Does Empire BCBS of New York Insurance Cover Inpatient Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers?

Deciding to seek help for alcohol and drug abuse is a brave step that might seem scary at first. Just know that you’re not alone. Substance use disorder is a crippling illness that destroys many lives. Since 2000, there have been about 700,000 drug overdose deaths in America.¹  Addiction continues to plague the U.S., with over 21 million people struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, including millions of New Yorkers.^2,3 

Financing addiction treatment can be a worry, causing you to keep pushing off finding help for another day. If you or someone you love is ready to get help, there are countless options for assistance and support, even if you don’t have insurance.

If you’re an Empire Blue Cross member, some or all of the costs for addiction treatment will be covered under your insurance, depending on your specific plan. There are also many government and local organizations that offer partial or full coverage for addiction treatment if you don’t have insurance.

If you want to know more about what your specific plan covers, you can verify your insurance in many ways. If you’re interested in a specific rehab, you can reach out to them directly, and they can check your coverage based on the information you provide. You can also call the number on the back of your insurance card for more information on your specific plan or reach out to American Addiction Centers (AAC) online, by phone, or through our SSVOB form.

How to find Empire BCBS Of New York covered Inpatient drug treatment centers in NY?

AAC can verify your insurance coverage for you. You can chat online with an agent for more information or call our helpline to speak with a representative who can check your benefits right while you’re on the phone. Every year, hundreds of people attend rehab financed through Empire BlueCross BlueShield.

Our top-notch facilities at AAC are some of the best in the nation. All of our facilities offer a variety of treatment options like medical detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, therapy, and addiction aftercare programs. With premier accommodations and amenities, our treatment centers offer specialized programs and individualized treatment plans to best fit your needs. You can customize your recovery journey based on what works best for you. Some of our leading treatment facilities include:

• AdCare Treatment Centers: With 2 inpatient rehabs and 7 outpatient facilities in multiple locations across Rhode Island and Massachusetts, AdCare Treatment Centers offers high-quality treatment options such as day programs, co-occurring disorder treatment, medical detox, and telehealth.
• Oxford Treatment Center: Located in Etta, Mississippi, Oxford Treatment Center provides a unique blend of evidence-based treatment options. With exclusive therapeutic services like equine therapy, music therapy, art, and yoga, it’s a great option to focus on self-care while in recovery.
• Greenhouse Treatment Center: This spa-like treatment center in Dallas, Texas, provides many treatment options and specialized programs for the LGBTQ community, veterans, Christians, and recovering licensed mental health professionals. They understand that everyone is unique and apply this to their treatment methods.
• Desert Hope Treatment Center: Desert Hope Treatment Center, located in Las Vegas, Nevada, provides various individualized treatment services to address addiction, such as outpatient and inpatient rehab, specialized treatment options, and sober living.
• River Oaks Treatment Center: Located in Riverview, Florida, River Oaks Treatment Center offers exceptional addiction treatment options, and aftercare focused on the 8 Dimensions of Wellness. Their well-renowned staff is experienced in several types of treatment with advanced licenses and accreditations. Making you feel comfortable and supported is their top priority.
• Laguna Treatment Center: This facility in Laguna Beach, California, provides impressive accommodations and expert medical care while supporting guests through individualized services. They offer an upscale treatment experience and provide high-quality addiction treatment plans with personalized treatment and addiction aftercare.
• Recovery First Treatment Center: Recovery First Treatment Center is a leading alcohol and drug treatment facility in Hollywood, Florida. They offer a continuum of care, dedicated to focusing on your recovery by providing access to different programs like inpatient rehab, intensive outpatient rehab, co-occurring disorder treatment, medical detox, and telehealth addiction treatment.

What is Empire BCBS Of New York?

Established in 1934, Empire BlueCross BlueShield provides affordable health insurance for the people of New York. As the largest health insurance provider in New York, they offer access to high-quality healthcare to over 4 million members across the state.⁴ 

Empire Blue Cross is one of the 35 locally-run, independent health insurance companies of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. With a variety of plans for families and individuals, Empire BCBS offers Medicare, Medicaid, vision, and dental plans along with basic Affordable Care Act-compliant plans.⁵

Their mission is to create healthier communities by providing access to the best healthcare options. This includes offering coverage for addiction treatment programs and aftercare. Hundreds of in-network rehab centers and treatment providers are covered by Empire BlueCross BlueShield.

How Much Does Empire BCBS Of New York Cover (Addiction Treatment)?

