How the BlueCard^® Program Works

How to Identify Members

When a member of a Blue Plan arrives at your office or facility, ask for their current member identification (ID) card.  

 
The main identifier for out-of-area members is the prefix (first three positions of the ID number).  

Important facts concerning member IDs:

• A correct member ID number includes the prefix (first three positions) and all subsequent characters, up to 17 positions total. 
• The prefix on a member’s ID must be three characters.  
• Some member ID numbers may include alphabetic characters in other positions following the prefix. Others may be fewer than 17 positions.  
• Do not add/delete characters or numbers within the member ID.  
• Do not change the sequence of the characters following the prefix.  
• The prefix is critical for electronically routing specific Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act transactions to the appropriate Blue Plan.  

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