Does Anthem BCBS of Connecticut Insurance Cover Inpatient Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers?

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) of Connecticut provides coverage for members who attend alcohol and drug rehab centers. BCBS Connecticut integrates behavioral health care benefits into medical plans to offer members a full spectrum of coordinated care.¹ Depending on your specific plan, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Connecticut will provide at least partial coverage for drug and alcohol addiction treatments if this company is your health insurance provider.¹

Before you enter an inpatient rehab center, it’s important to be aware of exactly what your health insurance plan covers. Rehab centers can check your health insurance coverage for you quickly and easily. Call to speak with an admissions navigator, who will verify your insurance coverage for you and answer all of your questions about substance use disorder treatments.

Or call the number on the back of your insurance card to speak with an Anthem BCBS of Connecticut customer service representative. Ask the representative for details about what your plan covers for addiction treatments, and the representative can tell you about what’s covered and what you can expect to pay out of pocket.

How to Find Anthem BCBS of Connecticut Covered Inpatient Drug Treatment Centers in CT?

In 2020, 49,110 Connecticut residents entered a treatment center for help with alcohol and/or drug addiction.² This number reflects only a small percentage of people living in the state who struggle with substance use disorders. Statistics show that only 1 in 10 people with substance use disorder will receive any type of treatment.³

In 2020, 1,372 people died from an accidental drug overdose in Connecticut—a staggering 14.3% higher than the previous year.⁴ The drug crisis is so serious in Connecticut that residents are more likely to die from an unintentional overdose than they are from a motor vehicle accident.⁵

As part of an ongoing effort to support the health and wellness of their members, Anthem BCBS of Connecticut provides coverage for members with substance use disorders, helping make life-saving treatment accessible for those who need it.

Out of the 210 addiction treatment facilities in Connecticut, 175 accept private health insurance plans as a form of payment for treatment services.⁶ This means that if you are an Anthem BCBS of Connecticut member, most inpatient drug and alcohol treatment centers in the state will accept your plan to help pay for the treatments you receive.

American Addiction Centers (AAC) has a number of top-notch treatment centers close to Connecticut, including facilities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Our facilities provide high-quality, evidence-based addiction treatments to support you in your journey to sobriety. Our facilities offer a number of amenities to ensure you are comfortable and well-cared-for during your stay at one of our inpatient rehab centers.

To learn more, call our 24/7 helpline at to speak with an admissions specialist, who will check your benefits for you while you’re on the phone. Ask any questions you have about inpatient rehab and how insurance coverage works once you’re in treatment. We’re here to help. Or you can call the number on the back of your insurance card to learn more about what your health plan covers for addiction treatments in Connecticut inpatient rehab facilities.

What is Anthem BCBS of Connecticut?

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, a national federation of 34 independent and locally operated BCBS companies. The Blue Cross Blue Shield companies provide health care coverage for one in three Americans.⁷ In Connecticut, Anthem BCBS services over 1.5 million members.⁸

How Much Does Anthem BCBS of Connecticut Cover (Addiction Treatment)?

Exactly how much Anthem BCBS of Connecticut covers for addiction treatments depends on the specific health plan you have. State of Connecticut employees, for example, with a BCBS of Connecticut plan will have 100% of inpatient treatments covered if they get treatment from a rehab center that is in-network with Anthem BCBS of Connecticut.⁹ For those who choose an out-of-network facility, the insurance coverage will pay for 80% of treatment costs.⁹ Prior authorization is required in order for coverage to kick in.

Depending on the plan you have, your health insurance should cover at least some of the following types of addiction treatments:¹⁰

Your Anthem BCBS of Connecticut plan may cover the following addiction treatments:⁷

Inpatient/residential rehab. Inpatient rehab programs, also known as residential treatment, provide room and board and evidence-based treatments to support your recovery. Individual therapy, group therapy, and education classes about addiction, coping skills, and recovery are integral parts of inpatient rehab. Peer support groups are also a key element of inpatient rehab programs.

