BUW

BCBS Prefix BUW

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield

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

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 BUW

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.

POS

POS (Point of Service) plans combine features of HMO and PPO coverage. Members choose a primary care physician and can get referrals to see in-network specialists at lower cost, or self-refer to out-of-network providers at higher cost. Claims should include referral information when the member uses the in-network benefit level.

PPO

PPO coverage under this prefix means the member can access any provider. In-network providers have negotiated rates with the plan, while out-of-network providers are reimbursed based on usual and customary charges. Prior authorization is generally not required for routine services but may be needed for high-cost procedures.

About Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield

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