CommercialPrior AuthHigh impact
FAQ Update: Medical Transportation Changes, Effective Jan. 1, 2026
BCBS Illinois·IL · Emergency Medicine, Critical Care·General
Effective date
Jan 1, 2026
We identified it
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.
Action Required
By January 1, 2026: All staff must contact Alacura Medical Transportation Management at 866-671-5085 when making air or ground medical transport decisions for commercial non-HMO patients. Ambulance providers must verify Alacura has been engaged before patient pickup. Update workflows to include mandatory Alacura contact step. Continue checking eligibility through Availity Essentials. Failure to engage Alacura may result in claim denials or retrospective reviews.