California • EPO, High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), Medicaid
Under this EPO prefix, the member has no out-of-network coverage for routine care. However, unlike HMO plans, no referral is needed to see a specialist within the network. When billing, confirm the provider's network participation status with the plan before submitting the claim.
HDHP coverage under this prefix means the member carries a higher annual deductible in exchange for lower monthly premiums. Claims are processed normally but the member's cost-sharing will be higher than standard plans until the deductible is met. Preventive services are typically the exception and are covered at no cost to the member.
This prefix is associated with Medicaid managed care. When a BCBS plan administers Medicaid, the claims process may differ from commercial coverage: different payer ID, different claims address, different prior authorization rules, and different timely filing limits. Always verify Medicaid-specific details before submitting.
Nonprofit health plan providing 6 million Californians with affordable healthcare coverage including HMO, PPO, dental, and vision plans for individuals, families, and employers.