Magellan Insurance Coverage for Benzodiazepine Use Disorder Treatment in Tennessee

Statistics on Benzodiazepine Use in Tennessee

In 2023, over 2.6 million benzodiazepine prescriptions were filled in Tennessee, highlighting widespread use. Vanderbilt University Medical Center reports about half of patients prescribed benzos in 2018 received enough medication to last two months or more, increasing the risk of addiction. Benzodiazepine addiction statistics reveal these drugs were detected in 12% of suspected overdose deaths in Nashville in 2021. 

Between 2019 and 2021, there were 1,666 fatal overdoses involving benzodiazepines statewide, with prescription benzos linked to over 80% of these deaths. Despite the growing effects of benzo use, only 49 treatment facilities in Tennessee offered benzodiazepine detoxification in 2022, indicating a gap in specialized care. These numbers underscore the critical need for expanded addiction treatment and awareness in Tennessee.

Why Are Benzodiazepines Common Prescribed?

Doctors commonly prescribe benzodiazepines to ease difficult symptoms related to anxiety, insomnia, seizures, muscle spasms, and panic attacks that you may be experiencing. These medications affect the nervous system, slowing down activity in your brain and helping you feel calmer and more rested. 

However, while they can provide short-term relief, benzodiazepines carry a high risk of addiction if used for a long time or without proper supervision. This is why your doctor may prescribe them alongside other benzodiazepine addiction and mental health treatments or for a limited duration. It’s crucial for you to be aware of these risks and to know that rehab programs for benzodiazepine abuse covered by Magellan are available if you need treatment.

Some Benefits and Policies from Magellan

When you are insured through Magellan, understanding your benefits can allow you to make the most of your plan. Knowing your deductible, premiums, claims process, and exclusions can be useful as you seek rehab programs for benzodiazepine abuse covered by Magellan. Being informed about your policy allows you to take full advantage of the options available for addiction recovery.

• Magellan Commercial Plans: These plans are ideal if you have employer-sponsored insurance. They include coverage for behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, and other specialty services.
• Magellan Medicaid Plans: If you qualify for Medicaid, Magellan provides tailored programs focusing on mental health and addiction treatment, allowing you to access necessary care with minimal out-of-pocket costs.
• Magellan Medicare Plans: If you’re eligible for Medicare, Magellan offers supplemental coverage that includes behavioral health benefits and medication management to support your overall wellness.
• Magellan Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Your employer may offer EAP services through Magellan, providing confidential benzodiazepine counseling and support resources for substance use and mental health challenges.
• Magellan Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM): Magellan manages prescription drug benefits to ensure you receive effective medications as part of your benzodiazepine addiction treatment while helping control costs.

Is Detox Necessary for Benzodiazepine Use Disorder Recovery?

Yes, detox is often necessary for benzodiazepine use disorder recovery because it allows you to safely manage withdrawal symptoms that may be severe and potentially dangerous. When you stop using benzodiazepines, your body needs time to adjust, and detoxification provides medical supervision to ease symptoms like anxiety, seizures, and insomnia. 

Without proper detox, you risk experiencing intense benzodiazepine withdrawal that can lead to relapse or health complications. At Freeman Recovery Center, you can receive detox services explicitly designed for benzodiazepine addiction. Detox is the crucial first step before beginning further benzodiazepine addiction treatment with Magellan Health in Tennessee.

What Medications Does Magellan Health Cover for Benzo Detox?

Magellan Health covers medically supervised detoxification services for benzodiazepine use disorder, though the specific medications covered can vary depending on your plan. Common medications used during benzo detox include diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, and clonazepam, all of which have long-acting properties that can ease withdrawal symptoms through a gradual taper. 

In some cases, phenobarbital may be used as an alternative in detox protocols. It’s important for you to verify your Magellan Health plan’s coverage and any preauthorization requirements for these detox services. Freeman Recovery Center can verify your insurance and ensure you receive the appropriate care for your benzodiazepine addiction recovery.

Diazepam (Valium®) 

Diazepam, commonly known by the brand name Valium®, is a benzodiazepine that treats anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. Diazepam calms your brain and nervous system. However, because of its calming effects, diazepam has a high potential for misuse and dependency, making it one of the benzodiazepines most commonly involved in addiction.