A wide array of options for addiction treatment are available that will be at least partially covered under your Empire BCBS policy, based on your specific plan. Everyone is different and has unique needs. No one treatment will work for everyone, which is why there are many opportunities for specialized and individualized treatment programs. Some addiction treatment services covered under Empire Blue Cross are:⁶ 

• Inpatient and residential rehab: Inpatient programs usually last anywhere from 30 to 90 days and offer a supportive, safe space to live during recovery. You can take a break from the stress and distractions of everyday responsibilities while developing coping skills to handle your addiction triggers in a healthy way. Some patients seek longer treatment for 6 months to a year.
• Outpatient rehab and therapy: An outpatient rehab is a great option if you still want to tend to your daily responsibilities, like work and family, while seeking treatment. With outpatient rehab, you can visit a treatment facility as often as you’d like while living at home, and receive similar treatment services to inpatient rehabs. You’ll have opportunities to build new skills through therapy and peer support, setting you up for long-term recovery.
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP): Similar to outpatient programs, you can remain living at home while attending an IOP. IOPs are more rigid outpatient programs that require you to visit your treatment center multiple times a week based on your schedule.
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHP): PHPs or day programs are almost as immersive as inpatient rehab but allow you to live at home while seeking treatment. You’re required to visit a treatment facility weekly for about 20 hours, at least 5 days a week.

Does Empire Blue cross blue shield of New York provides coverage for mental health facilities?

If you’re suffering from a mental health disorder along with substance abuse, seeking treatment in a mental facility is the best way to address both issues at the same time. Co-occurring disorders or “dual diagnosis” are very common, with almost half of the 21 million people struggling with substance use disorder also fighting a mental illness.² Mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and PTSD often co-occur with addiction.⁷ 

The cause of co-occurring disorders is unclear, but mental health professionals recommend treating them in tandem for the best recovery results.²  Some develop mental health illnesses through the long-term use of drugs or alcohol, while others try to self-medicate or relieve the symptoms of their mental health disorder with substances, resulting in addiction.²  Treating both illnesses at the same time promotes full recovery and lessens your likelihood of relapse.⁷

Mental health care is considered an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act.⁸ Insurance providers are required to offer coverage for at least some of the cost of mental health care and treatment.⁸ This means that a portion of the costs of treatment for co-occurring disorders and stand-alone heroin rehab will always be covered under your Empire Blue Cross insurance policy.

Does Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield of New York cover addiction treatment therapies?

Addiction treatment therapy is an essential part of recovery. Addressing the underlying issues and triggers that encourage substance use will help you heal completely and reduce your likelihood of relapse.⁷  Therapeutic services like individual and family therapy, group therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy are often offered by treatment centers to aid in recovery. Depending on your specific plan and the provider you choose, Empire BCBS will cover some, if not all, of the cost of addiction treatment therapies.

How Long Does Empire BCBS Of New York Insurance Cover Alcohol and Drug Rehab programs?

Mental health professionals agree that longer treatment times are generally the most effective in promoting long-term recovery and lessening the chances of relapse.⁷  Even though everyone is different, spending more time focusing on self-care and building the necessary coping skills to help you better address addiction triggers when difficult life situations arise can greatly affect your treatment outcome.⁷  It’s also recommended to remain in addiction aftercare for at least 1 year after recovery, but many continue aftercare for much longer.⁷

You may wonder how long your Empire BCBS insurance will cover your treatment. This will depend on your specific plan and the provider you choose since there are so many different tiers of coverage and types of policies. It’s best to reach out for assistance in verifying your insurance by calling the number on the back of your insurance card or contacting AAC for more information.

What if my Empire BCBS Of New York policy does not cover an Inpatient drug rehab program?

Sometimes the provider you choose won’t be covered under your Empire BlueCross policy. Don’t let this deter you from seeking treatment. There are many scholarships, grants, and financial assistance options to help you get the treatment you need. It’s best to seek treatment as soon as possible instead of putting it off for another day. Grants, scholarships, and other financial assistance for addiction treatment include:

• State-funded rehabs and local assistance: Scholarships to partially or fully cover the costs of medical detox and addiction treatment programs are offered by many state and local organizations.
• Government-funded programs: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides financial assistance through block grants for high-risk and at-risk populations. Anyone struggling with addiction, especially IV drug users and mothers or expecting mothers, is encouraged to apply.⁹ 
• The Affordable Care Act (ACA): The Affordable Care Act offers coverage for different addiction treatment programs for people with low or no income.⁸
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Veterans struggling with addiction can receive financial aid from the VA for different services, like outpatient therapy, mental health treatment, and medical detox. ¹⁰
• Loans and financing: Taking a personal loan from a bank can also assist you in financing your recovery.

Empire BCBS Of New York In Network vs. Out of Network Inpatient Drug Rehab Centers

You can guarantee that at least a portion of the cost of inpatient drug rehab is covered by your insurance by choosing a provider that is in your network. A provider network includes different hospitals and doctors contracted to provide healthcare services through your Empire Blue Cross insurance.

With an in-network provider, you may still have to pay certain fees like co-pays and deductibles. If you choose an out-of-network provider, you’ll probably have to pay all costs out of pocket. For more information on your specific network, reach out to your insurance provider or contact AAC.

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 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.

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 Empire BCBS of New York Insurance Coverage of drug rehab centers?

If you want to verify your insurance coverage, AAC can help. Contact our helpline, and speak directly with a representative who will assist you in verifying your benefits while you’re on the phone. Every year hundreds of people are financed through Empire Blue Cross for addiction treatment and rehab.

We offer access to some of the leading treatment centers in the nation, providing premier evidence-based treatments and top-notch amenities and accommodations. You can get your life back on track by seeking addiction treatment. We’re here to help you take the first step.