Medicare AdvantageAdministrativeMedium impact
Watch for Digital Access to Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization Decision Letters via Availity® Essentials
BCBS New Mexico·NM·Prior Authorization
Effective date
Dec 11, 2026
We identified it
Sep 12, 2026
Summary
Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico is transitioning Medicare Advantage prior authorization approval letters from U.S. Postal Service mail to digital-only delivery via Availity Essentials Provider Correspondence Viewer, effective December 11, 2026. Beginning October 8, 2026, providers can access these letters digitally; denial letters will continue to be mailed and also available digitally. An opt-out option for mail delivery will be provided in future communications.
Action Required
By October 8, 2026: Billing team must establish access to Availity Essentials Provider Correspondence Viewer to retrieve Medicare Advantage prior authorization decision letters. By December 11, 2026: Implement workflow changes to obtain prior authorization approval letters exclusively through the digital portal rather than U.S. mail. Update staff procedures to monitor Availity for prior authorization decisions instead of relying on postal delivery. Evaluate whether to opt out of digital-only delivery when opt-out instructions are provided in future communications. Ensure all staff handling prior authorizations for Medicare Advantage members are trained on accessing the new digital portal.