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BLUECONNECT
Providers
December 2024
In This Issue
► December news: Executive summary
► AZ Blue welcomes Banner Children's to MaricopaFocus Network
► FEP offers new Postal Service plans for 2025
► Changes for Medicare Advantage prior auth and step therapy start January 1
► How to validate eligibility without an ID card
What you need to know for 2025
✓ The Federal Employee Program® (FEP®) has launched a new health benefit program for postal service employees. Their 2025 ID cards will look a little different—see samples and learn more.
✓ Our MaricopaFocus Network will include Banner Children’s starting January 1, 2025—get the details.
✓ Find out what’s different about the 2025 Medicare Advantage prior authorization requirements and which drugs are being added to the Part B step therapy list—see the article.
2025 plan year reminders
• Did you know you can validate eligibility without a member ID card? Here’s how.
• Let your teams know about the member ID prefix replacements for 2025.
• Be sure to check out the 2025 Provider Operating Guide (see highlights).
• Certain biosimilars will have preferred status in 2025.
• Get the scoop on our Medicare Advantage networks and plans for 2025.
A few more helpful notes
• This new direct-dial line gives you quick access to our Provider Assistance team: 1-844-995-2583
• You can now search our fee schedules on the Availity Essentials™ provider portal.
• Many Blue Plans (including AZ Blue) take care of routine technology updates on Sundays and are unable to respond to electronic transactions during that time. You’ll have more success with your online eligibility and claim inquiries on other days of the week.
Free CEUs
1. For all providers who help patients make lifestyle changes: Learn how you can offer more effective patient support through this “Essentials” course offered by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM). When you register, use promo code ESS-BCBSAZ to get 5.5 CME/CE credits free of charge.
2. For behavioral health providers: You can take advantage of these free continuing education courses and resources offered by the American Diabetes Association® and learn more about how you can help your patients cope with diabetes.
3. Grand Rounds: Join us on January 8 for an hour with Dr. Barry Hendin on “Neurology and MS—A Primer for Primary Care Settings.” He will share:
• Identifying signs and symptoms associated with specific neurological disorders, including MS
• How MS therapies have evolved
• Why the whole-person health approach is essential for people living with MS
We’re here to help. If you have questions, feel free to contact us at 1-844-995-2583, or you can reach out to your Provider Relations Contact.
In This Issue
► December news: Executive summary
► AZ Blue welcomes Banner Children's to MaricopaFocus Network
► FEP offers new Postal Service plans for 2025
► Changes for Medicare Advantage prior auth and step therapy start January 1
► How to validate eligibility without an ID card
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