March 2019
Hot Topic
Government Programs: New Tool for Verifying Claim Status in Availity®
A new claim status tool is available that allows you to get claims information in just a few clicks. Learn how to access and use this new tool.
Read MoreFeatured Tip
How to Keep the Cash Flowing: Billing BCBSTX Medicaid as a Secondary Insurance
Learn the ins and outs of billing Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) as a secondary payer for Medicaid claims. To keep the cash flowing, it’s important to remember that if a commercial payer exists, then Medicaid is always the payer of last resort.
Read MoreFocus on Behavioral Health
Access Behavioral Health Care Resources
As a reminder, there are many online resources to help address your patients’ behavioral health needs. Access toolkits, educational opportunities, anticipatory guidance for mental health screenings, questionnaires to use during checkups and more.
Read MoreEducation & Reference
Nutrition Screening: Keeping Patients Healthy
Health care providers can play an important role in helping patients and their families develop better nutritional habits. Review best practice tips for nutrition screening.
Read MoreElectronic Visit Verification (EVV) Updates
New EVV Training Module Available
To prepare contracted providers, Consumer Directed Services employers and Financial Management Services Agencies for the expansion of EVV due to the 21st Century Cures Act, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is providing a collection of training modules that will be published throughout 2019. Training modules are available on BCBSTX’s EVV web page.
HHSC Notifications — Stay in the Know!
Make sure you’re periodically reviewing the Texas HHSC website for new notices about EVV that you should be aware of. You can also read the most recent EVV updates on BCBSTX’s EVV web page.
Health & Wellness
Health Tips to Share
Help your patients live a healthier life by sharing relevant wellness information with them. You can print individual articles, or point your patients to the websites so they can review topics that interest them. Anyone can access the websites; no login required.
Connect invites users to get answers, share information and gain knowledge on topics like well-being and health coverage through blogs, videos and articles. Participants can create a profile and like posts, add their opinions in the comments and subscribe to content they’re interested in. Spanish content is available.
Have You Updated Your Provider Information?
Visit the BCBSTX provider website to update any changes to your address, telephone number, group affiliation, and/or any other material facts via the Provider Data Update Notification form. Also, update your information with Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership via their Provider Information Change form.
News and Updates
For the most up-to-date information, view the News and Updates section of the BCBSTX provider website.
Link to BCBSTX Medicaid Website
On this website, you will find links to the provider manual, Quick Reference Guide, services requiring prior authorization and other useful information.
Contact Us
Eligibility, Benefits, Provider Network Referrals and Claim Status
Medicaid (STAR) and CHIP Customer Service: 1-877-560-8055, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. CT
STAR Kids Customer Service: 1-877-784-6802, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. CT
For general questions and concerns:
Email: TexasMedicaidNetworkDepartment@bcbstx.com
Phone: 1-855-212-1615
Fax: 1-512-349-4848
For member outreach inquiries, BCBSTX’s Medicaid (STAR), STAR Kids and CHIP members may contact
Zenaida Martinez Nava, Senior Outreach Specialist/Member Advocate at 1-512-349-4880. If the member is unable to reach Sonia, please contact Maria Izquierdo at 1-512-349-4887.
For BCBSTX Medicaid (STAR), STAR Kids and CHIP quality inquiries, please contact Kathleen Thompson, Director, Quality Improvement, at 1-512-349-4836.
For Electronic Visit Verification questions, please email BCBSTX_EVV_Questions@bcbstx.com.