Cost is one of the biggest reasons people put off getting treatment. But the truth is that many Anthem BCBS members in Virginia have coverage that includes substance use treatment.
In other words, getting help may be far more affordable than you realize. Below, we take a closer look at what Anthem typically covers, what to expect, and how Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC) can help you figure out your benefits without any pressure.
What Is Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield?
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States. It operates as an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, providing coverage to millions of members across the country, including a large network of providers right here in Virginia.

In Virginia, Anthem offers a wide range of plan types, including individual and family plans, employer-sponsored coverage, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicaid through its HealthKeepers Plus program. And in many cases, these plans include coverage for substance use treatment.
Does Anthem Cover Drug and Alcohol Rehab?
In short, yes. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield typically covers drug and alcohol rehab. Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), health insurers such as Anthem are required to cover substance use disorder treatment on par with other medical conditions.
However, the exact scope of coverage depends on your specific plan. Factors such as your deductible, co-pays, out-of-pocket maximum, and whether a provider is in-network all play a part in how your coverage works and what exactly it involves.
At the same time, the uncertainty about costs shouldn’t stop you from reaching out—our team at Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC) can help you verify your insurance so you know exactly what to expect before you commit.
What Anthem Plans Are Available in Virginia?
Anthem offers several plan tiers in Virginia. The level of coverage you receive will depend on which plan you’re enrolled in, which include:
- Bronze plans have the lowest monthly premiums but higher deductibles and co-pays. Anthem typically covers around 60% of medical costs under these plans.
- Silver plans sit in the middle, with moderate premiums and around 70% of covered medical costs paid by Anthem. These are a popular choice for people who want a balance between monthly costs and out-of-pocket expenses.
- Gold plans have higher monthly premiums but cover around 80% of medical costs, with lower deductibles and co-pays.
Anthem also administers HealthKeepers Plus, Virginia’s Medicaid program, which covers substance use treatment for eligible low-income individuals. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, our admissions team can help you figure things out.
What Rehab Services Does Anthem Typically Cover in Virginia?
While coverage varies by plan, Anthem BCBS plans in Virginia often cover a broad range of substance use treatment services, including:
- Medically supervised detox: Withdrawal from certain substances such as alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines can be physically dangerous. Medical detox is typically considered medically necessary by Anthem, which means it’s often covered.
- Residential treatment: Inpatient or residential rehab gives you around-the-clock support in a structured, therapeutic environment. Coverage often applies when residential treatment is deemed medically necessary.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Anthem typically covers FDA-approved medications such as Suboxone, Sublocade, and Vivitrol as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. However, keep in mind that some medications may require prior authorization.
- Individual and group therapy: Evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and group counseling are commonly covered under Anthem behavioral health benefits.
- Dual diagnosis treatment: Many people who struggle with addiction also live with co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. Anthem’s behavioral health benefits often extend to cover integrated treatment that addresses both at the same time.
How to Verify Your Anthem Coverage at Freedom Recovery Centers
Navigating insurance can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with so much. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out alone.
At FRC, our admissions team can verify your Anthem BCBS benefits on your behalf—usually within the same day—so you have a clear picture of what’s covered before you make any decisions.
All you need is your insurance card and member ID. From there, we’ll handle the rest. Call us today at 804-635-3746 to get started.
