CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Maryland/District of Columbia/Northern Virginia • PPO, HMO, POS, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid
This prefix is associated with a PPO plan. Preferred Provider Organization coverage gives members flexibility to see specialists without referrals and to use out-of-network providers at higher cost-sharing. Claims can be submitted for both in-network and out-of-network services, though reimbursement rates differ.
HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans require members to choose a primary care physician (PCP) and obtain referrals before seeing specialists. Out-of-network services are generally not covered except in emergencies. Claims must be submitted to the payer listed above and should include referral authorization when applicable.
Under this POS prefix, the member can access care both in-network and out-of-network, with cost-sharing that varies based on how the care is accessed. In-network care coordinated through the member's PCP has the lowest out-of-pocket cost. Include referral documentation when billing at the in-network benefit level.
This prefix includes Medicare Advantage coverage. MA plans follow CMS guidelines for timely filing (365 days from date of service), which may differ from the commercial plan's deadline. The payer ID for Medicare Advantage claims may differ from the standard commercial payer ID. Verify before submitting.
This prefix is associated with Medicaid managed care. When a BCBS plan administers Medicaid, the claims process may differ from commercial coverage: different payer ID, different claims address, different prior authorization rules, and different timely filing limits. Always verify Medicaid-specific details before submitting.
Independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association serving Maryland, District of Columbia and Northern Virginia.