Does Regence Blue Cross in Washington Cover Mental Health Therapy and Treatment?

A MISSION FOR MICHAEL

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Mental health conditions affect approximately one out of five adults in the United States. These conditions can range in severity and how they affect your cognitive functioning. Residential treatment, like what’s available with A Mission For Michael (AMFM), can support those experiencing moderate to severe mental health disorders. Our locations can be found in Washington, California, and Virginia.

We provide comprehensive care for various psychiatric conditions, including dual diagnosis conditions. This includes mood disorders, bipolar disorder, and trauma-related disorders like PTSD. Our clinical teams work diligently to ensure that you receive personalized care that develops the foundation for long-term recovery. For many, treatment for psychological health concerns is possible with health care policies, including Regence Blue Cross Washington treatment coverage. We will spend time exploring who Regence BCBS is, and how their health coverage applies to mental health treatment.

Who is the Washington Insurance Provider Regence Blue Cross?

Regence Blue Cross is a leading health insurance provider serving the Pacific Northwest. Originally developed in 1917, Regence is now providing insurance for over 2.4 million residents within Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Regence Blue Cross Washington has 1.46 million members.

Regence is a subsidiary of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association which means that policyholders have access to the network of providers and resources associated with BCBS. Blue Cross and Blue Shield were originally two separate insurance providers until their merger. Blue Shield focused on providing coverage for physician services, whereas Blue Cross offered coverage for hospital care.

Regence has donated over 5.9 million dollars to 736 non-profit organizations and local charities. The top 5 recipients of their donations include:

  • Crisis Connections
  • NAMI Washington
  • Washington Association for Community Health
  • Washington State Department of Health
  • Washington’s Accountable Communities of Health Statewide Network

Regence BCBS offers various services and products for policyholders to choose from. Regence plans can include preventative health services, in-network pharmacy options, generic medications, prescription drug coverage, access to virtual and in-person therapists, and more. Examples of available plans include:

  • Individual and Family Plans: These plans can support those in various stages of life.
  • Medicare Plans: Available Medicare plans include Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, and Medicare Supplement Plans for qualifying individuals.
  • Labor and Trust Group Plans: This can include medical, dental, pharmacy coverage, and retiree programs.
  • Small Group Plans: This can include Administrative Services Only (ASO) plans and Group Medicare Advantage Plans
  • PPO Plans: These plans allow you to choose healthcare providers within a health insurance network or outside.
  • HMO Plans: HMOs emphasize preventive care and typically require you to choose a primary care physician. Your chosen primary will provide referrals for specialized care.

While Regence Blue Cross and Premera Blue Shield are both members of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, they are separate health insurance providers. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association works with multiple health insurance companies to increase the care and support for their members.

Regence BCBS has a wider range of uses, with members located in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Utah. BCBS Premera primarily serves Washington and Alaska residents.

BCBS Regence offers four types of health care plans, each of which falls within a tiered system. This allows you to choose a plan that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Each of these options has its benefits, which is why it is important to consider the coverage that would best support all those insured.

Regence BCBS plan options include:

  • Cascade Plan: This is available in gold, silver, and bronze levels. This plan includes predictable out-of-pocket fees for visits and prescriptions.
  • Essential Plan: The essential plan is available at a bronze level. This option offers basic health coverage, with no costs for virtual appointments, urgent care, behavioral health care, and primary care.
  • Health Savings Account (HAS): An HSA provides you with pre-tax funds that can be used to offset out-of-pocket expenses you experience with your policy. HSAs can be added to silver and bronze packages.
  • Traditional Plan: Traditional plans can provide you with affordable care, without requiring referrals from primary care physicians.

BlueCross BlueShield Regence provides health coverage to over 1.46 million Washington residents. They pride themselves on offering affordable healthcare services that are accessible to their policyholders. Regence contributed over 541 million dollars during 2020 to the economy. Your BCBS Regence plan can include a range of behavioral health resources, including virtual treatment options.

Regence BCBS has 712 in-network facilities, and over 45,500 in-network providers. In 2023, Regence had $5.19 billion in health benefit payments, for over 20.2 million claims. This averaged out to $3,056 per insured member. In addition to donating over 1.9 million dollars to Washington non-profit organizations, their employees clocked 3,948 volunteer hours.

How To Check the My Regence Coverage Levels for Treatment at AMFM?

