Medicare AdvantageAdministrativeMedium impact
January 1, 2024 updates
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI · Psychiatry, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy +1 more·Provider Update
Effective date
Jan 1, 2024
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Effective January 1, 2024, BCBS Rhode Island expanded provider eligibility and eliminated referral requirements for several services. Mental health counselors and marriage/family therapists can now treat Medicare members, and physical/occupational therapy no longer requires referrals for most BCBS plans.
Action Required
Immediately: Update billing system to remove referral requirements for physical and occupational therapy services for Medicare Advantage, BlueCHiP Direct, BlueCHiP Direct Advance, BlueCHiP w/Flex, Network Blue New England, Network Blue New England Options, and Blue Choice New England plans. For EyeMed hardware claims: participating providers should file directly to EyeMed, non-participating providers must inform members to file claims themselves.