The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association has determined that all Blues plans should adopt a standardized format for member ID cards.* The new format will strengthen the Blue brand recognition and make ID card formats consistent among all Blues plans. The new card is intended to help benefit your office by saving time and reducing input errors. 

An important new feature will be the addition of a magnetic stripe to the back of the ID card, containing member information that can be read when "swiped" by a card reader. Initially, the magnetic stripe will only contain limited information, such as subscriber name, birth date, ID number and group ID number for generation of eligibility and benefit transactions. Eventually, this technology will expand our provider connectivity capabilities in support of real-time professional claim submission functionality.

BCBSIL has adopted a phased-in approach for a smooth conversion process. In the fourth quarter of 2008, BCBSIL will begin issuing new enrollee ID cards in the new format. The new card will be also be issued to new members requesting or needing new cards and to existing members whose benefits are changing.

Remember: It is possible that some of your patients will receive the new member ID card, while others may still present the old ID card. Both versions are valid until January 1, 2011.

Do you already have a card reader in your office?
To protect our members' privacy, information on the ID card can only be read by certain card readers. Common platforms have been established in the industry so that card readers work for many different health plans. Therefore, if your office already has a card reader, you should be able to access the data on the magnetic stripe.

If your office does not have a card reader, you will have the option to purchase card readers at a discounted rate of approximately $50. Please be advised that your office will need particular software and connectivity to an authorized connectivity vendor to read the data on the magnetic stripe. Further details on purchasing card readers are forthcoming.

Continue to watch the Blue Review provider newsletter for more information about the upcoming transition to the new member ID card format.

*The mandate for all Blues plans requires that, by January 1, 2009, all new ID cards issued to members must be in the new format; and, by January 1, 2011, all member ID cards must be in the new format.