Traditional MedicareAdministrativeMedium impact
Medicare Referral Waiver for 2022
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI·Physician
Effective date
Jan 1, 2022
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Medicare continues to waive referral requirements during the Public Health Emergency (PHE) for 2022. This means Medicare patients can see specialists without referrals while the PHE remains in effect.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team should continue processing Medicare specialty visits without requiring referrals. Monitor CMS communications for any changes to this waiver. Update staff to inform Medicare patients they don't need referrals during the PHE.