Nov. 1, 2023
How to Make Binder Payments Fast and Easy
Binder Payment 101: A binder payment is the initial payment your client needs to make to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas when buying a health plan. This payment covers their first month’s premium and must be paid within 30 days of enrolling in the plan. If the client doesn’t make this payment, their policy will not take effect (effectuate) which means they won’t have health care coverage even though they signed up for it. If the client misses this payment and it’s not during the regular open enrollment period, they will not be able to get a new policy until the next year’s open enrollment period.
You may have clients whose coverage hasn’t effectuated because they aren’t able to make their initial “binder” payment. Others may be in grace periods because of payments that are past due. To help your clients, offer them these two options to make that first payment.
New members with initial/binder payments: To avoid call center wait times, here are the best options for your clients.
Pay online: Go to our Pay My Bill page and select “First-Time Payment” on the right. Applicants can pay with the last four digits of their Social Security Number, birthdate and ZIP Code.
Pay by phone: Call 888-697-0683 and use our automated interactive voice response (IVR) system. Select 1 at the first payment prompt.
Clients can avoid phone wait times by using these payment channels:
Current members who have ongoing payments:
Log in to their Blue Access for Members account and pay online.
Existing members can make a one-time online payment without having to set up or log into BAMSM accounts.
Existing members can also call 888-697-0683 and use our IVR system to pay by phone Select 1 at the first payment prompt.
