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' will no longer require PCP referrals for specialist visits. This change does not apply to RIPTA employees, only State of Rhode Island employees.
Action Required
By January 1, 2025: Front desk and billing team must update patient eligibility verification procedures to identify State of Rhode Island employees with 'R2I' plan prefix and stop requiring PCP referrals for these patients. Update scheduling protocols to allow direct specialist appointments for R2I members. Continue requiring referrals for RIPTA employees.