Medicare AdvantageAdministrativeMedium impact
Reminder: Digital Access to Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization Decision Letters Begins Oct. 8
BCBS Oklahoma·OK·Prior Authorization
Effective date
Oct 8, 2026
We identified it
Oct 7, 2026
Summary
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is transitioning Medicare Advantage prior authorization approval letters from U.S. Postal Service mail to digital-only access through the Provider Correspondence Viewer in Availity Essentials, effective October 8, 2026. Beginning December 11, 2026, mailed approval letters will no longer be sent; denial letters will continue via mail and remain available digitally. Providers may opt out of the digital transition by submitting a request to Provider Education Consultants.
Action Required
By October 8, 2026: Billing and authorization staff should begin accessing Medicare Advantage prior authorization approval letters through the Provider Correspondence Viewer in Availity Essentials rather than relying on mailed correspondence. By December 11, 2026: Transition all workflows to use Availity Essentials as the sole source for Medicare Advantage prior authorization approval letters, as USPS mailing will cease on this date. Providers wishing to continue receiving mailed approval letters should submit opt-out requests to Provider Education Consultants before December 11, 2026, including provider NPI, tax ID, name, city, state, ZIP code, and requester name. Verify current practice status: confirm whether your practice has already implemented digital access or intends to request opt-out status, as the December 11 deadline approaches.