Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of New York Behavioral and Mental Health Treatment Coverage Near Me

An estimated 1 in 5 adults are living with a mental health condition each day, and approximately 1 in 20 adults are living with a severe mental health concern. These conditions are often more common than we realize because not everyone shows outward signs that they’re struggling. Mental health concerns are individualized and can affect everyone differently. 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness indicated that the most common mental health concerns among adults in the U.S. are anxiety disorders, major depressive episodes, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia, respectively. Less than half of adults who were experiencing a mental illness received treatment in 2021, and only 65% of those living with a severe mental health concern received treatment. Research has shown that on average, there is an 11-year gap between when an individual begins experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, and when they receive treatment. One of the factors impacting the rate of treatment admission is that an estimated 10% of those who are living with a mental health condition do not have health insurance, which can make the cost of treatment a significant barrier to treatment. 

Empire BlueCrossBlueShield has various brands, services, and products available for its members to choose from. This allows you to choose a healthcare plan that allows you to access the care you need while being mindful of your budget.  

• Individual and Family Health Plans: BCBS offers coverage options for individuals and families that often include preventive care, specialist services, and prescription drug coverage.

• Medicare Advantage Plans: Medicare options are available for seniors, and combine your typical Medicare benefits with additional services such as dental, vision, and wellness programs that allow you to take a proactive approach to your health.

• Prescription Drug Coverage: BCBS prescription drug coverage various plans covering a wide range of medications, with an emphasis on affordability and access to both generics and brand-name drugs.

• Telehealth Services: Members can access care from the comfort of their homes through virtual doctor visits, which include consultations for minor illnesses and mental health services.

• Behavioral Health Services: Empire BCBS provides coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatments, including inpatient, outpatient, and medication-assisted therapies.

• Employer-Sponsored Plans: Offers customizable group health insurance plans for businesses, providing comprehensive benefits to employees, including wellness programs and preventive care.

• Wellness Programs: Incentive-based programs encouraging members to engage in healthy behaviors, such as fitness, nutrition, and smoking cessation programs.

Several mental health conditions can occur at the same time as an alcohol use disorder. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism indicated that the most common conditions include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other substance use disorders. Specialized treatment programs generally fall within the scope of BCBS coverage. 

Multiple mental health conditions can occur at the same time as drug addictions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, manic depression, ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and PTSD. Some mental health conditions come with an increased risk for drug abuse and addiction. BCBS generally provides coverage for those experiencing co-occurring mental health conditions with a drug use disorder.  

Mental health testing is a vital component of mental health treatment because it allows professionals to identify mental health conditions you may be living with so that they can then determine which treatment approaches would be ideal for you. The assessments and testing measures used are dependent on your current symptoms. Empire BCBS coverage incorporates many screening and testing options.