Struggling with alcohol use is isolating because of the stigma around it, but the truth is it’s more common than you might think. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that between 2017-2019 an average of 1 million Texans struggled with alcohol use disorder in the past year.^{1, p. 31}

If you have Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage in Texas, you might wonder if your insurance can help you pay for the treatment you need to break free from alcohol misuse once and for all. The good news is that your insurance can pay for some or all of the cost of rehab. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires all long-term health insurance plans to cover 10 essential health benefits, which include substance use and mental health treatment.^{2, fifth bullet}

Different BCBS of Texas healthcare plans will have different limits and requirements, so it’s important to know the details before committing to a treatment program. You can call the number on the back of your insurance card, or you can contact American Addiction Centers (AAC) anytime. We can review your insurance in just a few minutes while we chat with you.

What Does BCBS of Texas Insurance Cover for Alcohol Treatment?

Each person will have a different treatment program that works best for them, so it’s important to work with your doctor to get a personalized treatment plan. Your insurance will focus on paying for medically necessary and evidence-based care that meets your specific needs.

Some common treatment options include:³

Screenings and Interventions: The first step to treatment is determining whether you have an alcohol use disorder and what the best treatment plan is for your needs. Your doctor will ask about your usage history, home environment, and more to recommend the best plan for your needs.
Medical detox: Alcohol detoxification, or ‘detox’, is the process of allowing the body to rid itself of alcohol. Detox can be a difficult and even dangerous process, which is why it is best done under medical supervision. By safely and effectively clearing your body of alcohol, you are giving yourself the best possible chance of achieving long-term sobriety by moving on to inpatient or outpatient treatment.
Inpatient treatment programs: During inpatient treatment, patients receive around-the-clock care and can begin the therapy process for any underlying mental health issues. Inpatient care can help you leave your usual environment and start fresh while you learn new ways to live without substance use.
Outpatient programs: Outpatient treatment is a less intensive level of care for those who are struggling with alcohol. It focuses on substance abuse education, relapse prevention, stress management, communication skills, and goal setting. Outpatient sessions often meet at night or in the early morning so as not to interfere with work or school schedules. The focus is on helping participants learn how to cope without using alcohol. Outpatient care can be a starting point for treatment or a follow-up after inpatient treatment.
Behavioral therapies: Behavioral therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for multiple types of substance use issues, including alcohol use disorder.^{4, first paragraph} Examples include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, and couples and family therapy.^{4, first paragraph}
Treatment for co-occurring disorders: If you have a mental health diagnosis alongside alcohol use disorder, that’s known as a co-occurring disorder. Addressing both your mental health and substance use together is essential for long-term success, so it’s vital to find a program that includes treatment for co-occurring disorders if you’re in that situation.^{5, first paragraph}

No matter what treatment options your doctor recommends, what’s most important is that you follow the treatment plan through to completion. It’s common to want to leave early when you start feeling better. Still, it’s only when you practice your new habits in a safe environment, over time, that you set yourself up for the best chance of long-term recovery.

What BCBS of Texas does not cover for Alcohol Treatment?

Insurance plans focus on covering treatment options that have been studied and shown to be effective in curbing the misuse of alcohol or other substances. However, they generally do not cover unproven treatment options. Your insurance will also focus on medically-necessary care rather than care that’s nice to have.

Some examples of treatment options that are unproven or unnecessary include:

Non-medical amenities.
Holistic care services.
Recreation-only programs.
Food delivery.
Alternative therapies.
Treatment from unapproved providers.

To maximize your insurance and keep your own costs lower, be sure to find treatment programs that offer medically necessary and proven treatment options. You can often find these by checking your insurance plan’s medical network, which will include high-quality substance use treatment programs.

How Much Does Alcohol Rehab Cost?

The cost of rehab can vary widely, depending on the type of facility and the treatment options available. For example, a rehab facility with shared bedrooms will generally cost less than one with private rooms for each participant.

Other elements that impact the cost of rehab include:

Services offered. If a program offers a variety of recreational activities or offers specialized one-on-one care or other services, it will likely cost more than a program that focuses only on the essentials.
Intensity of services. Inpatient rehab is more intensive than outpatient care, so it generally costs more. The more focused and structured the treatment program is, the more expensive it’s likely to be.
Duration of treatment. Like most services, the longer you are in rehab the more it will cost. In other words, a nine-month program will be more expensive than a three-month one. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t need a longer program. What’s important is successfully entering long-term recovery.
Amenities. Amenities like luxury accommodations, a pool, high-quality recreation, and chef-prepared meals will cause a program to cost more.

