Most people stay away from drug rehab for the same reason — money. However, most people are unaware that if they have insurance through an employer, most likely, their insurance coverage includes addiction treatment costs. Thanks to the Employee Assistance Program, millions of people can access healthcare coverage that provides drug addiction treatment.
If your policy is from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, odds are it includes addiction treatment coverage. Learn more about the many Anthem Employee Assistance Program benefits and coverages.
What Are Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
Every year, the National Institute on Drug Abuse publThenal Survey of Drug Use and Health report. In 2018, the report found that addiction affects hundreds of people every year, to 164.8 people in the United States. On top of that, 1 in 5 people report using illicit drugs in the past. Another Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) report found that 47.6 million people also struggle with co-occurring mental health disorders.
Thankfully, employee assistance programs (EAP) exist to help companies assist in the complexity of providing mental, physical, and emotional well-being assistance to their employees. By targeting struggles like alcohol and drug abuse, mental health disorders, and more in a safe and private environment, more employees seek help.
Even though these programs started to help employers keep the workplace drug-free, its employees and their family members benefit the most.
Employee Assistance Programs Benefits
Don’t mistake EAPs for Worker’s Compensation. These are entirely different programs. The most significant benefit is that EAPs are completely confidential. Thanks to these programs, employees have access to counseling, wellness services, and referrals to addiction treatment facilities if they want to seek treatment. While not all companies offer insurance with EAP coverage, the vast majority of those who do, offer EAP services like:
- Access to confidential discussions about addiction and mental health struggles
- Support to access assistance programs with 24/7 hotlines available
- The support and access to resources that address substance abuse and mental health in the workforce and outside of it
- Access to assistance programs that help employees reintegrate into the workforce upon treatment completion
In addition, they offer resources to employees and their household members, including child care and other community resources.
Anthem Employee Assistance Program 101
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield offers an Employee Assistance Program to provide easy and confidential counseling services with licensed behavioral health professionals. Carriers of the plan can schedule face-to-face counseling sessions by phone or video to discuss work, family, or personal issues. Then, counselors can provide legal assistance, financial help, and referrals to the necessary physicians to promote their well-being.
The Anthem EAP offers employees access to:
- Dedicated case managers
- Legal and financial consultations
- Access to Anthem’s work-life balance website and digital resources
Understanding Drug Use and Health Care
Until recently, substance use disorder lived outside of healthcare standard lines. Health insurance and addiction treatments didn’t connect. It wasn’t until the late 80s that drug rehab centers began accepting some insurance policies. Before then, treatment facilities operated as service-fee operations, mainly accepting cash payments, which meant limited access to people struggling with substance abuse.
After Obamacare’s reform to the health care system, insurance companies had to change the way mental illness and substance abuse were addressed, categorizing them as essential health benefits. The same reform lifted the denial of healthcare coverage for any preexisting condition, including drug addiction and other mental health illnesses.
One of the most significant changes in drug addiction treatment coverage was establishing parity for substance use disorders. After this, the scope, care management, treatment, and most costs related to addiction treatments couldn’t be more restrictive than any other ailment.
Drug Addiction Treatment Options
There isn’t a one-way street to treat drug addiction. Each case is unique as people often struggle with co-occurring disorders and often mix different substances, making treatment more complicated.
At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, our treatment programs are one-hundred percent personalized. By integrating different comprehensive, evidence-based can address every drug and alcohol addiction aspect by treatment plans that include behavioral therapies and other structures, and we can address every drug and alcohol addiction through:
- Detox Programs
- Partial Hospitalization Programs
- Intensive Outpatient Programs
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment
- Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Long-Term Recovery Assistance
Additionally, we pair these programs and treatment plans with various therapies that support ongoing support to help those in recovery maintain long-term sobriety.
Does My Insurance Cover Drug Addiction Treatment?
If your insurance comes through your employer, most likely, drug addiction treatment is covered. However, no two insurance policies are alike. The best and quickest way to discover if your Anthem insurance plan includes drug rehab is by reaching out to the treatment center. You can also talk to your HR department representative, who can help you better navigate the benefits packa turned out. If your insurance covers drug and alcohol addiction treatment, contact us today and speak with our admission specialists to verify your coverage.
Of course, you can always ask to receive resources and information for other states if you wish to find help outside your state. If not, ask for available resources in your area to find out what your options are.
The majority of employees are surprised to learn that drug addiction treatment can be covered through their insurance. Not to mention the flexibility and assistance most companies are willing to offer to help their employees get addiction treatment. Believe it, their priority is your well-being, which is why they offer EAP coverage.
Get Addiction Treatment Today
If you or someone you know struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, please know treatment is widely available. Please discuss with your HR department to learn more about their Employee Assistance Programs coverage, your employee benefits, and your health plan.
Call your insurance brokerage if you don’t feel comfortable talking about this with your company. However, remember EAP conversations are confidential and private and cannot cost you your job. Whether it’s through your Anthem coverage or a different outlet, treatment is accessible.
Reach out to Lighthouse Recovery Institute today. Our addiction therapists will analyze your unique needs and build a treatment plan that adapts to your health needs and lifestyle. Our comprehensive approach to addiction treatment can help prevent relapse and provide the right strategies for long-term sobriety support.
Don’t wait another day; addiction treatment is available and can save your life. Start your journey to recovery today.
