Medicare AdvantagePrior AuthMedium impact
Watch for Digital Access to Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization Decision Letters via Availity® Essentials
BCBS Texas·TX·Prior Authorization
Effective date
Oct 8, 2026
We identified it
Sep 12, 2026
Summary
Beginning October 8, 2026, Medicare Advantage prior authorization decision letters will be available digitally through Availity Essentials' Provider Correspondence Viewer. Starting December 11, 2026, approval letters will no longer be mailed via USPS—digital access only. Denial letters will continue to be mailed but will also be available digitally. Providers should prepare to access and manage prior authorization documentation through the digital portal.
Action Required
By October 8, 2026: Billing team and providers must register and gain access to the Provider Correspondence Viewer within Availity Essentials Payer Spaces to view and download Medicare Advantage prior authorization decision letters. By December 11, 2026: Discontinue relying on USPS mail for Medicare Advantage approval letters; transition all prior authorization letter retrieval to digital access only through Availity Essentials. Update internal workflows and filing procedures to reflect digital-only access for approvals. Prior authorization denial letters will continue to arrive by mail but should also be monitored in the digital portal. Contact Provider Education Consultants if technical access issues arise. Monitor News and Updates for opt-out instructions and detailed guidance on accessing and obtaining these letters.