Blue Cross Blue Shield Outsources Behavioral Health to Magellan: What Providers Need to Know
Recently, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota announced that they will hand over management of their behavioral health plans to Magellan Health.
According to Blue Cross, Magellan has a, “unique vision of integrated, quality care – and 40 years of experience offering behavioral and specialty health solutions for health plans, employers, state and local government agencies and the Federal government.”
Blue Cross also says that Magellan will implement new resources for providers, such as Minnesota-based provider relations staff, free online training and more.
What you need to know about Blue Cross and Magellan Health
Of course, with this change will come some administrative headache for behavioral health providers. We’ve looked through the news so far to answer some of the most important questions providers will have about the merger.
Will I stay in-network with Blue Cross?
Yes. Blue Cross states that Magellan “intends to contract with existing Blue Cross providers in Minnesota.”
Where do I send my claims?
You will continue to send claims to Blue Cross for sessions with a date of service on or before December 31, 2017. For appointments starting in 2018, you will submit claims to Magellan (CMS Payer ID 01260).
When does my new contract start?
You will remain under your current contract with Blue Cross until December 31, 2017. Magellan states they will begin the process of negotiating their contracts with Blue Cross providers in May 2017. Contracts will be effective when signed. But providers will receive referrals and be expected to adhere to Magellan policies starting January 1, 2018.
How will recredentialing work?
Blue Cross and Magellan will maintain the current credentialing cycle. That means the date you are required to recredential will not change.
If that date is on or before December 31, 2017, you will recredential with Blue Cross. If that date is January 1, 2018 or later, you will recredential with Magellan.
How will I get paid?
Receiving payments during this transition will remain the same through the year. When you execute your agreement with Magellan, you will be required by the state to set up Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT).
Magellan will send you a username and password to register for EFT online.
What about eligibility with Magellan’s other plans?
As a Magellan provider, you will be eligible for referrals from other Minnesota plans managed by Magellan.
More questions?
Those are the basic questions. For more information, check out the Frequently Asked Questions page on Magellan’s website. Both Blue Cross and Magellan have contact numbers for questions.
If your question is about care management, authorizations, claims payment, and benefits between April 1 and Dec. 31, 2017, contact Blue Cross at 1‐800‐262‐0820.
For questions about the re-credentialing and contracting process, call Magellan at 1‐800‐424‐4005.