Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Treatment

What are Signs and Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?

PTSD is an individualized, and complex mental health condition that can have invasive and persistent symptoms. Symptoms can make it challenging to go about your daily life, manage your responsibilities, and take care of yourself. Individuals can experience some, or many symptoms, and can have varying levels of impairment. 

Symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder can be broken down into four main categories:

• Intrusive Symptoms: Intrusive symptoms can include repeated and involuntary memories of the event, distressing dreams or nightmares, and flashbacks. For some, flashbacks are vivid and can feel as though you’re truly experiencing or seeing the event in real-time.

• Avoidance Symptoms: Avoidance symptoms can include avoiding people, places, or things that remind you of the trauma, or trigger memories of the event. Avoidance can be used as a coping skill, in an attempt to keep yourself from remembering or thinking about your trauma. While this is understandable, it can interfere with your daily life and impair functioning. Avoiding your trauma may provide temporary relief; however, it is not an effective strategy in the long run, or for those trying to heal.

• Changes in Mood and Thinking: Some individuals have a hard time remembering the details or other important aspects of their trauma, and others have a shift in their mindset where they now have distorted beliefs about themselves or others. This could include thinking you’re a bad person, or that you’re unable to trust others in your life. These thoughts and beliefs can negatively impact your mood, causing feelings of guilt, shame, anger, or horror. It is not uncommon for those living with PTSD to lose interest in enjoyable activities, and struggle to experience positive emotions such as happiness and joy. 

• Changes in Arousal and Reactivity: Examples of changes in arousal and reactivity can include increased irritability or having angry outbursts, which are typically out of character. Individuals may find themselves acting recklessly, or putting themselves in dangerous situations. They may find themselves feeling skeptical about their environment and those around them. Other symptoms can include being startled easily, poor concentration, and sleep disturbances. 

Does PTSD Qualify You For Disability?

Being diagnosed with PTSD may qualify you for disability, based on the severity of your symptoms, level of impairment, and other relevant criteria. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has identified the following criteria for individuals interested in receiving disability benefits due to post-traumatic stress disorder:

• You have medical documentation showing that you:
  • Were exposed to actual, or threatened death, injury, or violence
  • Have experienced re-experiencing symptoms since the traumatic event occurred
  • Are experiencing avoidance symptoms
  • Have had a disturbance in mood and behavior since the trauma occurred
  • Have a notable increase in arousal and reactivity

• Additionally, you have noticed a new limitation in one or more of the following areas:
  • Understanding, remembering, or applying information
  • Interacting with others
  • Concentrate, persist, or maintain pace
  • Adapt or manage yourself

• You also have documentation supporting that your PTSD is serious and persistent, and has lasted over two years. In this scenario, you need to meet both of the following criteria:
  • You have engaged in mental health therapy, psychosocial supports, or a highly structured therapy that is typically used to reduce symptoms associated with PTSD
  • You are unable to adjust to changes in your environment, or to new expectations that would require modifying your established routine

What is the Health Insurance Provider Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has a rich history dating back to 1929, when the first prepaid hospital plan was founded in Dallas, Texas. The iconic Blue Cross symbol was established by the American Hospital Association in 1934, followed by the establishment of Blue Shield in 1939. BCBS since has evolved into a nationwide network of independent health insurance providers.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is like the glue holding together a patchwork quilt of independent, community-focused Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies across the nation. Through collaboration and advocacy, BCBSA is dedicated to making sure everyone has access to quality care and support when they need it most. BCBS offers various healthcare options for individuals, families, and employers that offer a range of services, including:

BCBS Plans and Services

BCBS offers various healthcare options for individuals, families, and employers that offer a range of services, including:

• Health insurance coverage for individuals and families: Comprehensive medical coverage for healthcare services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications.

• Medicare and Medicaid plans: Insurance plans specifically designed for eligible individuals enrolled in the Medicare or Medicaid programs, offering additional coverage options.

