SMS

BCBS Prefix SMS

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield

South Dakota/Iowa • High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), HMO, Traditional Indemnity

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 SMS

HDHP

This is a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) prefix. These plans have minimum deductible thresholds set by the IRS. Members often use HSA funds to cover out-of-pocket costs. The plan's claims processing and payer ID are the same as the standard plan, but expect higher patient responsibility amounts on remittance.

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.

Traditional Indemnity

Traditional indemnity coverage means the member has fee-for-service insurance with no network limitations. Any licensed provider can be seen without referrals. Claims are reimbursed based on usual, customary, and reasonable (UCR) charges. The member typically pays a deductible and a percentage of allowed charges.

About Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield

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