CMS

BCBS Prefix CMS

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Massachusetts • HMO, PPO, EPO

Billing essentials

Provider phone
(800) 443-6657
Electronic payer ID
00200
Claims mailing address
P.O. Box 986030, Boston MA 02298
Timely filing limit
180 daysCompare all plans
Prior authorization phone
(800) 443-6657

Coverage under prefix CMS

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.

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.

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.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Independent licensee serving Massachusetts members with commercial, Medicare and Medicaid plans.