BCBSM describes whole-person behavioral health support that is embedded for fully insured and self-insured customers.
The carrier says behavioral health is embedded for fully insured and self-insured customers and their members, though it may not apply where behavioral health is carved out. Virtual behavioral health services are a buy-up for self-funded groups.
What the program is and what members do.
What the programs are
The carrier lists Blue Cross Behavioral Health, Blue Cross Coordinated Care, Blue Cross Well-Being, Blue Cross Virtual Well-Being and virtual behavioral health services. It also names psychiatric urgent care, mobile crisis, crisis stabilization, crisis residential services, substance use treatment and recovery centers, and medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.
How members use them
The carrier says help is available online, in person or by phone, with many providers offering one-on-one in-person care along with virtual care. Virtual services include confidential sessions with a licensed therapist or board-certified psychiatrist. Well-being resources include an app and weekly member-focused webinars.
What the page does not say
The carrier page does not state visit limits, copays, wait times or outcomes. It does not publish pricing for the virtual buy-up.
Eligibility, funding and plan design.
Who can use them
The carrier says employees of fully insured and self-insured customers, noting that it may not apply to customers with carved-out behavioral health benefits. The page is written for employers.
How they are funded or sold
The carrier says behavioral health is embedded for all fully insured and self-insured customers and their members unless benefits are carved out, and that virtual behavioral health services are a buy-up for self-funded groups.
Where they fit in plan design
These sit inside the medical and behavioral benefit and alongside any employee assistance program the group already has. A group with a carved-out vendor should check what overlaps and what does not.
What to settle before relying on it.
Is our behavioral health carved out?
The carrier says embedded coverage may not apply to carved-out customers. We would confirm how the group’s behavioral benefit is administered and who the member calls.
What does the self-funded buy-up cost?
The carrier says virtual behavioral health is a buy-up for self-funded groups but publishes no figure. We would ask for the fee and what it includes.
How does this connect to our existing programs?
If the group has an EAP or other support, we would ask the carrier how referrals and care coordination work so employees are not sent in two directions.
Common questions about this program.
Is behavioral health included in the plan?
The carrier says it is embedded for fully insured and self-insured customers and their members, unless behavioral health is carved out.
Does BCBSM offer virtual therapy?
Yes. The carrier describes virtual behavioral health services with licensed therapists and board-certified psychiatrists, and says it is a buy-up for self-funded groups.
What crisis services does the carrier list?
The carrier names psychiatric urgent care, mobile crisis, crisis stabilization and crisis residential services through community partnerships.
Where these details come from.
This page summarizes what BCBSM publishes. Programs change, so confirm current details with the carrier before relying on them.
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