CommercialAdministrativeMedium impact
State of Rhode Island referrals during COVID-19
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI · Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, General Practice +1 more·Physician
Effective date
Mar 17, 2020
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Rhode Island BCBS has temporarily waived referral requirements for State of Rhode Island Anchor plan members during COVID-19, effective March 17, 2020. PCPs no longer need to enter referrals in Health Trio for SORI members, and the lower copayment will automatically apply for specialist visits.
Action Required
Immediately: Primary care providers should stop entering referrals into Health Trio system for State of Rhode Island (SORI) Anchor plan members only. Billing team must ensure lower copayment amounts are applied for specialist visits for these members. Monitor for future communications about when referral requirements will be reinstated.