9/16/2020
California
Blue Shield is rolling out two initiatives in the coming months that will impact their members. The first is digital ID cards and the other is about their new pharmacy claims processor.
Digital First Approach
Beginning October 2020, members who have opted into electronic delivery of communications will no longer receive printed ID cards. These members will be directed to access a digital ID card at blueshieldca.com. Blue Shield is honoring the member’s preference to go digital by expanding that preference to include ID cards.
Members will have access to their currently active ID card, which will automatically update with the most up to date plan information at any time, such as after renewal.
If a member would still like a printed ID card, they can access a copy of the PDF on blueshieldca.com, request a printed copy from the website or call Customer Care to receive a printed copy.
Members who did not opt into electronic delivery or if they are new members will be mailed a printed ID card prior to their plan effective date as is normally done.
Blue Shield has done provider outreach training, education, and communication to ensure providers understand this digital option for ID cards. In addition, the carrier is working closely with their provider services, provider relations and customer care.
Change to CVS Health for Pharmacy Claims Processing
The other update is that Blue Shield has signed an agreement with CVS Health to become their pharmacy claims processing vendor and will handle all related services effective January 1, 2021. This change does not impact benefits, formulary, or the pharmacy network. Blue Shield expects a seamless transition to the new claims processing platform with minimal member disruption.
To enable claim processing by CVS Health, ID card information will need to be updated to allow pharmacies to submit claims to CVS Health. As a result of this vendor change, all members will receive new ID cards so they can begin to use their new ID card on January 1.
If a member has selected an electronic delivery preference, then they will access their updated digital ID card on blueshieldca.com. Members will receive an email notification when their new ID card is available.
Everyone else will receive printed ID cards. The printed ID cards will arrive prior to January 1, and will include a buck slip indicating why the member is receiving a new card and include instructions to continue to use their existing card until December 31, 2020, and present their new ID card to their pharmacy beginning January 1, 2021.
Blue Shield has created a resource page with additional information including frequently asked questions and samples of member communications to help support these upcoming changes.
Digital First Approach
Beginning October 2020, members who have opted into electronic delivery of communications will no longer receive printed ID cards. These members will be directed to access a digital ID card at blueshieldca.com. Blue Shield is honoring the member’s preference to go digital by expanding that preference to include ID cards.
Members will have access to their currently active ID card, which will automatically update with the most up to date plan information at any time, such as after renewal.
If a member would still like a printed ID card, they can access a copy of the PDF on blueshieldca.com, request a printed copy from the website or call Customer Care to receive a printed copy.
Members who did not opt into electronic delivery or if they are new members will be mailed a printed ID card prior to their plan effective date as is normally done.
Blue Shield has done provider outreach training, education, and communication to ensure providers understand this digital option for ID cards. In addition, the carrier is working closely with their provider services, provider relations and customer care.
Change to CVS Health for Pharmacy Claims Processing
The other update is that Blue Shield has signed an agreement with CVS Health to become their pharmacy claims processing vendor and will handle all related services effective January 1, 2021. This change does not impact benefits, formulary, or the pharmacy network. Blue Shield expects a seamless transition to the new claims processing platform with minimal member disruption.
To enable claim processing by CVS Health, ID card information will need to be updated to allow pharmacies to submit claims to CVS Health. As a result of this vendor change, all members will receive new ID cards so they can begin to use their new ID card on January 1.
If a member has selected an electronic delivery preference, then they will access their updated digital ID card on blueshieldca.com. Members will receive an email notification when their new ID card is available.
Everyone else will receive printed ID cards. The printed ID cards will arrive prior to January 1, and will include a buck slip indicating why the member is receiving a new card and include instructions to continue to use their existing card until December 31, 2020, and present their new ID card to their pharmacy beginning January 1, 2021.
Blue Shield has created a resource page with additional information including frequently asked questions and samples of member communications to help support these upcoming changes.
Source: Blue Shield of California