Partial hospitalization programs (PHP). Partial hospitalization programs are a similar time commitment to inpatient rehab programs, but you can live at home while enrolled in the program. PHP programs are generally held 5 days a week, 4 to 6 hours per day. Individual and group therapy sessions, education on recovery, healthy living, and peer support are integral parts of PHP programs.

Outpatient treatment. Standard outpatient programs allow you to live at home while in treatment. Some outpatient programs are held during the evening hours so you can attend work during the day. Outpatient programs are often the next step in the journey to recovery, after an inpatient program.

Intensive outpatient (IOP). Intensive outpatient programs are a bit more time-intensive than standard outpatient programs. You may live at home while in an IOP, which generally is held 4 to 6 days a week for 3 to 4 hours each day.

The type of treatment you receive for drug and/or alcohol misuse and addiction will depend on your specific needs, personal preferences, and the recommendation of your healthcare provider. You may want to consider several factors prior to choosing the type of treatment you get for addiction, such as:

• The substances you use and how often you use them.
• How long you’ve been using drugs and/or alcohol.
• Your living environment.
• Previous attempts to quit.
• Previous withdrawal experiences.
• Support you have from family, friends, and your employer.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield of Connecticut provide coverage for mental health facilities?

Yes, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Connecticut provides coverage for mental health facilities. Exactly what is covered and for how long depends on the specific plan you have.¹ In the United States, the government has passed laws that mandate coverage for mental health treatments and substance use disorder treatments:

• The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires all health insurance providers to cover, at least partially, all mental health and substance use disorder treatments.¹¹
• The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) mandates all health insurance companies to provide benefits that cover mental health and substance abuse treatments in the same way that medical and surgical treatments are covered.¹²

Substance use disorder (addiction) and mental health conditions often go hand-in-hand. People with anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and personality disorders often have struggled with alcohol and drugs.¹³ When a person has an addiction and another mental health condition, this is referred to as a co-occurring condition or “dual diagnosis.” Nearly 50% of people with a mental health disorder turn to substances as a means of coping and “self-medicating” to reduce their symptoms.¹³

Though using drugs and alcohol to cope with mental illness may seem like a good escape, in the end, it can end up making your mental and physical health worse in the long run. Rehab centers in the Connecticut area provide treatments for people with dual diagnoses. These centers take an integrated approach, using evidence-based treatments to address and treat all mental health concerns and substance use disorders at the same time.

By getting treatment for both substance use disorder and any co-occurring mental health condition you have, you may reduce the risk of relapse and increase your chances of long-term recovery.

Does Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Connecticut cover addiction treatment therapies?

Yes, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Connecticut provides coverage for some addiction treatment therapies.¹⁰ There are a number of addiction treatment therapy modalities that you may consider, such as:

• Detoxification.
• Medication-assisted treatment.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
• Individual therapy.
• Family therapy.
• Group therapy.

Talk with your healthcare provider before entering treatment to ensure you receive the right types of therapies, and always check with your health insurance provider prior to entering treatment to ensure your health plan covers the specific types of therapies you wish to receive.

How Long Does Anthem BCBS of Connecticut Insurance Cover Alcohol and Drug Rehab programs?

The length of time you spend in an alcohol and drug rehab program will depend on the treatment program you choose and your specific support needs. Prior to admissions, you will undergo an assessment to determine the severity of your addiction and the types of treatments that may be most effective for you. Your healthcare provider may also recommend a certain treatment to optimize your outcome.

Exactly how long your Anthem BCBS of Connecticut plan covers your time in an inpatient rehab center depends on the specific plan you have. There are many different types of insurance plans and various tiers, so the percentage of your costs and the length of time covered will depend on your plan and any limitations.

Check your State of Benefits to learn more or call the number on the back of your insurance card to speak with an Anthem BCBS customer service representative. Ask them about any limitations your plan may have regarding the length of your stay in rehab and how long coverage is provided.

