CommercialPrior AuthHigh impact
Benefit Coverage Change for Medications
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI·Physician / Facility
Effective date
Oct 1, 2026
We identified it
Aug 19, 2026
Summary
Effective October 1, 2026, BCBSRI is transitioning coverage for six specialty medications (Signifor LAR, Aralast NP, Glasssia, Prolastin-C, Zemaira) from the pharmacy benefit to the medical benefit. These medications will now require prior authorization through GatewayPA under the medical benefit instead of being processed as pharmacy claims.
Action Required
By September 15, 2026: Billing team must implement the following changes: (1) Update billing system rules to identify Signifor LAR, Aralast NP, Glasssia, Prolastin-C, and Zemaira claims and route them to the medical benefit instead of pharmacy benefit; (2) Configure system to automatically flag these medications for prior authorization requirement through GatewayPA; (3) Update provider ordering workflows and encounter documentation templates to alert prescribers that these medications now require medical prior authorization; (4) Train front desk and billing staff on the new submission process via GatewayPA portal. Failure to obtain prior authorization before service delivery will result in claim denials and payment delays. Coordinate with providers to ensure prescriptions written on or after October 1, 2026 include prior authorization requests.