Dec. 6, 2024
New Medicare-eligible retirees will join our Blue Cross Group Medicare Advantage Open Access (PPO) plan for retirees of employer groups as of Jan. 1, 2025. This is an open access, non-differential national PPO plan without network restrictions.
If you’re a Medicare provider, you may treat these members regardless of your contract or network status with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. That means you don’t need to participate in our Medicare Advantage or other networks to see these members.
The only requirements are that you agree to see the member as a patient, accept Medicare and submit claims to the member’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plan.
New groups: Illinois retiree groups joining the Blue Cross Group Medicare Advantage Open Access (PPO) plan include Bimbo Bakeries, Illinois Bankers Group Insurance Trust, North Park University and Village of Addison.
Illinois retiree groups continuing on the plan include Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Health Fund, Roofers Union Welfare Trust Fund and City of Chicago.
Check member ID cards: You can identify these members by the plan type − Blue Cross Group Medicare Advantage Open Access (PPO) − listed on their ID card. As with all our members, it’s important to ask to see the member’s ID card before all appointments, and to check eligibility and benefits. All Medicare Advantage members receive new ID cards Jan. 1. Newly enrolled members also have new ID numbers.
Please update your records with new ID numbers. Use the entire member ID number, including the alpha prefix, to verify benefits and successfully process claims.
If you have questions, call the number on the member’s ID card.
Nationwide coverage: Blue Cross Group Medicare Advantage Open Access (PPO) covers the same benefits as Medicare Advantage Parts A and B plus additional benefits depending on the plan. It includes medical coverage and may include prescription drug coverage.
Members’ coverage levels are the same inside and outside their plan service area nationwide for covered benefits. Plan members may have to pay deductibles, copays and coinsurance, depending on their benefit plan. Members may be responsible for cost share for supplemental dental services from non-contracted Medicare providers.
Referrals aren’t required for office visits. Prior authorization may be required for certain services from Medicare Advantage-contracted providers with BCBSIL.
For reimbursement: Follow the billing instructions on the member’s ID card. When you see these members, you’ll submit the claims to BCBSIL and not Medicare.
- If you’re a Medicare Advantage-contracted provider with any BCBS Plan, you’ll be paid your contracted rate. You’re required to follow utilization management review requirements and guidelines.
- If you’re a Medicare provider who isn’t contracted for Medicare Advantage with any BCBS Plan but accept Medicare assignment, you’ll be paid the Medicare-allowed amount for covered services. You may not balance bill the member for any difference in your charge and the allowed amount. You aren’t required to follow utilization management guidelines. However, you may request a review to confirm medical necessity.
Out-of-network/non-contracted providers are under no obligation to treat Blue Cross Group Medicare Advantage Open Access (PPO) members, except in emergency situations.
Checking eligibility and benefits and/or obtaining prior authorization is not a guarantee of payment of benefits. Payment of benefits is subject to several factors, including, but not limited to, eligibility at the time of service, payment of premiums/contributions, amounts allowable for services, supporting medical documentation, and other terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions set forth in the member’s policy certificate and/or benefits booklet and or summary plan description. Regardless of any prior authorization or benefit determination, the final decision regarding any treatment or service is between the patient and their health care provider.