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BCBS IllinoisCommercial · Prior Auth · General · IL · Emergency Medicine, Critical CareHigh impact

FAQ Update: Medical Transportation Changes, Effective Jan. 1, 2026

Act
by Jan 1, 2026
Effective date
Jan 1, 2026
Identified
Jun 16, 2026

Summary

Effective January 1, 2026, Alacura Medical Transportation Management will handle prior authorization, clinical review, and retrospective claim review for all commercial non-HMO air and ground medical transportation claims. Facilities and ambulance providers must contact Alacura when transport decisions are made, and ambulance providers must verify Alacura engagement before patient pickup.

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What to do

by Jan 1, 2026 · 4 steps
01All staff must contact Alacura Medical Transportation Management at 866-671-5085 when making air or ground medical transport decisions for commercial non-HMO patients.
02Ambulance providers must verify Alacura has been engaged before patient pickup.
03Update workflows to include mandatory Alacura contact step.
04Continue checking eligibility through Availity Essentials.
If missed: Failure to engage Alacura may result in claim denials or retrospective reviews.

Original notice

FAQ Update: Medical Transportation Changes, Effective Jan. 1, 2026
bcbsil.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
View original ↗

Related changes

See all BCBS Illinois changes →
Alacura for Medical Transportation Management: Learn MoreHighEffective Jan 1, 2026 · GeneralBrowse every BCBS Illinois change in the policy list

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BCBS Illinois policiesIL policy changesEmergency MedicineCritical Care

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