Fire Fighter Treatment Center Expands Access , Now a Participating Provider With CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

January 8, 2019

Fire Fighters Insured by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield can now use In-Network Benefits for Treatment of Substance Abuse, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Other Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues at Specialized Facility

UPPER MARLBORO, MD – 2019 — The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery (“Center of Excellence”) is now a participating provider with Carefirst BlueCross BlueShield (“CareFirst”), allowing CareFirst members to access in-network benefits.

This new agreement will provide greater and more affordable access to the center for current and retired IAFF union members covered by CareFirst. The Center of Excellence is a first-of-its-kind facility focusing on treating fire fighters battling post-traumatic stress and other behavioral health issues.

“CareFirst’s recognition of the critical treatment provided by the Center of Excellence is vital to our efforts to get our members the help they need,” said IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “I thank CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield for providing in-network access for our members. This removes a large barrier for many of our members to access a facility where lives are being saved every day.”

The IAFF Center of Excellence is a full-service treatment facility located outside of Washington DC, specializing in comprehensive care for professional fire fighters and paramedics struggling with substance abuse, addiction, post-traumatic stress and co-occurring mental health issues.

The Center, a collaboration between the IAFF and integrated behavioral healthcare management company Advanced Recovery Systems (ARS), is a Maryland-licensed treatment provider for both substance use disorder and mental health. An accredited provider of behavioral healthcare services by The Joint Commission, the facility is available to those on active duty, as well as retirees.

“This agreement with CareFirst is going to provide an even greater opportunity for fire fighters throughout the country to seek the exceptional care they need and deserve,” said Dr. Mitchell Eisenberg, Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Recovery Systems. “It’s an honor to work with those who bravely serve our communities and we’re very pleased that CareFirst has joined so many other healthcare providers we work with as partners to expand access to our specialized treatment program.”

The Center of Excellence is also a participating provider with United Behavioral Health, Aetna Health, Cigna Behavioral Health, Humana Behavioral Health, MultiPlan, First Health Group, Healthcare Solutions Group and others.
For more information about the IAFF Center of Excellence, visit IAFFRecoveryCenter.com or call 301-358-0192 to coordinate an admission.

*Please note that the Center of Excellence’s status as a participating provider does not indicate that there will be no out-of-pocket costs to the client. Please verify insurance coverage by calling CareFirst if you are a CareFirst member

Media Contact: Nicole LaNeve; nlaneve@advancedrecoverysystems.com