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BlueCross BlueShield of South CarolinaCommercial · Prior Auth · Prior Authorization · SCHigh impact

Prior Authorization for DME and Home Health, Efftective Aug. 1, 2026

Effective date
Aug 1, 2026
Identified
Jun 20, 2026

Summary

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is partnering with Integrated Home Care Services (IHCS) to require prior authorization for all DME and home health services effective August 1, 2026. This affects Commercial small group, individual, and ACA Marketplace plans with group prefixes 61, 62, 64, and 65.

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What to do

Action · 6 steps
01Before August 1, 2026: Billing team must update workflows to obtain prior authorization through IHCS for all DME and home health services.
02Set up electronic submission through WellSky CarePort, Availity Essentials, or Parachute Health platforms.
03Register for IHCS provider education webinars by contacting IHCS@help.com.
04Update billing system to flag BCBS SC Commercial plans (group prefixes 61, 62, 64, 65) requiring prior auth.
05Alternative fax option available at 844-215-4265.
06Claims will be denied without proper prior authorization.

Original notice

Prior Authorization for DME and Home Health, Efftective Aug. 1, 2026
southcarolinablues.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
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Related changes

See all BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina changes →
Important Update – Prior Authorization for DME & Home Health ServicesHighEffective Aug 1, 2026 · Prior AuthorizationBrowse every BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina change in the policy list

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BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina policiesSC policy changes

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