CommercialPrior AuthMedium impact
State of Rhode Island referral waiver to end September 1, 2020
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI·Physician
Effective date
Sep 1, 2020
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
The State of Rhode Island is ending its temporary referral waiver for their employee health plan members effective September 1, 2020. SORI members will again need referrals to see specialists for the lowest copay/coinsurance rates for services on or after this date.
Action Required
By September 1, 2020: Front desk staff must verify referral requirements for all State of Rhode Island employee patients before scheduling specialist appointments. Update patient scheduling protocols to check for valid referrals. Patients without referrals will face higher copays/coinsurance.