MLR

BCBS Prefix MLR

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Massachusetts • Medicaid, Traditional Indemnity, High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

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 MLR

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.

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.

HDHP

This prefix is associated with a High-Deductible Health Plan. HDHP members pay more out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins. These plans are commonly paired with HSA or HRA accounts. When billing, be aware that the member may have significant cost-sharing responsibility until their annual deductible is satisfied.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts

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