To learn about the scope of your health benefits, we encourage you to complete the AMFM insurance verification form. This provides us with the details we need to contact Regence Blue Cross directly to learn about the details of your plan. We will inquire about your health insurance premiums, deductibles, and copayments.

Additionally, we will ask about limitations and exclusions for insured members. We can ensure that we are in-network, and provide you with a personalized quote for the cost of treatment with your specific health plan. If necessary, we can review available ways to pay for treatment. Call us today to get started!

What is Health Insurance for Mental Health Therapy and Treatment?

Medical insurance that offers coverage for mental health treatment can provide you with financial assistance for necessary treatments. Coverage does vary among health plan options and carriers. Generally, health plans offer coverage for a range of services like individual therapy, group therapy, support groups, and evidence-based psychotherapy techniques.

Healthcare coverage can significantly reduce the cost of mental health treatment by paying for some, if not most, of the costs associated with your mental health treatment. It is important to note that your health policy may have specific out-of-pocket expenses. This can include health insurance premiums, deductibles, and copayments. Additionally, some health plan options provide coverage for virtual therapy, preventative mental health support, and crisis stabilization services. If you have been experiencing psychological distress and would like to learn about which treatment options are the best fit for you, contact AMFM for a confidential and free mental health assessment. We will review your specific symptoms, their severity, and other risk factors to provide a customized recommendation.

What do Regence BlueCross Policies Cover for Mental Health Treatment?

Regence Blue Cross Washington health care policies provide coverage for a range of medical and mental health conditions. With the plan options that you have with Regence BCBS, you’re able to choose a plan that aligns with your needs. As an example, those who require continued medication management services likely consider this during health insurance enrollment periods.

For assistance understanding your Regence BCBS policy, contact an AMFM Mental Health Treatment Center admission counselor by dialing (866)478-4383 today.

Which Mental Health Treatment Programs Are Covered by Regence Blue Cross?

Regence Blue Cross health benefits can include various treatment options, with varying intensities. This allows policy holders to access treatment that is appropriate for their current symptoms and overall cognitive functioning. Continue reading for a brief introduction to options commonly included in Regence Blue Cross Washington therapy coverage.

Residential treatment programs are an immersive treatment option that includes 24/7 support and care. These programs are designed for those experiencing moderate to severe symptoms, and significant psychological distress. Treatment can include therapy sessions, self-care practices, and a range of wellness and mental health treatment approaches.

Regency Blue Cross generally includes residential treatment in their health care policies. Your plan may be subject to health insurance deductibles, copayments, or premiums based on the details of your health policy.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) or day treatment programs, provide you with a full day of structured programming. This can include therapy sessions, psychiatric services, and mental health awareness psychoeducation groups. These programs aim to improve your daily functioning and independence, allowing you to transfer to a non-intensive treatment option.

Health plans through Regence typically provide coverage for PHPs when it is medically necessary. You may be responsible for out-of-pocket expenses including resulting health insurance copayments, premiums, and deductibles.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) are an outpatient treatment program that generally includes several hours of group therapy multiple times per week. This is often supplemented with individual therapy sessions, focused on your emotional well-being and treatment goals. These programs can often accommodate professional and academic schedules, with morning and evening sessions.

Health care policies with Regence often include coverage for IOPs. You may be required to obtain prior authorization or work with providers within your health insurance network.

Outpatient therapy provides flexible treatment. This can include individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric care. This allows you to continue working with a mental health provider as your psychological health improves. This treatment option is ideal for those experiencing mild to moderate distress, and those who have completed intensive treatment options.

Regence Blue Cross Washington mental health coverage often includes coverage for outpatient therapy. Your health policy may have a list of in-network providers you can choose from to receive maximum coverage.

Treatment Centers That Take Regence Blue Cross Washington Health Insurance

A Mission For Michael (AMFM) is a leading residential treatment provider in several states. Our treatment combines various therapies, wellness programs, and holistic approaches for comprehensive care. To learn more about available Regence Blue Shield treatment options, dial (866)478-4383 today.

Mental Health Disorders Regence Blue Shield Health Insurance May Cover?

Regence Blue Cross Washington treatment coverage can encompass a range of mental health conditions. Mental health conditions vary in intensity and in which symptoms they cause. These differences can require varying treatment approaches. Continue reading for a brief review of some, but not all, of the mental health conditions included in Regence health coverage.

Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders can cause persistent worry and, in some cases, intense panic symptoms. These are the most common mental health conditions in the United States. They affect an estimated 19.1% of adults each year. Anxiety treatment can include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and medication management services. Regence health plans generally include coverage for anxiety treatment options. This allows you to receive the care you need to improve your cognitive functioning and overall emotional well-being.

ADHD

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can include varying symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This can have an impact on your work performance, interpersonal relationships, and ability to manage everyday tasks. Treatment commonly includes psychoeducation, behavior therapy, and medication management services. Regence Blue Cross Washington mental health coverage typically includes a range of treatment options for those living with ADHD.

Depression

Depression symptoms can range from mild to severe. This commonly includes feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness, and feeling down. You may also isolate from others, and struggle to find enjoyment like you did before. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, treatment can range from inpatient to outpatient treatment options, including medication management services. Regence Blue Cross Washington medical insurance often includes varying depression treatment options.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects an estimated 2.6% to 6% of adults in the U.S. This condition can develop after a traumatic event like violence, combat, and natural disasters. PTSD can range in severity from mild to severe, classifying as a disability in some cases. Treatment can include stress management skills, medication management services, and trauma-informed psychotherapy techniques. Regence healthcare coverage typically provides coverage for a range of commonly used PTSD treatment approaches.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is known for causing intense mood swings, impulsivity, and patterns of unhealthy relationships. BPD can have an impact in academic and professional settings, and contribute to a range of interpersonal challenges. Treatment commonly includes Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and finding mental health resources in your area. Regence Blue Cross health plan options typically include treatment options for BPD that are medically appropriate for your needs.

Psychosis

Psychosis is most known for causing hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. These symptoms can cause a disconnection from reality. They can occur with a range of mental health disorders including schizophrenia and delusional disorder. Treatment for psychosis may require crisis intervention services, inpatient programming, and psychiatric care to stabilize severe symptoms. Regence mental health coverage often includes intensive treatment options for psychosis.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is known for causing intense mood swings, including manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes. These symptoms can occur in varying severities, which often benefit from different treatments. Medication management services are often provided to reduce the frequency of mood episodes, in addition to inpatient and outpatient treatment counseling. Regence offers mental health coverage options for those who are experiencing bipolar and bipolar-related disorders.
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    Find out about our free assessments and admissions process

    We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.

    If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help. 

    How Much Is Treatment With Regence Blue Cross Washington Health Insurance?

    The cost of mental health treatment can vary greatly for those using insurance coverage. Regence Blue Cross has various plan options, which come with varying coverage rates and out-of-pocket expenses. The treatment that you receive will also impact your out-of-pocket expenses. Generally, inpatient treatment has higher costs than outpatient treatment.

    For those who are interested in changing their policy, we encourage you to explore available options during health insurance open enrollment. During this time, you can often receive health insurance quotes for different policies within the health insurance marketplace.

    Psychiatrist writing notes while having therapy session with a patient.

    How To Get Regence BlueCross Policy to Cover Mental Health Treatment

    An important step in the health insurance claims process is to verify your coverage. Some healthcare policies require prior authorization for some services, which can affect your claim being approved or denied. Your chosen treatment provider should be able to help you with your health insurance claims, ensuring that the necessary paperwork is submitted.

    If you have chosen an out-of-network provider, you may need to inquire about reimbursement options or negotiate coverage. For personalized support and guidance, contact A Mission For Michael (AMFM) today.

    Your health policy with Regence Blue Cross may have a set number of annual sessions, or you may have unlimited visits. This is another detail that can vary among their health plan options. You may find that limitations are more common with intensive treatment options. You may be asked to show that these levels of care are medically necessary and obtain prior authorization.

    Outpatient treatment is often covered more easily, except for intensive programs like PHPs and IOPs. These specialized programs may, too, require prior authorization for treatment services. If you would like support understanding what Regence Blue Cross covers for treatment, contact AMFM today.

    • The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) indicated that about 23% of the adult population was experiencing a mental illness in 2022.
    • The most common mental health disorders in the U.S. include anxiety disorders, major depressive episodes, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders, respectively.
    • 46% of Americans meet diagnostic criteria for a mental health disorder, at one point during their lifetime.
    • Between 19.2% and 21.6% of adults within the U.S. engaged in mental health treatment between 2019 and 2021.
    • The rates for adults in the U.S. engaging in mental health treatment have been steadily increasing since 2002. The most significant increase occurred between 2021 and 2022.

    Check if your health insurance will cover the cost of mental health treatment.