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Most people in the United States know someone who might be dealing with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, phobias or substance abuse. Seeking treatment is a sign of strength, and most people who get help get better. Having strong mental and physical health can lead to a better overall quality of life.
Many health issues involve some combination of physical, mental and social causes. Treating behavioral health and medical conditions at the same time offers the best way to take care of your overall health care needs. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) can help you better manage your health and stay healthy — mentally and physically.
BCBSIL members have access to a full range of behavioral health care services, including:
You must request prior authorization from BCBSIL for behavioral health service benefits when it is required. Services that require prior authorization before treatment begins are acute inpatient care, residential treatment centers (RTC), partial hospital programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), outpatient electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for autism. Psychological/neuropsychological testing providers will be notified if prior authorization is required.
Requesting prior authorization before required behavioral health services gives BCBSIL the chance to help you get the most from your health plan benefits. To request a prior authorization, call 1-877-238-5951.
To search for an independently contracted and licensed behavioral health professional or physician in your area:
We can help you find a provider and understand your mental health benefits. Call customer service at 1-877-238-5951.
To search for an independently contracted and licensed behavioral health professional or physician in your area:
Certain eligibility guidelines need to be met to continue care with your current provider. Call BCBSIL at 1-877-238-5951 if you or a covered dependent may be eligible for transitional care or submit the transition of care form.
If you are currently receiving services in an acute inpatient setting on 12/31/2022, your current vendor will continue to manage the authorization process until you step down to a lower level of care. If you are currently in a lower level of behavioral health care that requires prior authorization on 1/1/23, BCBSIL will assume management of the authorization process and will reach out to your provider. To request a prior authorization in the future, call 1-877-238-5951.
If you’re facing a mental health issue, we have experts who can help you learn about your condition and treatment options. Your personal health details won’t be shared with your employer. We can also help you find a provider and understand your mental health benefits. Don’t be afraid to reach out — call the Customer Service at 1-877-238-5951.
Digital Mental Health
Help for stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems or substance use is just a click away. Confidential online programs are available through Learn to Live at no added cost to you.
To learn more, log in to Blue Access for MembersSM, go to Wellness then Digital Mental Health.
Virtual Visits
Skip the waiting room — meet with an MDLIVE® mental health professional from the comfort of your own home. A board-certified doctor or therapist can help with a variety of mental health concerns by phone or video.
Visit MDLIVE to schedule an appointment or call 1-888-676-4204.
Learn to Live provides educational behavioral health programs; members considering further medical treatment should consult with a physician. The Behavioral Health program is available only to those members whose health plans include behavioral health benefits through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. Check your benefit booklet, ask your group administrator or call the Customer Service number on the back of your member ID card to verify that you have these services. Member communications and information from the program are not meant to replace the advice of health care professionals. Members are encouraged to seek the advice of their doctors or behavioral health specialist to discuss their health care needs. Decisions regarding course and place of treatment remain with the member and his or her health care providers.
Learn to Live, Inc. is an independent company that provides online behavioral health programs and tools for members with coverage through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois.
Virtual Visits may not be available on all plans. Non-emergency medical service in Montana and New Mexico is limited to interactive online video. Non-emergency medical service in Arkansas and Idaho is limited to interactive online video for initial consultation.
MDLIVE is a separate company that operates and administers Virtual Visits for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. MDLIVE is solely responsible for its operations and for those of its contracted providers.
MDLIVE and the MDLIVE logo are registered trademarks of MDLIVE, Inc., and may not be used without permission.
BCBSIL makes no endorsement, representations or warranties regarding third-party vendors and the products and services offered by them.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employees working over 20 hours, spouse/domestic partners, dependents, household members, pre-65 retirees, retirees on the medical plan, and COBRA enrollees have access to 8 free sessions per year through the EAP with Lyra Health. If you require ongoing care, Lyra will be integrated with our medical plan. That means seamless care—with the same provider—when your benefit moves from the EAP into ongoing care covered by your medical plan. This way, you can focus on your wellbeing and getting the care you need. Call 1-877-225-4829 or get started today.
Lyra is an independent company that contracts directly with your employer. It does not provide Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois products or services and is solely responsible for the products and services it offers.