CommercialAdministrativeMedium impact
Reminder: Digital Access to Prior Authorization and Referral Decision Letters Through Availity® Essentials
BCBS Montana·MT·Prior Authorization
Effective date
Sep 8, 2026
We identified it
Jul 17, 2026
Summary
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana is transitioning prior authorization and referral approval letters for commercial members from U.S. Postal Service delivery to digital-only access through Availity Essentials Provider Correspondence Viewer, effective September 8, 2026. Denial letters will continue to be mailed and remain available electronically. Providers can opt out of the digital transition and request continued USPS delivery by contacting Provider Education Consultants.
Action Required
By September 8, 2026: Billing and authorization staff must transition to accessing prior authorization and referral approval letters for commercial members through Availity Essentials Provider Correspondence Viewer instead of paper mail. Implement process to routinely check Availity Essentials for digital decision letters. Train staff on accessing the Provider Correspondence Viewer within the branded Payer Spaces section. If the practice prefers to continue receiving approval letters by USPS, submit an opt-out request to BCBSMT Provider Education Consultants before September 8, 2026, including NPI, Tax ID, provider name, city, state, ZIP, and requester name. Note: Denial letters will continue to arrive via USPS and remain available electronically, so maintain review of both channels. Medicare Advantage approval letters will become available in Availity Essentials at a future date (to be announced).