USM

BCBS Prefix USM

Blue Shield of California

California • Traditional Indemnity, HMO, High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

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 USM

Traditional Indemnity

This is a traditional indemnity prefix. Unlike managed care plans (HMO, PPO, EPO), indemnity plans do not use provider networks. There are no referral requirements and no restrictions on which providers the member can see. Submit claims to the payer listed above for reimbursement at the plan's allowed rate.

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.

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.

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.