Magellan Behavioral Health Services has been experiencing an increase in calls from providers contacting them to request multiple behavioral health pre-certifications for members from all Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) plans. Please note that Magellan Behavioral Health Services is not the only vendor BCBS members may have for their mental health services. The mental health benefit management vendor is determined by the member’s employer group. Some members may also have Value Options, Encompass, CompCare, etc. Each group policy is different with regard to benefit coverage and pre-certification requirements for BCBS plans across the country.

It is appropriate to call Magellan Behavioral Health Services to request pre-certification as required only for members who currently have this vendor for their behavioral health benefits.

When seeking pre-certification for behavioral health services for BCBS members, calling the behavioral health-related telephone number on the back of the member’s ID card will help ensure that you receive assistance from the right department or vendor handling that member’s mental health/chemical dependency health benefit.