What Is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois?
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is the parent company of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) and oversees 35 independent BCBS companies delivering health insurance coverage to millions of Americans.1 Together, BCBS companies deliver health coverage to 1 in 3 Americans across the U.S.2
As an independent licensee, BCBSIL has been providing Illinois residents with health insurance since 1936. Today, BCBSIL is the state’s largest health insurance company, providing coverage to over 8 million members.3 BCBSIL provides several health care plans, including plans for families and individuals, and Medicare and Medicaid plans.4 The company’s goal is to provide affordable, comprehensive health plans to members.4
To ensure members receive the best care for their needs, BCBS developed the Blue Distinction designation for centers to help recognize those that are committed to improving the quality and affordability of care.5 The Blue Distinction Centers for Substance Use Treatment and Recovery helps facilitate treatment for substance use disorder. If you have a BCBSIL plan and attend a facility that has a Blue Distinction, you may be able to receive your rehab treatment at little to no out-of-pocket cost to you.6
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Cover Rehab Treatment?
Yes, although coverage may vary. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires almost all health plans, including plans issued by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL), to provide coverage for 10 healthcare services that are considered essential health benefits (EHBs).7 Because of this, your BCBSIL plan must provide some level of coverage for mental health and substance use disorder services.8
Although this mandate means that your plan must provide coverage in some capacity, it doesn’t guarantee full coverage. It also doesn’t guarantee that all treatments from all facilities may be covered fully or partially under your health plan. BCBSIL has a portfolio of resources to help its covered members access behavioral health benefits they may need.9 While the level of coverage you receive may vary based on your plan, BCBSIL plans may cover the following common substance use disorder treatments:9
- Community-based alcohol or drug treatments.
- Community-based behavioral health services.
- Inpatient or residential rehab.
- Outpatient rehab.
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs).
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs).
It’s a good idea to verify exactly what your BCBSIL insurance covers before obtaining care. Unless you’re experiencing an emergency, you may need to check if a facility is in-network or if you need prior authorization for your care to be covered.10 You can do this by calling the number on the back of your insurance card.
You can also call American Addiction Centers at to talk to an admissions navigator who can provide answers about addiction treatment and verify your insurance. American Addiction Centers is an in-network provider with most BCBSIL plans, which means your rehab care may be fully or partially covered under your health plan.
