If you have Blue Cross Blue Shield and you live in Florida, you have probably heard of Florida Blue. Think of it as the state’s version of Blue Cross Blue Shield. You might have this insurance coverage through your employer. Alternatively, you may have also decided to purchase the coverage on your own accord. If you are in need of substance abuse treatment and you have coverage through Florida Blue, it’s possible for you to get treatment that is at least partially covered by your insurance policy. The amount of coverage provided can vary a great deal, as can the cost of treatment.
Does Everyone Who Has Florida Blue Enjoy Coverage for Treatment?
To a certain extent, the answer is yes. The Affordable Care Act specifically mandated that all insurance policies had to provide some level of reimbursement for individuals seeking substance abuse treatment. That being said, it did not state that these insurance companies had to pay for the entirety of the cost associated with such treatment. As a direct result, the level of coverage that you can potentially enjoy will be largely determined by the type of policy you have. Just like any other medical coverage, the more comprehensive your policy is, the more likely it is that it will cover a significant portion of substance abuse treatment.
In fact, it’s even possible for you to purchase a separate policy that goes along with your medical coverage specifically for this type of treatment. If you have that type of policy, then your treatment should be paid for in full. Otherwise, you will probably be facing some costs that you will have to pay out-of-pocket, although the amount will vary a great deal depending on your individual policy, your deductible and the cost of treatment that you are seeking.
Are Certain Types of Treatment Excluded?
In Florida, all types of treatment are included to a certain extent. That means that you can get inpatient treatment as well as participate in an outpatient program while receiving at least some coverage through your insurance company. Again, it’s impossible to tell with any level of certainty exactly how much coverage you will receive or what percentage of your bill will be covered through your insurance. That’s why it’s so important that you work with both the facility in question and your insurance provider.
Doing so will help you determine exactly how much you can expect to be covered and how much you will have to pay out-of-pocket. At the very least, it eliminates the possibility of having a rather unpleasant surprise associated with receiving a very large bill right in the middle of your treatment. Such an event could be a setback that no one needs, especially not at that particular point in time. Therefore, it’s imperative that you have all of these details worked out ahead of time. If you need help muddling through them, the treatment facility will most likely have a liaison that can work with you and your insurance company in order to iron out the details.
Steps You Should Take When Receiving Treatment
It probably won’t come as any surprise that there are certain steps you need to take in order to ensure that the maximum amount of your treatment is covered by your insurance policy. In much the same way that you would work with your physician or with a hospital if you were getting a surgical procedure, you will end up working closely with the facility that’s offering treatment to better understand your options as they relate to your insurance coverage. As such, there are a few things that you should remember.
- You may be able to speak with a specialist that can help you with the cost of treatment.
- It’s important to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible.
- Don’t hesitate to contact a number of treatment facilities to find out which options are available to you.
Unfortunately, a lot of people have the misconception that their treatment won’t be covered by their insurance. Some feel like they won’t receive enough coverage and therefore, they don’t seek treatment when they need it. Even if you have a policy that leaves a significant portion of your treatment unpaid, it’s still imperative that you contact treatment facilities near you and see what options you have available.
The overwhelming majority of them will be willing to work something out with you. The most important thing to remember is that you should never allow your concern about a perceived inability to pay for treatment stop you from seeking it. Instead, pick up the phone and call us at 833-846-5669.