Identifying bcbs alpha prefix -Suitcase Logo

How to Identify BlueCard Members

When out-of-area BCBS members arrive at your facility, be sure to ask them for their current membership ID card. The two main identifiers for BlueCard members are the alpha prefix and a “suitcase” logo.

Alpha Prefix

The three-character alpha prefix of the member’s identification number is the key element used to identify and correctly route out-of-area claims. The alpha prefix identifies the Blue Plan or the national account to which the member belongs.

There are three types of alpha prefixes: plan-specific, account-specific and international:

1. Plan-specific alpha prefixes are assigned to every BCBS Plan and start with X, Y, Z or Q. The first two positions indicate the Plan to which the member belongs while the third position identifies the product in which the member is enrolled.

2. Account-specific prefixes are assigned to centrally-processed national accounts. National accounts are employer groups with offices or branches in more than one area, but offer uniform coverage benefits to all of their employees. Account-specific alpha prefixes start with letters other than X, Y, Z or Q. Typically, a national account alpha prefix will relate to the name of the group. All three positions are used to identify the national account.

3. Occasionally, you may see ID cards from foreign BCBS members. These ID cards will also contain three-character alpha prefixes. For example, “JIS” indicates a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Israel member. The BlueCard claims process for international members is the same as that for domestic BCBS members.

ID cards with no Alpha Prefix

Some ID cards may not have an alpha prefix. This may indicate that the claims are handled outside the BlueCard Program. Please look for instructions or a telephone number on the back of the member’s ID card for information on how to file these claims. If that information is not available, call Provider Services at 1-800-922-8866.

“Suitcase” Logo

BlueCard PPO offers members traveling or living outside of their Blue Plan’s area the PPO level of benefits when they obtain services from a provider or hospital designated as a BlueCard PPO provider. Members are identified by the “PPO in a suitcase” logo on their ID card.

Providers should verify benefits for HMO members. The empty suitcase logo does not guarantee that the HMO member has benefits if they see a participating provider in that state. Most HMO members must get an authorization to see a provider outside of their service area. To ensure claims are paid timely and accurately, please use iLinkBLUE or call Provider Services at 1-800-922-8866.


HMO patients serviced through the BlueCard® Program

In some cases, you may see BCBS HMO members affiliated with other BCBS Plans seeking care at your facility. You should handle claims for these members the same way you handle claims for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana members and BCBS PPO patients from other Blue Plans — by submitting them through the BlueCard Program. Members are identified by the “empty suitcase” logo on their ID card.

BlueCard members throughout the country have access to information about participating providers through BlueCard Access, a nationwide toll-free number 1-800-810-BLUE (1-800-810-2583) that allows us to direct patients to providers in their area. Members call this number to find out about BlueCard providers in another Blue Plan’s service area. You can also use this number to get information on participating providers in another Blue Plan’s service area.