Your ID Card
When you became a BCBSRI member, one of the first—and most important—items you received from us was your member ID card, your key to getting healthcare coverage. Simply put, your BCBSRI member ID card shows your doctor and other providers that you’re part of the nation’s most trusted health plan. Make sure you carry it with you whenever you need care, and take the same precautions with it that you would with a credit card.
Click on each highlighted section to learn what it means.
Your plan name
This is the plan you chose when you signed up for a Medicare plan.
Your name
Check to make sure it is spelled correctly.
Member ID number
Your doctor and other providers use this number when filing claims for services they provided to you.
Your PCP
For most plans, you must have a primary care provider listed with us because they are critical to your care. Your PCP is the center of your care and will provide referrals for tests and visits to specialists.
Don’t see a PCP listed on your card?
- If you have a doctor you see regularly, call the Medicare Concierge Team and tell them.
- If you don’t have a regular doctor, or PCP, use find a doctor.
Pharmacy coverage information
Pharmacies will use this information when you get a prescription filled.
CMS number
This number is used by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that oversees Medicare. It refers to your specific plan, such as BlueCHiP for Medicare Plus or BlueCHiP for Medicare Advance.
Copays
These are specific dollar amounts you pay when you receive these services. Example: A doctor might charge $100 for a visit. If you have a $20 copay, you would pay the doctor $20 and your insurance would pay the doctor $80.
Date issued
Please note that this is not the same as the date your coverage begins. If you are uncertain when your coverage begins, you can call our Medicare Concierge Team.
Type of plan
You will see HMO, POS, or PPO listed here. That refers to the type of network your plan uses. HMO offers a coordinated network with no out-of-network coverage, except for emergencies. POS offers out-of-network coverage on most benefits. PPO offers a choice of doctors and hospitals nationwide with no referrals required.
Drug coverage
If you have prescription drug coverage through us, you will see this symbol on your card.
Dental coverage
If you have dental coverage through us, you will see this symbol on your card.
BCBSRI Plan Name
First A
Last
ZBM000000000
| PCP: | First A |
| Last, MD |
PCP Phone: 401-555-1212
| RxBIN | 000000 |
| Issuer | 00000 |
| RXPCN | BCRIXXX |
| RxGrp | BCRIXX |
| CMS | H1234 567 |
| PCMH Visit | $X |
| Non-PCMH Visit | $XX |
| Specialist Visit | $XX |
| Emergency Room | $XX |
Issued: 01/01/23
Plan Type
Frequently asked questions
When will I receive a new member ID card?
You will receive a new member ID card(s) in the mail prior to the start of your coverage.
Will I receive a new member ID card every year?
If any of the information on the card has changed, you will receive a new card..
When do I need to show my member ID card?
You should be prepared to show your current member ID card when receiving any healthcare services, such as a doctor’s appointment or getting prescriptions at the pharmacy. This is always a good practice and helps to prevent disruption of service and can help protect you from liability.
What should I do if my member ID card is lost?
You can request a new member ID card on myBCBSRI. Log in to your account (or follow the simple steps to register). Under the Self Service section, choose "Your ID Card." You can also print a temporary ID card to use until you receive your new card in the mail.
Of course, you can always call the Medicare Concierge team at (401) 277-2958 or 1-800-267-0439 (TTY: 711)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to noon. (Open seven days a week, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., October 1 – March 31.) You can use our automated answering system outside of these hours.
What should I do if my member ID card is stolen?
Call the Medicare Concierge team as soon as possible (401) 277-2958 or 1-800-267-0439 (TTY: 711)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to noon. (Open seven days a week, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., October 1 – March 31.) You can use our automated answering system outside of these hours.
Your member ID card and fraud: How to protect your medical information.
As noted above, your BCBSRI member ID card is intended for your use and only your use. Use of an ID card by anyone other than the member named on the card (or dependents) to receive healthcare services is considered fraud and is punishable by law. Always be especially careful about giving out your card or health insurance information and ask or verify if it is really needed.