Recovery starts with support: Benefits Plan resources for the journey

Every September, National Recovery Month spotlights support and encouragement for the millions of Americans in recovery from addiction and mental health conditions. It is also an opportunity to recognize that recovery is not a journey taken alone. Access to treatment, community support, and educational resources all play a critical role in helping people build healthier, more fulfilling lives.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which sponsors National Recovery Month, more than 50 million Americans consider themselves in recovery from a mental health or substance use condition.*

Recovery is possible

Recovery looks different for everyone, but no one has to navigate it alone. Resources available through the Benefits Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) can help you take meaningful steps toward improved mental health and well-being. This National Recovery Month, take time to explore the support available.

Services through the Mental Well-Being and Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

Eligible employees and covered family members can access confidential Mental Well-Being and Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)** services through Spring Health — at no cost to them.

Specialty care for alcohol or substance use disorders may include:

• up to six therapy sessions per year (in person and/or virtual)
• medication management
• online mental well-being exercises  
  

When you reach out to Spring Health, a licensed mental health care navigator can help create a personalized care plan tailored specifically to you.

Mental health care through the Medical Plan

If you're enrolled in the Medical Plan, your benefits include coverage for behavioral health services, such as therapy beyond your six no-cost visits, in- and outpatient treatment, and counseling for mental health and substance use disorders.***

Spring Health is fully integrated with the Medical Plan. You're not required to start counseling through Spring Health for the Medical Plan to cover it, but if you do, you can remain in treatment with your Spring Health provider and your care will be in-network. Regular plan copays, deductibles, and/or coinsurance apply after the sixth Spring Health provider visit or if you do not start counseling through Spring Health.

Lifelong Learning to foster mental well-being

All members enrolled in the Benefits Plan have access to education programs that promote wholeness in four key areas: spiritual, health, financial, and vocational. The Lifelong Learning e-learning site has a variety of recordings related to mental well-being, including Riding Out the Storms of Life and the Restorative Conversations series, that can provide guidance for individuals on a path to recovery and those supporting a loved one.

*Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, samhsa.gov/substance-use/recovery

**The Mental Well-Being and Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) is not available to employees or family members enrolled in Triple-S, Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions (formerly GeoBlue), or the Post-Retirement Medical Plan. Those enrolled in Triple-S or Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions have EAP benefits under their plans, but coverage details may differ.

***Some behavioral health services, such as inpatient admissions and intensive outpatient care, require precertification with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. Services that must be precertified are listed on the back of your medical ID card.