No matter how long your insurance covers, it is important that you stay in rehab for as long as recommended and complete the program you enroll in. Research shows that substance use disorder treatment programs that last 3 months or longer generally offer the best long-term outcomes (like sobriety). ^{14, bullet 5} When you stay in rehab for the entire duration of your program, you may have a lower risk of relapse and an overall improved sense of health and well-being.

What if my Anthem BCBS of Connecticut policy does not cover an inpatient drug rehab program?

As an Anthem BCBS of Connecticut member, you have peace of mind in knowing that at least some of the costs of your inpatient drug rehab program are covered by your health insurance plan. Depending on your plan, you may have some out-of-pocket expenses to cover, which may include your deductible, copays, and coinsurance.

If you do not have the financial means to cover your out-of-pocket costs, there are several payment options to consider. Rehab should never be out of reach, and most rehab centers are willing to work with you where you are to ensure you get the care you need.

• Fundraising and crowdfunding. Your family members and friends want your long-term recovery and wellness. Asking them to make a donation to your rehab stay or help cover some of the costs of your addiction treatments is an excellent way for them to show their support if they are financially able to help.
• Payment plans. Many rehab facilities provide financing options and payment plans that allow you to pay back your costs over a period of time.
• Sliding scale fees. Some rehabs offer sliding scale fees, so the amount you pay will depend on your income and insurance coverage.
• Scholarships and grants. Some rehab centers offer scholarships to low-income persons who are without health insurance and/or have inadequate coverage to help pay all of the costs of treatment. Some government programs and local community organizations offer grants and scholarships to those who need financial assistance in order to enter rehab and access other addiction treatments.

Getting into treatment is the most important priority—the finances will be worked out. Your life is important, and your sobriety and long-term well-being matter, above all else. If you are an Anthem BCBS of Connecticut member, rest assured that at least some of the costs of your addiction treatment will be covered by your health insurance plan.

Anthem BCBS of Connecticut In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Inpatient Drug Rehab Centers

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Connecticut has what is known as a “network” of approved providers that are able to accept your health insurance. These providers may offer rehab and addiction treatments at a discounted rate due to being in-network with Anthem BCBS.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield national designation program, Blue Distinction Center for Substance Use Treatment and Recovery, provides a list of nationally accredited rehab and treatment facilities that are in-network with BCBS Connecticut.¹⁵ These rehab centers were added to the designation program because they offer patient-focused, evidenced-based treatments that are known to be effective.¹⁵

Out-of-network rehab centers are not in the BCBS network and are not a part of the national designation program. Any treatment you receive at one of these facilities may not be covered by your BCBS of Connecticut plan, and if it is covered, it may be covered at a much lower percentage than in-network facilities. If you choose to go to rehab at an out-of-network facility, you can expect higher out-of-pocket costs.

To keep your out-of-pocket costs lower, it’s best to choose a rehab center that is in-network with your health insurance plan. This also helps ensure that coverage is approved and kicks in faster than it might when choosing and working with an out-of-network facility.

Rehabs That Take Blue Cross Blue Shield of Connecticut 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 Center: 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.
• River Oaks Treatment Center: Located in the Riverview, Florida, River Oaks offers comprehensive addiction treatment for individuals struggling with addiction and co-occurring disorders. River Oaks is a Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction Facility, in recognition of their expertise in high-quality care for addiction treatment.

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 Anthem BCBS of Connecticut Insurance Coverage for Drug Rehab Centers

Call the number on the back of your Anthem BCBS of Connecticut member ID card to ask about what is covered under your plan for drug rehab centers. Or call the rehab center directly to ask if they accept Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut insurance plans as a form of payment. Our helpline at is open 24/7. We’ll verify your insurance coverage for you on the phone, answer your questions about treatments, and help you get started on the admissions process when you’re ready.

American Addiction Centers has leading treatment centers across the country, providing top-notch quality programs for people from all walks of life, with all types of addictions.