Choosing to get treatment for substance use disorder is only the first step. People have hundreds of questions when it comes to drug addiction treatment. Should I check into a treatment facility? How can I pay for treatment? Does my insurance cover drug rehab? Can I leave work to get drug addiction treatment? These are just some of the most commonly asked questions about addiction treatment.
People are shocked to learn that many insurance companies offer addiction treatment coverage, including Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, thanks to its Employee Assistance Program. Here’s everything you need to know about the Highmark Employee Assistance Program benefits.
What Are Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
The National Survey of Drug Use and Health says addiction affects 164.8 million people in the United States alone. Around 1 in 5 people report using illicit drugs in the past. Also, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), says 47.6 million adults struggled with a co-occurring mental health illness in 2018.
Employee assistance programs exist to address complicated issues that affect someone’s mental and emotional well-being, including alcohol and drug abuse. Generally, the primary purpose of these programs is to help employers keep their workplace drug-free
But EAP benefits also expand to employees. Thanks to these voluntary and confidential programs, employees can access counseling and referrals to addiction treatment centers without risking their current position. Additionally, EAP programs must be entirely confidential, and employers can’t fire someone for the sole reason of seeking prescription drug addiction treatment.
Employee Assistance Program Benefits
Not all companies offer insurance with EAP coverage but working for one, such as Highmark BCBS, which has many benefits, including:
- Provides a confidential environment to openly discuss addiction
- Exclusive access to assistance programs that offer help 24/7
- Support resources that help educate and bring awareness about substance abuse
- Help for reintegrating people back into the workforce after treatment
Highmark Employee Assistance Program 101
Through Highmark BSBS, employees can manage their healthcare costs and get access to high-quality benefit programs. In general, for Highmark, offering coverage that allows people to take responsibility for their health is paramount. Their services help people find the right plans and solutions to meet their needs.
Like other insurances offering employee assistance coverage, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield gives people access to recognized evidence-based treatment plants.
Following the InterQual criteria, those with coverage can access a care management system that includes medical and behavioral health clinicians. These are some of the guidelines they follow:
- Behavioral Health Medical Necessity Criteria
- American Society of Addiction Medicine Patient Placement Criteria for the Treatment of Substance-Related Disorders
- Highmark Medical Policy
- Highmark Medicare Advantage Medical Policy
Understanding Drug Use and Healthcare
In the 80s drug rehab centers started accepting insurance. Most people still don’t make the connection between health insurance and drug addiction treatment. For years, addiction treatment centers generally operated as a service-fee operation, accepting only cash payments. As a result, finances restricted access for many people struggling with substance use disorder.
With Obamacare’s approval, health coverage adjusted the way insurance companies changed the way substance abuse and mental illnesses were categorized, making them essential health benefits that required coverage.
Once this happened, insurance plans had to offer some form of addiction and mental health coverage. Not to mention, it lifted the denial of coverage for any preexisting condition, including drug addiction.
Perhaps the most vital shift in drug addiction treatment coverage was that it established parity for substance use disorders. In particular, the scope, treatment, care management, and cost of addiction treatments can’t be more restrictive than for any other ailment.
Drug Addiction Treatment Options
Those struggling with substance use disorder have many treatment options to help with their illness. At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter programs. Instead, we offer personalized and comprehensive treatment programs that integrate evidence-based behavioral therapies and other structures to help people fight their drug or alcohol addiction.
- Detox Programs
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
- Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- Long-term Recovery Assistance
However, addiction treatment doesn’t stop when someone leaves a treatment facility. Additionally, quality drug rehab addresses more than the addict alone, providing various family therapy options. Thus, the different treatment services that take part are just as crucial.
Does My Insurance Cover Drug Addiction Treatment?
Generally, most insurances cover drug addiction treatment. However, each insurance policy is unique and has different coverage levels. The most secure and quickest way to learn if your Highmark BCBS insurance covers drug rehab is by reaching out to the treatment center.
To find out if your insurance covers drug and alcohol addiction treatment, contact us today and speak with our admission specialists to verify your coverage.
Get Help Today
Addiction treatment is more accessible than people believe. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please contact your HR department to learn about their EAP coverage. Highmark employee assistance programs also offer eligibility verification online.
Learn more about the flexibility and assistance many companies offer to help people receive addiction treatment. Believe it or not, your well-being is your employer’s priority. Thanks to EAP coverage you can find the right treatment plan.
At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, our addiction therapists will analyze your unique case and build a treatment program that suits your needs. Thanks to our comprehensive and personalized approach to addiction treatment, we can minimize the risk of relapse. Additionally, we can help people like you or your loved one find long-term sobriety. Don’t wait another day; addiction treatment is available and can save your life. Start your journey to recovery today.