• Employer-sponsored group health insurance: Health insurance plans are provided by employers to their employees, often with a range of coverage options tailored to meet their needs.

• Dental and vision insurance: Coverage for dental and vision care services, including routine check-ups, cleanings, and corrective procedures.

• Prescription drug coverage: Insurance coverage for prescription medications, helping to offset the cost of essential drugs prescribed by healthcare providers.

• Behavioral health services: Coverage for mental health and substance abuse treatment, including therapy sessions, counseling, and support programs.

• Wellness programs and preventive care services: Resources and services aimed at promoting overall health and preventing illness, including preventive screenings, health assessments, and lifestyle coaching.

• Telemedicine and virtual care options: Remote access to healthcare services through online platforms or virtual visits with healthcare providers, offering convenience and accessibility.

• Health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs): Tax-advantaged accounts that allow individuals to save money for medical expenses and pay for eligible healthcare costs.

• Health and wellness resources: Access to online tools, educational materials, and support resources to help individuals make informed healthcare decisions and manage their health effectively.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover PTSD Therapy and Counseling?

If you have found yourself wondering, does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover therapy for PTSD, there is a piece of you that recognizes that your psychological experiences resemble PTSD and that treatment may be a helpful option for you. Thankfully, BCBS members who are experiencing psychological distress from PTSD are usually eligible for coverage. 

Your health coverage options for PTSD treatment will be dependent on the details of your insurance plan. In most cases, BCBS approves the use of inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, when your symptoms align with the criteria for the program. Evidence-based therapies that you may come across in a PTSD program include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EDMR). Mindfulness practices and other holistic approaches to PTSD can be incorporated into therapy sessions.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Cover Psychiatrist Visits for PTSD?

Yes! BCBS coverage options often include sessions with a psychiatrist.  Psychiatrists are trained mental health practitioners who can conduct a comprehensive assessment, often including PTSD screening tools, to formulate an accurate diagnosis for your mental health concerns. They may offer PTSD medications which could aid in your recovery toward optimal emotional health and well-being.

Psychiatrists who specialize in treating PTSD can work in both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, providing you with a full continuum of care. This is important because the level of impairment that you experience from your symptoms can vary from others, which means that your treatment needs will have differences as well. If you have been experiencing nightmares or other symptoms of PTSD, we invite you to speak with an Admission’s Counselor by calling (866) 461-4474 to explore how mental health treatment could help you cope with, and heal, from the trauma you’ve experienced. 

What Medications Are Covered By BCBS for PTSD Treatment?

Medications can be an effective way to manage PTSD symptoms by providing relief so that you can fully participate in other aspects of your treatment. There are typically 4 medication options for those experiencing symptoms of PTSD, This includes two specific types of antidepressants, SSRIs, and SNRIs. Medications commonly used for PTSD that may fall within your BCBS coverage include:

• Sertraline (Zoloft): Sertraline is a Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) that increases the levels of serotonin in your brain, which can reduce anxiety, improve your mood, and decrease the presence of intrusive thoughts and flashbacks.

• Paroxetine (Paxil): Paroxetine is another SSRI that can also be used to decrease anxiety, lift your mood, and decrease flashbacks and intrusive thoughts. 

• Fluoxetine (Prozac): Fluoxetine is also an SSRI that can be used to reduce anxiety, improve your mood, and decrease the frequency of flashbacks and other intrusive thoughts.

• Venlafaxine (Effexor): Venlafaxine is a Serotonin- Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI) that targets the serotonin and norepinephrine levels in your brain which can provide relief from anxiety, depression, and hyperarousal symptoms. 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Programs Covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield

PTSD is a very personal, and complex mental health condition. While you may have had the same traumatic experience as someone else, there are differences regarding your experience during the trauma, your perception of the event, and how it has affected you after the fact. Individual differences play a significant role in determining which levels of care you require.