Contact Us | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (2024)

FAQs

How can I speak to a live person at BCBSIL? ›

1-877-860-2837 (TTY/TDD: 711)

We are available 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week. The call is free. A live agent can be reached from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois

BCBSIL is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

To access the IVR system, call BCBSIL Provider Services at 800-972-8088. For help navigating the IVR, refer to this caller guide. Checking eligibility and/or benefit information and/or obtaining prior authorization is not a guarantee of payment.

Claims may be submitted one-at-a-time by entering information directly into an online claim form on the vendor portal; or batch claims may be submitted via your Practice Management System (check with your software vendor to ensure compatibility).

For more information, see our Claims Caller Guide. For government programs claims, if you don't have online access through a vendor, you may call provider customer service to check claim status or make an adjustment: Blue Cross Community Health Plans^SM – 877-860-2837.

The Claim Status tool is found in the Claims & Payment menu in Availity Essentials. You can search for claims by Member ID or specific Claim Number. Claim status results provide more detailed information than the HIPAA-standard claim status 276/277 transaction.

Preferred network pharmacies include Jewel-Osco, Mariano's, Walgreens, Walmart and other independent pharmacies. Some select plans¹ include only Jewel-Osco and Walgreens as preferred pharmacies. Check your plan's pharmacy directory for a full list of preferred pharmacies.

Most Blue Cross Blue Shield members can rest easy since Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage opens doors in all 50 states and is accepted by over 90 percent of doctors and specialists. And if your extended travel plans take you abroad, you can ensure you have access to quality care through GeoBlue.

Prior authorization is required for some members/services/drugs before services are rendered to confirm medical necessity as defined by the member's health benefit plan. A prior authorization is not a guarantee of benefits or payment. The terms of the member's plan control the available benefits.

How long does it take to get credentialed with BCBS IL? ›

Credentialing can take 30 to 120 days. Note: The CAQH Credentialing Application must be complete prior to completing the Provider Onboarding Form. Credentialing is required for Professional Provider Types: MD, DO, PSYD, DC, CNM, LCSW, LCPC, LMFT, DPM, PA, APN, CNP, RD, LAC and DN.

Our BCBSIL mobile app gives members easy access to the same information and tools as the online portal detailed above. In addition, the BCBSIL mobile app – available for iPhone and Android users – allows members to: Access a digital member ID card. Log in securely with Face ID (iOS only) and Fingerprint ID.

Mail original claims to BCBSIL, P.O. Box 805107, Chicago, IL 60680-4112.

The false statement concerning BCBS Indemnity Coverage is: "It offers limited choice and no flexibility to subscribers who receive limited benefits along with the use of specific network of licensed health care providers." This statement is false because BCBS Indemnity Coverage actually offers choice and flexibility to ...

Professional Provider Network Consultants

The PNC team assigned to your territory specializes in investigating issues, producing data and developing solutions. If needed, a PNC can visit your office to help address any special needs or concerns.

Behavioral health services can help those facing mental health conditions, substance abuse or a behavioral health crisis. The type of service you might need depends on your personal situation. Call Member Services at 1-877-860-2837 (TTY/TDD: 711) and we can help you find out what services are covered.

Call us at 1-877-213-1821 (TTY 711). We're open 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., local time, 7 days a week. If you're calling from April 1 through September 30, alternate technologies (for example, voicemail) will be used on weekends and holidays.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois told NPR that benefits offered by employer plans can vary. "Weight-loss drugs like Wegovy may be covered, depending on the member's benefit plan," a spokesperson for the company said.