Alacura Medical Transportation will become a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) PPO contracted air transportation provider on Aug. 1, 2016. Alacura will provide scheduled, non-emergency medical transportation using fixed-wing (airplane) aircraft services from provider to provider (including connecting ground transportation) for Texas PPO group members. HMO and government program members are excluded from the program.
Non-contracted and/or non-medically necessary air ambulance transports can expose our members to significantly greater out-of-pocket costs and are much costlier for employers. We believe Alacura will greatly benefit our members by assisting them with coordination and servicing of medically appropriate air ambulance transportation.
Facilities should continue to coordinate pre-arranged, non-emergency air ambulance transportation with the assigned BCBSTX nurse (refer to the pre-notify or pre-authorization medical phone number on the back of the member’s ID card). BCBSTX will then notify Alacura of the pre-authorized flight for coordination and servicing. Air ambulance coverage is based on current member benefits as well as medical necessity review. Providers may contact Alacura at 844-4ALACURA (844-425-2287) to follow-up on flight coordination.
Member eligibility and benefits should be verified prior to rendering service. Eligibility and benefit quotes include: membership verification, coverage status and other important information, such as an applicable copayment, co-insurance and deductible amounts. We strongly recommend that providers ask to see the member’s ID card for current information and photo ID to guard against medical identity theft. When services are not eligible for coverage, members should be notified that they may be billed directly.
Our growing portfolio of product offerings is part of BCBSTX’s efforts to meet its goal of increasing access and affordability of health care products to our members and the community that we serve. Making it easier for you and your staff to conduct business with us is equally important. We appreciate your patience, cooperation and support as we work to adapt to this new air ambulance transportation option.