BCBS of TN Insurance Coverage for Drug and Alcohol Rehab

Alcohol is one of the most commonly treated substances in rehab programs. 

Coverage often includes detox, inpatient or outpatient care, and ongoing therapy. 

Because alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, medically supervised detox is usually considered necessary.

BCBS TN frequently covers treatment for opioid addiction, including both prescription medications (like oxycodone or hydrocodone) and illicit opioids (i.e., heroin and fentanyl). 

Given the current opioid epidemic in Tennessee, many plans support multiple levels of care for opioid use disorder.

Benzodiazepine addiction can be particularly dangerous due to the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms. 

Insurance typically covers medically supervised detox and longer-term care to address the physical dependence and underlying causes of use.

Treatment for stimulant addiction often involves intensive behavioral therapy and structured support. 

BCBS TN may cover residential or outpatient treatment, depending on the situation.

BCBS TN recognizes how complex polysubstance addiction can be and usually covers treatment that addresses multiple dependencies simultaneously.

Most importantly, BCBS TN often includes coverage for dual diagnosis care—treatment for addiction alongside mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. 

Addressing both is essential for long-term recovery.

Navigating insurance is hard enough—finding out the rehab center you prefer is out-of-network can feel like a setback. Even so, depending on your BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee plan, you may still have options.

If a treatment center doesn’t have a contract with BCBS TN, it’s then considered out-of-network. 

That doesn’t always mean it’s off-limits—it just affects how much your insurance will pay and what your out-of-pocket costs may be.

If you have a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan, you can typically access out-of-network care. You’ll likely pay more than you would in-network, but PPOs are designed to give you choices. 

For many people, that extra cost is worth it—especially if the program offers more personalized care or specialized services.

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) and EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) plans often don’t allow out-of-network treatment unless it’s a true emergency. 

That means rehab centers outside the BCBS TN network might not be covered at all. In these cases, private pay or financing options can help bridge the gap.

There are times when going outside of your insurer’s network can make sense:

• You want trauma-informed care or dual diagnosis treatment not available locally.
• You’re looking for a veteran-specific program or specialized therapy options.
• You prefer a smaller, more private facility where you can focus fully on recovery.

Every situation is different. That’s why it’s important to verify your benefits and explore what’s possible before assuming something is out of reach.

BCBST may cover a range of evidence-based treatment services, including:

• Medical detox
• Inpatient residential treatment
• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
• Standard outpatient therapy
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Dual diagnosis treatment

Exact benefits depend on your plan tier, prior authorization, and medical necessity.

Often, yes. Many BCBS plans require prior authorization for inpatient detox, residential treatment, and sometimes PHP. Your admissions team or treatment provider can help complete the authorization process before you begin care.

Most plans offer coverage for medically supervised detox, especially when withdrawal symptoms pose health risks. The level of coverage depends on your specific plan and whether detox is deemed medically necessary.

Your out-of-pocket cost will depend on several factors:

• Deductible
• Copay or coinsurance
• In-network vs. out-of-network provider
• Length of stay and level of care

Using an in-network rehab center typically reduces your total costs.

Yes. BCBS of Tennessee often covers dual diagnosis treatment for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Coverage may include psychiatric evaluations, therapy, medication management, and integrated treatment services.

No. Not all treatment centers are in-network. It’s important to verify whether the facility you choose accepts BCBS of TN to minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Admissions teams can typically verify your insurance benefits within minutes.

Yes. Many BCBS plans cover FDA-approved MAT options such as:

• Suboxone® (buprenorphine-naloxone)
• Methadone
• Naltrexone / Vivitrol®

Coverage depends on your plan and provider network.

Yes. BCBS of TN typically covers outpatient treatment options, including individual therapy, group therapy, relapse-prevention programs, and IOP. Copays or coinsurance may apply.

You can verify benefits by:

• Calling the number on your BCBS insurance card
• Logging into your BCBST member portal
• Contacting our admissions team to verify coverage on your behalf.

Often, yes. Many plans include coverage for therapy sessions involving family members when part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Coverage for long-term residential care varies. Some plans cover extended stays when medically necessary, while others limit coverage to shorter durations. Prior authorization is usually required.

Yes. Insurance companies must follow HIPAA laws, meaning all addiction treatment claims and medical information remain confidential and protected.