Tennessee is home to popular cities like Memphis and Nashville and is known for its country music scene, food, and natural beauty. But like much of the United States, Tennessee has been impacted by the opioid epidemic.
In 2018, there were more than 1,300 drug overdoses involving opioids in the state.1 Meanwhile, Tennessee has the third-highest prescribing rate for opioids in the country.1
Seeking treatment for substance use is a brave step on your journey to recovery. And while recovery looks different for everyone, it often involves detox and rehab. If you have Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, you might wonder if your insurance plan can help pay for rehab. The good news is, your BCBS of Tennessee insurance plan may provide full or partial coverage for addiction treatment.
Check Your Policy Coverage
With the form below you can quickly and privately check your insurance benefits to see if you're covered for addiction treatment services. We'll be able to tell you if your policy is in-network at an American Addiction Centers location.

What Is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee?
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
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee Cover Rehab Treatment?
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.
You can also verify your insurance by calling and speaking to an American Addiction Centers (AAC) admissions navigator. AAC is proud to be part of the BCBS network, and our team is always available to answer your questions about drug or alcohol addiction treatment or insurance.
Types of Addiction Treatment That Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee May Cover
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. You can also call American Addiction Centers at to speak to an admissions navigator who can verify your insurance for you and help you with the admissions process when you’re ready.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee Cover Mental Health & Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
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.
How to Check Your Blue Shield of Tennessee Coverage for Rehab
Finding a treatment facility can feel overwhelming but knowing in advance what your BCBS of Tennessee insurance will cover can give you peace of mind. The good news is, checking your coverage is easy. To learn about your specific coverage in Tennessee or out of state, contact an admissions navigator at , or fill out the form above.
Which Rehab Centers Take Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee?
If you’re ready to get started with treatment and move toward a better life, there are a variety of treatment centers available both in Tennessee and out of state. American Addiction Centers (AAC) works with several insurance providers, including BCBS. This means AAC may be an in-network provider through your BCBS of Tennessee plan.
These AAC facilities are in-network with BCBS and may accept your insurance plan:
- Adcare Rhode Island: This scenic center is located on 30 acres of woods near North Kingstown, Rhode Island. You’ll have access to a basketball court and fitness center as you attend an inpatient or outpatient program. They also offer medical detox.
- Desert Hope Treatment Center: In Las Vegas, Nevada, Desert Hope is a residential treatment center with a focus on dual diagnosis treatment. There is a specific veteran and first-responder treatment program. These programs can help people who have unique experiences that affect their mental and physical health.
- Greenhouse Treatment Center: Greenhouse Treatment Center has campuses in Dallas and Arlington. You can receive detox services, residential care, and outpatient treatment, along with aftercare. There is also a specific treatment program for LGBTQ individuals and their unique needs.
- Laguna Treatment Center: Laguna Treatment Center invites you to come to sunny Southern California for substance use treatment. It’s a comfortable, home-like atmosphere nestled in the scenic San Joaquin Hills where you can receive residential treatment and get help with co-occurring disorders.
- Oxford Treatment Center: The Oxford Treatment Center is in a remote lakeside area in Etta, Mississippi, and includes an equestrian center. This center specializes in residential treatment but also offers a variety of other programs, and is well-equipped to treat co-occurring disorders as well.
- River Oaks Treatment Center: River Oaks provides evidence-based treatment that supports emotional, physical, and spiritual recovery near Tampa Florida.
- Sunrise House Treatment Center: If you need some mountain air while you change your life for the better, consider Sunrise House Treatment Center in the Northern New Jersey mountains. This facility offers a variety of programs including medical detox, residential treatment, and multiple outpatient programs.
Choosing to get sober takes courage and you deserve all the support you can get on your recovery journey. American Addiction Centers is committed to helping you get back on track so you can have a happier, healthier life. Our admissions navigators are ready at to help you get started today.
Sources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020) Tennessee: Opioid-Involved Deaths and Related Harms.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield. (n.d.). BCBS® Companies and Licensees.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee. (n.d.). About Us.
- Healthcare.gov. (n.d.). What Marketplace health insurance plans cover.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee. (2018). Behavioral Health Levels of Care Program Descriptions.
- Healthcare.gov. (2021). What you should know about provider networks.
- Healthcare.gov. (2019). Treatment Options.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2014). Principles of Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Research-Based Guide: Treatment Settings.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). What are the treatments for comorbid substance use disorder and mental health conditions?
- Healthcare.gov. (n.d.). Mental health & substance abuse coverage.