March 24, 2026
On or after April 18, 2026, we’re launching Medicaid Authorizations, a new application in Availity® Essentials to help you continue to quickly get the information you need on requests for our members with Blue Cross Community Health PlansSM.
Through Medicaid Authorizations, you’ll be able to check in real-time if a prior authorization or notification is required. If required, you'll move directly into the request submission process for our members with BCCHPSM. This applies to requests handled by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois.
How to access: You’ll access Medicaid Authorizations by initiating a request through Availity Authorizations & Referrals the same way you do today, in the same workflow. You’ll also have the option to access Medicaid Authorizations through Availity Payer Spaces.
Sign up for a webinar: To help you prepare, we’re offering training sessions on how to navigate Medicaid Authorizations. Refer to Availity Essentials Training to register for your preferred date and time. You must be a current Availity user to register and attend these training sessions.
Why it matters: Medicaid Authorizations will help you continue to get the information you need quickly and efficiently by allowing you to:
- Submit authorization requests 24x7
- Include minimum necessary supporting data to confirm if authorization is required
- Receive authorization determinations and track request status in real-time
- Easily upload supporting documentation for our clinical team
- Reduce unnecessary calls, faxes and paperwork
Additional resources: We’ll review detailed instructions and reminders in our upcoming webinars. Also watch for our new Medicaid Authorization Portal user guide, coming soon to the Availity Authorizations & Referrals page.
Checking eligibility and/or benefit information and/or obtaining prior authorization is not a guarantee of payment. Benefits will be determined once a claim is received and will be based upon, among other things, the member’s eligibility and the terms of the member’s certificate of coverage, including, but not limited to, exclusions and limitations applicable on the date services were rendered. Regardless of any prior authorization or benefit determination, the final decision regarding any treatment or service is between the patient and the health care provider.
Availity is a trademark of Availity, LLC, a separate company that operates a health information network to provide electronic information exchange services to medical professionals. Availity provides administrative services to BCBSIL. BCBSIL makes no endorsement, representations or warranties regarding third party vendors and the products and services they offer.