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Use Medicaid ID Instead of Subscriber ID for Members with BCCHPSM
Effective date
Jan 1, 2027
Identified
Sep 26, 2026
Summary
Effective January 1, 2027, Blue Cross Community Health Plans (BCCHP) members in Illinois will use their Medicaid ID (9-digit recipient identification number) instead of the BCBSIL subscriber ID for all healthcare transactions. The subscriber ID will no longer be accepted. Providers must update systems and processes to capture, store, and submit the Medicaid ID for eligibility checks, prior authorizations, claim submissions, and customer service inquiries.
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What to do
Action · 13 steps
01REQUIREMENTS:
By November 13, 2026: Billing team must begin identifying and recording the Medicaid ID for all BCCHP members through eligibility and benefits inquiries.
02Obtain Medicaid IDs via Availity Essentials (Medicaid Recipient ID Number field) or preferred vendor portal for each BCCHP member in the practice's patient database.
03By November 16, 2026: Billing system and Availity Essentials portal access will transition to display Medicaid ID as the primary ID.
04Update all staff to reference the Medicaid ID field instead of subscriber ID.
05Before January 1, 2027: Billing team must complete the following system updates:
1. Update billing software to store and require Medicaid ID for all BCCHP members in patient records
2.
06Remove the XXL prefix requirement from member ID searches in Availity Essentials
3.
07Configure claim submission to use Medicaid ID instead of BCBSIL subscriber ID for all BCCHP transactions
4.
08Update eligibility verification workflows to capture Medicaid ID from REF segments (NQ qualifier through Nov 13; Q4 qualifier after Nov 16)
5.
09Update prior authorization submission processes to use Medicaid ID
6.
10Update claim status inquiry processes to reference Medicaid ID
7.
11Train front desk and billing staff to collect and verify new BCCHP ID cards listing Medicaid ID
On or after November 16, 2026: Front desk staff must scan and retain updated BCCHP member ID card images showing the new Medicaid ID format.
12Effective January 1, 2027: All eligibility checks, prior authorization requests, claim submissions, and customer service contacts for BCCHP members must use Medicaid ID exclusively.
13The BCBSIL subscriber ID will be rejected.
If missed: Failure to transition will result in claim denials, eligibility verification failures, and prior authorization delays.
Original notice
Use Medicaid ID Instead of Subscriber ID for Members with BCCHPSM
bcbsil.com · Always check the source before changing claims.