Status of Transition to New ID Card Format

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is in the final phase of converting member ID cards to a new format to meet the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association requirement that all Blues plans adopt a standardized card format. We anticipate a full transition to issuing all new cards using the standardized card format in May (the conversion for custom formats will be completed later this summer).

As part of the transition, we are:

1. Converting to new technology to produce the cards and introduce a magnetic stripe to make claims processing more accurate and efficient - decreasing errors that are often frustrating to both members and providers. For providers with card readers, office staff can "swipe" the ID card when registering members to electronically verify member eligibility and benefits information such as copayments in real time. Swiping will become more common as card readers become more widely available.

2. Generating the new cards as normal business triggers production of a new card, such as a new member is added, a new group is added, or a lost card is replaced. We will not be automatically re-issuing cards in the new format to all members.

3. Beginning a new process to increase the efficiency of the call routing for medical preauthorization (also referred to as BCC or MSA), by consolidating four phone numbers to one phone number. While the old phone numbers will remain active for at least 18 months, we are beginning to use one common number on all cards produced in the new format. Current phone numbers include: (800) 621-0970, (800) 635-1928, (800) 772-6896 and (800) 826-8551. The new default number is (800) 635-1928.

Continue to look for updates online, in Benefits Management Briefing, or check with your broker or account executive.