Blue Cross Blue Shield and Spravato™ (Esketamine) – Is It Covered?
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover Spravato (Esketamine)?
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) may cover Spravato, but whether your treatment is covered depends on your specific plan, your medical history, and how your diagnosis aligns with BCBS’s clinical criteria. At Libertas Mind, we work directly with BCBS and help patients secure prior authorizations so they can access Spravato with minimal delays.
BCBS requires a careful review before approving Spravato. That means confirming diagnosis, treatment history, and ensuring that the medication will be administered under proper conditions. Our team guides you through each step clearly and supportively.
BCBS + Spravato™ (Esketamine) — Typical Coverage Requirements
- You must be:
- 18 years of age or older
- You must have one of the following diagnoses:
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) — meaning prior inadequate response to antidepressants, or
Major depressive disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation or behavior
- You must meet all of the following clinical and safety conditions:
Depression diagnosed using a validated tool (for example, PHQ-9 or another standardized scale)
Spravato is used in combination with an oral antidepressant (not alone)
Treatment is administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider at a certified facility — Spravato is not a take-home drug.
Vital signs (such as blood pressure) are monitored before and after each administration
Post-dose monitoring by the provider for side effects such as sedation or dissociation (usually at least 2 hours)
The facility, pharmacy, and patient are registered under the required safety program (REMS or equivalent)
Prescriber agrees to monitor for any clinical worsening or emergence of suicidal thoughts/behavior
Because these criteria are strict, not every BCBS plan or situation will qualify. That’s why it’s important to check carefully before starting.
How to Check BCBS Spravato™ (Esketamine) Coverage
At Libertas Mind, we are in-network with many BCBS plans. We can help you with:
- Verifying whether your BCBS plan includes Spravato benefits
- Checking if prior authorization is needed under your plan
- Gathering the required documentation (diagnosis, prior treatment history, assessments)
- Estimating potential out-of-pocket costs (copays, coinsurance, deductibles)
- Scheduling your treatment with a certified provider in a REMS-compliant facility
Our team is here to simplify the process and support you from start to finish.
Why Spravato™ (Esketamine) Is Important for Some Depression Cases
Spravato is more than a typical antidepressant; it offers hope to people whose depression has not responded to standard treatments. It’s particularly useful for:
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
Major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal ideation or behavior
Because of its rapid onset and unique mechanism, Spravato can bring relief much faster than many traditional medications. However, it must be administered medically, under strict supervision, in certified settings. This ensures safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Note: Because of these safety and administration requirements, Spravato is not dispensed like a regular prescription — you won’t get it from a local pharmacy.
Libertas Mind Accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance
Our experienced care team is ready to help you understand whether your Spravato treatment can be covered by BCBS and walk you through every step: verification, authorization, scheduling, and follow-ups.
Contact us today to get started on your treatment journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many BCBS plans do, but coverage depends on your plan details, diagnosis, and whether treatment criteria are met.
BCBS typically requires evidence of inadequate response to multiple antidepressants (or other standard treatments) before approving Spravato.
No — Spravato must be administered in a medical setting under supervision.
Possibly — depending on your plan, you may have copays, coinsurance, or a deductible.
Our team can help you verify benefits, check prior authorization requirements, and gather needed documentation.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover Spravato (Esketamine)? This depend’s on your specific health plan and diagnosis status. In general, Libertas Mind is successful in helping patients get successful prior authorizations so their Spravato treatment is covered. Blue Cross Blue Shield and Spravato nasal spray has specific criteria before offering this medication. While Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage varies by state and insurance provider, typically Blue Cross Blue Shield requires:
- 18 years of age or older
- Have at least one of the following:
- Treatment-resistant depression which includes an inadequate treatment response to at least two different types of antidepressants.
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation or behavior
- And have all of the following:
- Depression that was diagnosed with an approved scoring tool like the PHQ-9
- Is used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant
- Is administered under the supervision of a healthcare provider
- Blood pressure is to be assessed prior and after each administration
- Prescriber agrees to monitor for sedation and dissociation for at least two hours after administration
- Healthcare setting, pharmacy, and patient are registered with the The Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program
- Prescriber agrees to monitor for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
How to check Blue Cross Blue Shield for Spravato Coverage
Libertas Mind is in-network with most major insurance plans. One of our care coordinators can help you navigate your insurance coverage and help you get the care you need.
Why is Spravato or esketamine important for Depression treatment?
Spravato is a new and very effective treatment for resistant depression (TRD) and adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). Randomized trials have shown that Spravato can relieve TRD quickly. Depending on the length of Spravato treatment, studies suggest 40-60% efficacy. Click here to learn more!
Spravato or esketamine was derived from ketamine, which has a long history of helping mood disorders. Spravato was made into a nasal spray that you self administer. It can only be given in a doctor’s office.
Spravato can only be administered in a licensed healthcare setting with medical professionals trained to prescribe and distribute it. The Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program for Spravato mandates that healthcare facilities that administer the medicine be certified. Spravato is not available at your local pharmacy.
Learn more about the science underlying Spravato treatment here
Libertas Mind Accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance
At Libertas Mind, we belive that quality mental health services should not be a financial burden. We accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Our experienced team can provide detailed information about Spravato treatment.
