TMA

BCBS Prefix TMA

Blue Shield of California

California • PPO, POS, Traditional Indemnity

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 TMA

PPO

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.

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.

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.

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.