MedicaidAdministrativeMedium impact
[New York] After hours for primary care physicians
Anthem BCBS·NY · Family Medicine, General Practice, Internal Medicine +1 more·Provider Bulletin
Effective date
Jul 1, 2026
We identified it
Jul 1, 2026
Summary
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (New York Medicaid) requires all primary care physicians to maintain 24-hour after-hours accessibility for members through one of three methods: answering service with PCP contact capability, recorded message directing to designated provider with live answer, or call transfer to another location with live answer. This is an operational requirement affecting practice workflow and member communication protocols.
Action Required
By July 1, 2026: Front desk and administrative staff must verify that the practice has implemented ONE of the three after-hours contact methods for Anthem NY Medicaid members. Confirm in writing with Anthem which method is in place. Do NOT use voicemail-only or automated recording systems without live operator availability at a designated contact number. If currently non-compliant, implement an answering service, live call transfer arrangement, or recorded message with live provider access immediately. Failure to maintain compliant after-hours coverage may result in member complaints, regulatory citations, and potential contract violations with Anthem.