Alpha Prefix Change
September 28, 2017The three-character prefix, previously referred to as the “alpha prefix,” is a foundational component of the BlueCard program. The information the prefix contains defines the service relationships and arrangements between the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plan and its subscribers. To increase the prefix pool needed for BCBS plans, the prefix is being modified to allow numeric characters. Effective April 15, 2018, all BCBS plans and providers must be able to accept a prefix that includes a combination of alpha and numeric characters. Any time after April 15, 2018, you may begin to see prefixes on member ID cards that contain numeric characters. You will continue to submit the member Prefix to conduct everyday transactions and to check eligibility and benefits in the same manner as you do today. Current prefixes will remain active unless canceled by an account. If you have implemented system changes to limit the BCBS prefix to a three-digit alpha-only prefix, you will need to make system modifications to allow for numeric characters effective April 15, 2018.