BCBSRI is following CMS guidance temporarily directing all Medicare Advantage plans to waive plan referral requirements retroactively to dates of service on or after March 1, 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis. This waiver will be in place until further notice in an effort to ensure timely access to treatment for our Medicare Advantage members.

Any Medicare Advantage claims with dates of service of March 1, 2020 and after, where the claim has been denied for no referral, will be adjusted by BCBSRI to waive the referral requirement. This waiver does not pertain to commercial accounts. Please continue to obtain referrals for any BCBSRI commercial member/product that requires a referral. If you have any additional questions regarding this update, please contact ProviderRelations@bcbsri.org.