When someone finally decides to look for help, insurance often becomes the last thing standing in the way. Not because people don’t want treatment—but because they’re unsure what’s covered, what it will cost, or whether they’re about to make a mistake.

Footprints Beachside Recovery is in-network with BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS). In practice, that usually means fewer financial surprises and a more straightforward approval process than out-of-network care. Still, every BCBS plan is different, which is why we don’t give estimates or answers until we’ve actually looked at your benefits.

Our role isn’t to sell you on treatment. It’s to help you understand—clearly—what your plan supports, what it doesn’t, and what care would realistically look like here.

A Reality About BlueCross BlueShield Plans

“BCBS” isn’t one policy. It’s a network of state-based plans, each with its own rules.

Two people can both say “I have BlueCross” and have completely different experiences based on:

• Which state plan they’re enrolled in (Florida Blue, Anthem, etc.)
• Whether their plan uses the BlueCard network for care outside their home state
• Their deductible and out-of-pocket maximum
• Whether approval is required before treatment starts

This is why we don’t rely on assumptions—and why benefit verification matters so much.

What BCBS Usually Helps Cover (When It’s the Right Fit)

Most BCBS plans include behavioral health benefits that can apply to addiction and mental health treatment. When care is clinically appropriate, coverage may include:

• Detox services, when medically necessary
• Structured treatment days (often called PHP or day treatment)
• Intensive outpatient (IOP) and outpatient care
• Therapy—individual, group, and sometimes family
• Mental health support for anxiety, depression, trauma, and related conditions

Whether those benefits apply depends on your plan and whether the level of care matches what’s actually needed.

How We Look at Detox (and Why It Matters)

Detox isn’t a checkbox—it’s a medical decision.

• Alcohol withdrawal is usually handled first at a medical detox facility, then clients transition directly into our program
• Opioid, fentanyl, and benzodiazepine withdrawal may sometimes be appropriate for Footprints after medical screening
• If someone needs closer medical monitoring, we help coordinate that first—before anything else

This approach aligns with BCBS expectations around safety and medical necessity, but more importantly, it’s the right thing clinically.

What Treatment at Footprints Actually Feels Like

Footprints isn’t designed for volume. It’s designed so people don’t disappear into a system.

• A small group of clients, so staff know everyone by name
• Separate housing for men and women in real beachside homes
• Full treatment days with therapy and clinical oversight
• Step-down and outpatient care when it’s time to re-enter daily life
• Integrated attention to mental health and substance use together

When BCBS supports more than one level of care, we help you understand what makes sense—not just what’s technically covered.

What to Look for in Your BCBS Benefits (Plain Language)

Behavioral Health Coverage

This is the section of your plan that applies to addiction and mental health treatment. If this exists, care may be covered.

Levels of Care

Ask whether your plan covers:

• Detox
• Day treatment / PHP
• Intensive outpatient (IOP)
• Standard outpatient therapy

Your Share of the Cost

Even with coverage, many plans include:

• Deductibles
• Copays
• Coinsurance

We go over these before admission, not after.

Approval Requirements

Many BCBS plans require approval before treatment starts—and continued approval while care is ongoing. We manage this process if you choose Footprints.

If You’re Not Sure Which BCBS Plan You’re On (or You’re on a Parent’s Plan)

A surprising number of people don’t know exactly what plan they have—and that’s okay.

How to Read a BlueCross BlueShield Insurance Card

If you have the card (or a photo of it), the most useful details are:

• Member name (yours or a parent’s)
• Member ID
• Plan name (Florida Blue, Anthem, etc.)
• Suitcase logo (often means nationwide coverage)
• Customer service number

You don’t need to decode it. A photo of the front and back is usually enough for us to start.

If You’re Covered Under a Parent’s BCBS Plan

Being on a parent’s plan does not prevent someone from getting treatment.

• Will my parent find out?
  Insurance statements may go to the policyholder, but treatment itself is confidential. We’ll explain what typically appears on paperwork.
• Can I call without them?
  Yes. We can verify benefits and talk privately.
• Does age matter?
  Coverage is based on medical need, not who holds the policy.

What to Say When You Call BCBS

If you do call BCBS yourself, keep it simple.

“I’m calling to verify my behavioral health and substance use treatment benefits.”

Then ask about:

• Detox coverage
• Day treatment / PHP
• Intensive outpatient (IOP)
• Outpatient therapy
• Deductible and out-of-pocket maximum
• Copays or coinsurance
• Approval requirements

Before hanging up:

“Can you email me a written summary of these benefits?”

If Coverage Is Limited

If your BCBS plan doesn’t cover everything, we’ll talk through alternatives calmly:

• Private pay options
• Family-supported arrangements
• Other realistic paths forward

No pressure. No rush.

Talk With Someone Who Will Actually Walk You Through It

If you have BlueCross BlueShield and want to understand what treatment at Footprints would really look like—and what it would cost—our admissions team will take the time to explain it.

Call to verify benefits or ask questions.
We’ll help you understand your options before you commit to anything.