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BlueCard® PPO - Host plan changes

June 30, 2021

​Effective immediately, HealthNow New York, Inc. and Highmark Inc. (Highmark) have completed an affiliation agreement. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York and Blue Shield of Northeastern New York are now affiliate plans of Highmark. The change will help to better serve the communities in Western and Northeastern New York as well as: 

  • increase customer and clinician engagement
  • create better health outcomes
  • manage costs
  • improve affordability

As a result, Independence Blue Cross will no longer be able to host Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York (Albany) members or Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York (Buffalo) members for professional claims. The change will not affect claims processing for Medicare Advantage PPO and exchange products.

Professional claims processing

As a participant provider, you are responsible for filing claims with the correct Host Plan and including the three-character prefix associated with each plan (as linked below). The prefix allows you to determine eligibility and benefits and correctly route claims for these members. 

Independence will start processing professional claims for these members starting with dates of  service on or after July 16, 2021.

Learn more

For more information about the BlueCard program or claims submission instructions, visit the BlueCard section.

Highmark is a registered mark of Highmark Inc. ©2021 Highmark Inc., All Rights Reserved


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Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, serving the health insurance needs of Philadelphia and southeastern Pennsylvania.