CommercialAdministrativeMedium impact
State of Rhode Island referral update
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI·Physician
Effective date
Jan 1, 2025
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Effective January 1, 2025, State of Rhode Island employees with plan prefix 'R2I' no longer require PCP referrals for specialist visits through BCBSRI. This change does not apply to RIPTA employees, only direct State of Rhode Island employees.
Action Required
Immediately: Front desk staff must verify State of Rhode Island employee plan prefixes and stop requiring PCP referrals for patients with 'R2I' prefix plans. Update scheduling protocols to exclude referral requirements for these specific members. Continue requiring referrals for RIPTA employees and all other BCBSRI members.