CommercialAdministrativeMedium impact
Update: New Rollout Timeline on Updates to Payment Systems
BCBS Illinois·IL·Reimbursement
Effective date
Aug 15, 2026
We identified it
Aug 21, 2026
Summary
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois is transitioning providers from paper check payments to electronic payments through a phased rollout beginning mid-August 2026 and completing by end of September 2026. Providers currently receiving paper checks and enrolled with Zelis Payments Network will be automatically converted to electronic payments (virtual credit card or ACH+), unless they specifically request to maintain paper check format. All electronic claim documents will now be distributed in PDF format to clearinghouses.
Action Required
By September 30, 2026: Billing team must prepare for potential payment method changes. (1) Identify whether your practice currently receives paper checks from BCBSIL and is enrolled in Zelis Payments Network - if yes, you will be auto-converted to electronic payments during the rollout. (2) If you prefer to continue receiving paper checks, submit a request to BCBSIL before your assigned rollout date (Provider Relations will contact you) and include your taxpayer ID number. (3) Update accounting/cash application procedures to handle electronic payments (virtual credit card or Zelis ACH+) if converted. (4) Ensure billing software and clearinghouse systems are configured to receive claim summary documents in PDF format. (5) If not yet enrolled in EFT and prefer electronic payments, enroll at no charge to expedite payments. Practices that do not take action if they wish to maintain paper checks will be transitioned to electronic payments and may experience payment processing disruptions if systems are not prepared.