GWS

BCBS Prefix GWS

Blue Shield of California

California • Traditional Indemnity, Medicaid, POS

Billing essentials

Provider phone
(800) 468-9935
Electronic payer ID
94036
Claims mailing address
P.O. Box 272630, Chico, CA 95927-2630
Timely filing limit
365 daysCompare all plans
Prior authorization phone
(800) 541-6652

Coverage under prefix GWS

Traditional Indemnity

Under this indemnity prefix, the member has fee-for-service coverage. There is no provider network, no referral requirement, and no primary care physician gatekeeper. Claims are processed based on the plan's fee schedule. While less common than managed care plans, indemnity coverage is still offered by some BCBS companies.

Medicaid

Medicaid coverage under this prefix means the member's Medicaid benefits are administered by a BCBS managed care plan. Medicaid managed care claims may have different submission requirements, payer IDs, and timely filing deadlines than commercial claims. Verify the specific Medicaid plan details with the payer.

POS

This is a Point of Service (POS) prefix. POS plans offer flexibility similar to a PPO but incentivize in-network care through lower cost-sharing. Members designate a primary care physician who can issue referrals for the highest level of benefits. Out-of-network claims are covered but at significantly reduced rates.

About Blue Shield of California

Nonprofit health plan providing 6 million Californians with affordable healthcare coverage including HMO, PPO, dental, and vision plans for individuals, families, and employers.