Effective immediately, HealthNow New York, Inc. and Highmark Inc. (Highmark) have completed an affiliation agreement. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York and Blue Shield of Northeastern New York are now affiliate plans of Highmark. The change will help to better serve the communities in Western and Northeastern New York as well as:
- increase customer and clinician engagement
- create better health outcomes
- manage costs
- improve affordability
As a result, Independence Blue Cross will no longer be able to host Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York (Albany) members or Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York (Buffalo) members for professional claims. The change will not affect claims processing for Medicare Advantage PPO and exchange products.
Professional claims processing
As a participant provider, you are responsible for filing claims with the correct Host Plan and including the three-character prefix associated with each plan (as linked below). The prefix allows you to determine eligibility and benefits and correctly route claims for these members.
Independence will start processing professional claims for these members starting with dates of service on or after
July 16, 2021.
Learn more
For more information about the BlueCard program or claims submission instructions, visit the BlueCard section.
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