MedicaidPrior AuthHigh impact
[California] Prior authorization requirement changes
Anthem BCBS·CA · Wound Care, General Surgery, Plastic Surgery +4 more·Provider Bulletin
Effective date
Jan 1, 2027
We identified it
Sep 29, 2026
Summary
Effective January 1, 2027, Anthem Blue Cross Medi-Cal Managed Care is adding prior authorization requirements for 80+ billing codes covering advanced wound care products (skin substitutes, dermal matrices, grafts), neurostimulator generators, prosthetic components, and related procedures. Billing team must update systems to require precertification before submitting claims for these codes, or claims will be denied.
Action Required
By December 31, 2026: Billing team must update billing software and prior authorization workflows to require precertification/prior authorization for all 80+ codes listed above when billing Anthem Blue Cross Medi-Cal Managed Care members. Update encounter forms and provider order entry systems to flag these codes for mandatory prior auth submission before claims are processed. Establish procedure to submit prior auth requests through Availity Essentials or via phone to Medi-Cal Customer Care Center. Train all billing staff and providers on the new requirements. Communicate with wound care, orthopedic, neurosurgery, and general surgery providers that these materials and devices now require precertification. Failure to obtain prior authorization will result in claim denials and service deemed ineligible for payment.