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Drug & Alcohol Rehab Covered by Blue Shield of California

On this page, you will learn about Blue Shield of California insurance coverage for addiction treatment and how to confirm what benefits are available under your specific plan.
Yes. Blue Shield of California covers drug and alcohol rehab.
If you or a loved one are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Blue Shield of California Provider Overview

Blue Shield of California is a part of the Blue Shield organization, a company that works to provide Golden State residents with affordable health care.1 Many Californians seeking rehab for drug and alcohol addiction often turn to Blue Shield of California to cover the costs of care. In this article, we will explain what you need to know about using Blue Shield of California coverage for addiction treatment and the steps you need to take to get started with recovery.

This page is intended to be a general overview of how Blue Shield of California covers addiction and mental health services, not a comprehensive guide on the subject. For specific questions about your plan and Blue Shield of California coverage for addiction treatment, contact a Blue Shield of California representative directly and learn about how to pay for rehab.

Does Blue Shield of California Cover Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment?

Yes, Blue Shield of California does cover drug and alcohol addiction treatment. Blue Shield of California may cover some or all of your drug or alcohol rehab costs. Implemented to increase the affordability and accessibility of health care, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that major insurance companies, like Blue Shield of California, offer full or partial coverage for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.2 Your Blue Shield of California coverage for alcohol or drug treatment may reduce your out-of-pocket care costs.

Which Types of Addiction Treatment Does Blue Shield of California Cover?

Your Blue Shield of California coverage for drug or alcohol rehab may partially or fully cover your inpatient or outpatient treatment. There are several levels of addiction care, and your insurance coverage for each level of care may depend on your unique needs and treatment plan.

Levels of care that may be covered by your Blue Shield of California alcohol or drug rehab may include:3

  • Detox. Medical detox provides withdrawal management support to prepare your mind and body for inpatient or outpatient treatment.
  • Inpatient. During inpatient addiction treatment, you’ll have access to round-the-clock care and a supportive community of others working on their recovery.
  • Outpatient. Outpatient addiction treatment programs are ideal for those who are ready for recovery but are unable to attend a residential program.
  • Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). Drug and alcohol IOPs offer a higher level of care than standard outpatient programs, requiring patients to attend sessions several days each week.
  • Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs). Drug and alcohol PHPs offer the highest level of outpatient program support, providing patients with large blocks (often 6 to 8 hours) of treatment all or most days of the week.
  • Aftercare. As your formal inpatient or outpatient treatment comes to an end, your counselor will work with you to develop an aftercare plan to help you maintain your sobriety long-term.

How to Use Blue Shield of California for Addiction Treatment & Rehab

If you’re ready to get started with Blue Shield of California drug or alcohol addiction treatment, learning more about your coverage is the first step toward recovery. To get more information on your plan, call the number on the back of your insurance card to connect with a representative and discuss your coverage for Blue Shield of California drug or alcohol rehab. You can also check out your benefits by signing into the Blue Shield of California website.

Blue Shield of California Coverage for Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment

Many people who are living with SUD are also experiencing mental health issues. Co-occurring disorder treatment works to address both SUD and mental health issues. If you’re experiencing a mental health issue in addition to SUD, you should choose a treatment facility that can meet your needs.

Start Your Recovery

If you or a loved one is ready to seek rehab for a substance use disorder, explore your options and reach out to a rehab center using our rehab directory tool today!

Sources

  1. Blue Shield of California. (n.d.). About Blue Shield.
  2. Healthcare.gov. (n.d.). Mental health and substance abuse coverage.
  3. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2016). Facing addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s report on alcohol, drugs, and health.