IAW

BCBS Prefix IAW

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield

South Dakota/Iowa • High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), HMO, Medicare Advantage

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 IAW

HDHP

Under this HDHP prefix, the member's plan has a higher deductible than traditional coverage. This affects patient cost-sharing but does not change how claims are submitted or processed. Use the same payer ID, claims address, and filing procedures listed above. Verify the member's remaining deductible before estimating patient responsibility.

HMO

This is a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) prefix. HMO plans have stricter routing requirements than PPO plans. Members select a PCP who manages their care and issues referrals. Claims for specialist services should include the referral number. Out-of-network claims will typically be denied unless emergency criteria are met.

Medicare Advantage

This prefix includes Medicare Advantage coverage. MA plans follow CMS guidelines for timely filing (365 days from date of service), which may differ from the commercial plan's deadline. The payer ID for Medicare Advantage claims may differ from the standard commercial payer ID. Verify before submitting.

About Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield

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