CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Maryland/District of Columbia/Northern Virginia • PPO, HMO, Medicare Advantage
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 (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.
This prefix is associated with Medicare Advantage. MA plans combine hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) coverage, and many include prescription drug coverage (Part D). When billing, confirm whether the plan uses the same payer ID for MA claims as for commercial claims, as many BCBS companies use separate IDs.
Independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association serving Maryland, District of Columbia and Northern Virginia.