AHA

BCBS Prefix AHA

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois

Illinois • PPO, HMO, EPO, Medicare Advantage

Billing essentials

Provider phone
(877) 860-2837
Electronic payer ID
00621
Claims mailing address
P.O. Box 650712 Dallas, TX 75265-0712
Timely filing limit
180 daysCompare all plans
Prior authorization phone
(800) 654-7385

Coverage under prefix AHA

PPO

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

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.

EPO

EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) plans require members to use in-network providers, similar to an HMO. The key difference is that referrals are usually not required to see a specialist. Out-of-network care is not covered except in emergency situations. Submit claims to the payer listed above.

Medicare Advantage

Under this prefix, the member may have Medicare Advantage coverage administered by this BCBS plan. MA claims are subject to CMS regulations in addition to the plan's own policies. Balance billing restrictions apply. Verify the member's specific MA plan details and confirm the correct payer ID for electronic submission.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois

State's only statewide customer-owned health insurer and independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Serves Illinois with commercial, Medicare, Medicaid and other plans.