Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee: Rehabs and Detox Centers in TN That Take BCBS

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is home to 35 independent licensees, one of which is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee.² BCBS of Tennessee was founded in 1945 to help improve the health of individuals, families, and communities in the state.³ Today, the company serves 3.5 million members and has over 29,000 health providers throughout Tennessee.³

Yes, although coverage will vary depending on your specific Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee insurance plan.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted in 2010 and mandates that all long-term health insurance plans cover 10 essential benefits, one of which is substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.⁴ This means that you can rely on your BCBS of Tennessee plan to cover at least some of the costs of addiction treatment.⁴

BCBS of Tennessee covers several different treatments for SUD, including:⁵

• Detox.
• Inpatient residential treatment.
• Outpatient treatment.
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP).
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs).

Choosing a treatment program that is in the BCBS of Tennessee network is important since many insurance plans do not provide coverage outside the network.⁶ If you have questions about your BCBS of Tennessee plan, you can call the number on the back of your insurance card to speak with a representative.

Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment varies depending on your specific needs and what your doctor deems medically necessary. In any case, your Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee insurance plan will provide coverage for SUD treatment in some capacity for various substances such as alcohol, cocaine, and opioids.⁴

Common treatments for SUD that may be covered by your BCBS of Tennessee insurance plan include:^7,8

• Medical detox: Not everyone needs medical detox, but for some patients, it is an essential way to begin treatment. During medical detox, your body rids itself of drugs or alcohol while medical staff helps you manage withdrawal symptoms.
• Inpatient treatment programs: When you enter an inpatient treatment program, you’ll live at the facility for weeks, months, or longer. During treatment, you’ll learn new habits to maintain a substance-free lifestyle.
• Outpatient programs: After an inpatient program, or if you have a less severe substance use disorder, an outpatient program can help you develop the habits you need to live a happier, healthier life. You’ll live at home and attend treatment a few times a week.
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP): An IOP provides more intensive care while you still live at home. This can be a good choice for those who can live at home without falling into substance use but need more help overcoming their addiction. You’ll attend treatment several hours a week.
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHP): A PHP gives you a treatment program similar to inpatient rehab, but you still spend the evenings at home. You’ll be at the program at least 6 days a week, typically up to 6 hours a day.
• Aftercare: When you finish the treatment program, you want to make sure that the changes you made stick with you long term. That’s what aftercare can help with. It ensures you have the support you need to maintain your new lifestyle.

Exactly how much of your treatment costs are covered by your BCBS of Tennessee will depend on the specific plan you have. You can call the number on the back of your insurance card and speak with a representative to learn more about what your plan covers.

Yes, although coverage will vary depending on your specific Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee plan.

If you struggle with drug or alcohol use and have a mental health disorder, you’re not alone. Studies show around 50% of people who misuse substances have a mental health disorder along with substance use disorder.⁹ Common mental health disorders that may occur alongside SUD include attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, personality disorders, and more.⁹

Having a SUD and a mental health disorder at the same time is known as a dual diagnosis or comorbidity. For those with a dual diagnosis, it’s important to get treatment for both at the same time. Research suggests programs that integrate treatment are more effective than treating each concern independently.¹⁰

Fortunately, the essential health benefit for SUD treatment includes mental health disorders too, as mandated by the ACA.¹¹ The ACA also mandates that insurance providers offer “parity protection.”¹¹ Parity protection requires SUD treatment and mental health disorder treatment to be covered at the same level as medical and surgical care in three specific areas, which include:¹¹

• Cost.
• Treatment days.
• Care management and preauthorization.

If you have Blue Shield of Tennessee, your plan may cover addiction treatment services like detox, inpatient rehab, or outpatient care. Use our search tool to find rehabs near you and filter by insurance provider, level of addiction treatment, and more. Fill out the form below to quickly check your coverage and explore your treatment options.

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Tennessee: Opioid-Involved Deaths and Related Harms.
2. Blue Cross Blue Shield. (n.d.). BCBS® Companies and Licensees.
3. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee. (n.d.). About Us.
4. Healthcare.gov. (n.d.). What Marketplace health insurance plans cover.
5. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee. (2018). Behavioral Health Levels of Care Program Descriptions.
6. Healthcare.gov. (2021). What you should know about provider networks.
7. FindTreatment.gov. (2019). Treatment Options.
8. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2014). Principles of Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Research-Based Guide: Treatment Settings.
9. National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders.
10. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). What are the treatments for comorbid substance use disorder and mental health conditions?
11. Healthcare.gov. (n.d.). Mental health & substance abuse coverage.