Clarification of Chemical Dependency Benefits Under the Health Plan

Sections of the March 2015 Health Plan Summary Plan Description pertaining to chemical dependency benefits have been amended to correspond with Health Plan procedures that have been in place since January 1, 2013, when the Health Plan’s chemical dependency and mental health benefits were brought into parity with other medical benefits.

For the Bronze Plan, an amendment clarifies that chemical dependency benefits are covered. The Bronze Plan pays claims for inpatient and outpatient chemical dependency benefits—which include mental health, behavioral health, and substance abuse services.

For the Premier Choice and Choice Plans, an amendment clarifies that there are no requirements for chemical dependency prescriptions to be pre-authorized or prescribed during the course of an Anthem Blue Cross approved treatment program. For chemical dependency medications to be covered, they must only be prescribed by a physician.

For more information, refer to the March 2015 Health Plan Summary Plan Description and its updates.