-negotiated by Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Some treatment programs use methadone to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce craving in opioid-addicted individuals. Methadone can also block the effects of opioids. Methadone maintenance treatment programs are only available through specially licensed opioid treatment centers and programs. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association opioid detox coverage does provide coverage for these treatment programs. Research shows that methadone maintenance is most effective when combined with individuals and/or group counseling. Consequently, in addition to selecting an opioid addiction treatment program that include medically-supervised detox, if methadone maintenance will be part of the treatment, it is also important to choose a program that includes ongoing outpatient care.
If you or a loved one could benefit from Blue Cross and Blue Shield opioid detox coverage, the first step is to talk with a trained addiction treatment adviser. A trained adviser can provide more information about the different treatment options and answer questions about your coverage. Call [number]to speak with one of our trained advisers today.