CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Maryland/District of Columbia/Northern Virginia • PPO, HMO, Medicare, Medicaid
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans allow members to visit any healthcare provider without a referral. In-network providers cost less, but out-of-network care is still covered at a reduced rate. When billing for a PPO plan, submit claims directly to the payer listed above. No referral documentation is needed.
Under this HMO prefix, the member's coverage is limited to the plan's provider network. Care is coordinated through a primary care physician. Specialist visits require a referral from the PCP. When billing, confirm that the referring provider and the referral authorization number are included on the claim.
Medicare Advantage coverage under this prefix means the plan administers Medicare Part A and Part B benefits on behalf of CMS. These claims may have different processing rules than commercial claims, including different prior authorization requirements and appeal timelines. CMS timely filing rules (365 days) typically apply.
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.