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 Rhode Island announced significant changes to their 2026 BlueCHiP Medicare plans, including elimination of copays for telemedicine visits and mammograms, addition of pharmacy deductibles ($350-$615), and mandatory switch from OneTouch to Abbott for diabetic supplies. Several plan consolidations and eliminations will require member re-enrollment.
Action Required
By January 1, 2026: Billing team must update patient cost-sharing to reflect $0 copays for all telemedicine visits (specialist, mental health, substance abuse) and mammography services. Begin transitioning diabetic patients from OneTouch to Abbott supplies starting October 1, 2025. Update patient records for plan consolidations: BlueCHiP Value members move to Enhanced, BlueCHiP Plus members move to Extra. Verify new grocery benefit eligibility requires Low-Income Subsidy status and qualifying chronic conditions.