Keep in mind that the lowest-priced program isn’t necessarily the best for your needs. Going through rehab multiple times is much more expensive than going to the right rehab the first time and getting into recovery.

BCBS of Texas Alcohol Rehab vs. the Cost of Alcohol Addiction

If alcohol rehab is expensive, does that mean you should just keep drinking? No—drinking actually works out to be more expensive than getting the treatment you need, in several ways. The cost of alcohol itself, along with the fact that you need more over time to get the same feeling, will add up quickly and makes alcohol use very expensive.

You may also have legal problems as a result of using alcohol, which is very pricy as well. Someone who misuses alcohol is also likely to miss work, which means losing important income. In fact, you might lose your job altogether and struggle to find work again. Finally, the health problems caused by alcohol are very expensive.

When you compare the cost of alcohol misuse to rehab, it’s clear that using your BCBS of Texas addiction treatment coverage to break free from alcohol is the best option.

What Length of Alcohol Rehab Does BCBS of Texas Cover?

How long will rehab be? It’s a common question, and no answer is right for everyone. However, research shows that most people need at least 90 days to make a significant change in their alcohol use, including stopping.^{6, fifth point} That’s why many rehab programs are at least 90 days long.

Your specific treatment plan may be longer, though. Don’t let that discourage you. Instead, make sure you follow the program all the way to completion because it’s designed to meet your specific needs. Completing your treatment process will give you the best chance at long-term success.

Your Blue Cross Blue Shield rehab coverage may have specific requirements or limitations, so it’s important to understand your insurance fully before you start treatment. You can contact BCBS directly or reach out to us here at AAC by online chat, phone, or by filling out the form below.

Our Admissions Navigators can verify your insurance in just a few minutes while chatting with you and are available to answer any questions you have about rehab.

Choosing between BCBS of Texas Inpatient vs. Outpatient Alcohol Rehab Centers

The choice between an inpatient and outpatient treatment program will be based on your doctor’s recommendations. If you’ve been using alcohol regularly, there are significant advantages to using an inpatient rehab to begin your recovery.

Inpatient rehab facilities offer focused, high-quality care, and everything in your environment will be focused on helping you recover. During outpatient care, you only attend treatment part-time, so much of your environment is the same as before, which can be challenging.

Inpatient rehab gives you the accountability you need to break free from alcohol use, and you are able to get out of your normal daily environment to focus entirely on your recovery. If it fits your needs, inpatient treatment can give you a strong start to your recovery journey.

How to Use BCBS of Texas Insurance for Alcohol Rehab?

Your BCBS of Texas rehab coverage can help pay some or all of the cost of treatment. How do you take advantage of that help? First, you’ll want to consult your doctor about your alcohol use. It’s important to be entirely honest about your drinking so that your doctor can understand your needs and recommend the best treatment options. Your program may involve multiple treatment steps, such as inpatient care followed by outpatient treatment.

Next, you’ll want to review your insurance plan to get the details about your BCBS of Texas insurance and what treatment programs are covered. You can contact the insurance company using the number on the back of your card, or you can contact AAC anytime, 24/7. We are available by chat, phone, or by filling out the form below.

Finally, you’ll want to work with the treatment program to apply your insurance coverage and work out additional payment details. Your Blue Cross Blue Shield alcohol rehab coverage may only pay part of the cost, and some of the cost will be your responsibility. Don‘t worry, there are many ways to pay for rehab. For example, you might be able to work out a payment plan or get a scholarship for your portion of the cost.

Once everything is taken care of, you can begin treatment and work toward the life of freedom you deserve.

How to Find Alcohol Rehabs That Accept BCBS of Texas Insurance

You deserve a life of freedom from alcohol use, and getting the help you need is how you break free. We’re here to help you take the first steps. To find a program that accepts your Blue Cross Blue Shield alcohol rehab Texas coverage, contact AAC today. You can reach us through online chat, over the phone, or by filling out the form below.

It’s time to live the life of your dreams. Contact us today to get started.

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.

Does BCBS of Texas cover Alcohol rehab or Detox Centers?