Medicare AdvantageAdministrativeMedium impact
Medicare Advantage Referral Waiver Update for 2021
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI·Physician
Effective date
Apr 1, 2021
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
BCBSRI is continuing to waive referral requirements for Medicare Advantage BlueCHiP members through the end of 2021 under the Public Health Emergency. Referrals still remain required for all commercial plans that normally require them.
Action Required
Through December 31, 2021: Billing and scheduling teams should continue processing Medicare Advantage BlueCHiP member appointments without entering referrals in Health Trio system. Continue obtaining and entering referrals for all commercial plan members that require them. Monitor BCBSRI provider portal Alerts & Updates section for future waiver updates from CMS.