Reminder! New plan years have begun, verify member ID cards
With the new year, many of your patients may receive new member ID cards. To help ensure prompt and accurate claims processing, we encourage you to make sure you have a copy of the patient’s current ID card to use when submitting claims.
You may find the following tips helpful:
- Ask the member for the most current ID card at every visit. Since new ID cards may be issued to members throughout the year, this will ensure you have the most up-to-date information in your patient’s file.
- Make copies of the front and back of the member’s ID card and pass this key information to your billing staff.
- Blue Plan members’ ID cards include a three-digit alpha prefix in the first three positions of the member’s ID number. This alpha prefix identifies the member’s Blue Plan and is critical for eligibility/benefits verification and claims processing. This may be followed by up to 14 additional characters, in any combination of letters and numbers. When filing the claim, always enter the identification number exactly as it appears on the member’s card, including the alpha prefix.
Examples of ID numbers:
Special note about Walmart patients and their ID cards
New ID cards, effective Jan. 1, 2010, have been issued to Walmart associates. Some ID cards will include a new alpha prefix as part of the member’s ID number. To ensure claims are processed correctly:
- Verify the ID card to make sure you have the correct one on file.
- File claims to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) using the exact ID card number, including the alpha prefix. Do not add, omit or alter any characters from the member ID number.
- To check eligibility, benefits and precertification requirements, send an electronic eligibility inquiry to BCBSTX or call 800-676-BLUE (2583) and provide the three-letter alpha prefix.