Medicare AdvantageCoverageHigh impact
2026 BlueCHiP for Medicare Changes
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI·Provider Update
Effective date
Jan 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
BlueCross BlueShield of Rhode Island is implementing significant changes to their 2026 BlueCHiP for Medicare plans, including eliminating copays for telemedicine visits and mammograms, adding pharmacy deductibles of $350-$615, and consolidating several plan offerings. Key billing impacts include changes to inpatient cost sharing periods and elimination of several supplemental benefits.
Action Required
Before January 1, 2026: Billing team must update patient eligibility verification systems to reflect new BlueCHiP for Medicare plan consolidations - BlueCHiP for Medicare Value members move to Enhanced plan, Plus members move to Extra plan, and Preferred plan is terminated requiring active member plan selection. Update copay collection procedures to implement $0 copays for all telemedicine visits, specialist telehealth, and mammograms. Verify inpatient billing now covers days 1-6 instead of 1-5. Contact patients with BlueCHiP for Medicare Preferred to confirm their new plan selection as referrals and authorizations will not automatically carry over for terminated plans.