Medicare AdvantageCoverageHigh impact
2023 benefit changes
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI · Podiatry, Psychiatry, PM&R (Physical Medicine & Rehab) +3 more·Provider Update
Effective date
Jan 1, 2023
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
BCBSRI is implementing multiple benefit changes effective January 1, 2023, including discontinuing BlueCHiP for Medicare Advance, expanding routine foot care coverage beyond diabetes to include other systemic conditions, eliminating age-based hearing aid benefit distinctions, changing behavioral health services from prior authorization to notice requirements, improving methadone maintenance benefits, and adding coverage for stander devices with prior authorization.
Action Required
By January 1, 2023: Billing team must update systems to reflect expanded foot care coverage for metabolic, neurologic, and peripheral vascular diseases beyond diabetes. Update hearing aid benefit limits to $1,500 per aid (NEHP plans $2,000). Replace prior authorization requirements with notice of admission/discharge processes for out-of-network behavioral health services including inpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient services. Add prior authorization requirements for stander devices (DME). Update copay structures for methadone maintenance to $0 copay upon plan renewal.