Alpha Prefix
The three-letter prefix on the ID card is the key element used to identify and correctly route claims. It identifies the BlueCross and BlueShield Plan in which the member is enrolled. Some ID cards may not have an alpha prefix, which means that the claims are handled outside of BlueCard. See "How to Submit Claims Electronically" for more details. Some alpha prefixes are not eligible for BlueCard processing, Click here to read "What are BlueCard exclusions?"

What if there is no alpha prefix listed on the ID card?
The majority of the time, this will indicate that the patient is not eligible for the BlueCard program. There may be times when members are using old cards, so you may want to confirm their ID numbers with their plans. Please contact the customer service number listed on their member ID cards or confirm with the patients that the ID cards they are using are the most current.

Some alpha prefixes may be excluded from the BlueCard program. In these cases, claims should be submitted directly to the plan in which the patient is enrolled.