Alprazolam (Xanax®) 

Doctors often prescribe Alprazolam, known as Xanax®, to help manage anxiety and panic disorders. Alprazolam slows down your brain activity to help you feel calmer. However, its fast-acting effects can make it addictive, so using it without medical guidance can lead to dependence and potential misuse.

Lorazepam (Ativan®) 

Lorazepam, sold under the name Ativan®, is a drug prescribed to relieve anxiety and help with sleep problems. When you use lorazepam, it relaxes your mind and body by calming overactive nerve activity. Because of these calming effects, lorazepam can be habit-forming if not taken as directed, increasing the risk of dependency.

Clonazepam (Klonopin®) 

Doctors commonly prescribe clonazepam, marketed as Klonopin®, to control seizures and ease panic attacks. When you take clonazepam, it works by slowing down excessive brain activity to help you feel more balanced. Due to its effects, clonazepam can be addictive, especially if used for longer than recommended or without proper medical supervision.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) for Benzo Addiction

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for benzo addiction is a strong step forward in your recovery from benzodiazepine addiction. In a PHP, you’ll receive extensive, structured care during the day, typically five to seven sessions per week, while still living at home in the evening. This lets you maintain some independence while accessing intensive therapy and medication management from a team of experts.

Magellan Health typically covers PHPs for benzo addiction, making this a viable option under your Magellan policy. This coverage helps ease financial stress and allows you to focus fully on healing. At Freeman Recovery Center, you can work with a team that guides you through every step, ensuring you’re supported as you move toward recovery.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) for Benzo Addiction

An IOP for benzo addiction offers you flexible, strong support as you work toward benzodiazepine addiction recovery. In an IOP, you attend sessions several times a week while still living at home and maintaining routines in your daily life. IOPs let you connect with therapists and peers in a group setting, learn healthy coping skills, and gain confidence in navigating stressors without benzos.

Magellan Health usually covers IOPs for benzo addiction, helping ease financial worries during your healing process. You can take advantage of this coverage at Freeman Recovery Center to get the care you need while honoring your routines and responsibilities.

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Benzo Addiction

Recovering from benzodiazepine addiction is a big step forward, and medication-assisted treatment for benzodiazepine use under Magellan can help. Medication-assisted treatment eases withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings, leaving you free to focus on healing and rebuilding your routines. This approach lets you work toward recovery while addressing both your physical dependency and the struggles that may contribute to your addiction.

Your Magellan Health plan typically helps make MAT a realistic option by covering much of its cost. At Freeman Recovery Center, you’ll have a team of skilled and compassionate professionals by your side, offering guidance, support, and a treatment plan designed just for you.

Virtual PHP and IOP Options for Benzo Addiction

Online PHPs and IOPs are flexible ways to get the care you need for benzodiazepine addiction. From the comfort of your own home, you’ll connect with therapists, counselors, and support groups who guide you through your recovery process. These online programs allow you to balance healing with your daily routines while focusing on developing healthy strategies for the future.

Magellan-approved rehab centers for benzodiazepine dependency often offer virtual treatment, making it a realistic and convenient path forward for you. Your Magellan coverage helps ease financial worries and lets you devote energy to strengthening your recovery and rebuilding your life.

Statistics on Benzo Use Disorder Across Tennessee

• In 2023, 2,674,665 benzodiazepine prescriptions were filled in Tennessee, according to the state Department of Health.
• According to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, about half the patients who were prescribed benzodiazepines in 2018 received enough to last two months or longer.
• Benzodiazepine drugs were detected in 12% of suspected overdose deaths in 2021, the Metro Public Health Department of Nashville/Davidson County reports. 
• From 2019 to 2021, adult Tennessee residents experienced 1,666 fatal drug overdoses that tested positive for benzodiazepines, out of a total of 5,916 overdoses with available toxicology data, according to the Annals of Medicine. Prescription benzodiazepines were involved in 80.7% of these deaths.
• According to SAMHSA’s 2022 annual survey, forty-nine substance use treatment facilities in Tennessee provided benzodiazepine detoxification services.