BMS

BCBS Prefix BMS

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield

South Dakota/Iowa • HMO, PPO, Medicaid Managed Care

Billing essentials

Provider phone
(800) 552-3993
Electronic payer ID
88848
Claims mailing address
P.O. Box 14509, Des Moines, IA 50306-3509
Timely filing limit
180 daysCompare all plans
Prior authorization phone
(800) 552-3993
Provider website
https://www.wellmark.com

Coverage under prefix BMS

HMO

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.

PPO

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.

Medicaid

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.

About Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Health insurance company serving Iowa and South Dakota with commercial and other plans.