You submitted a claim to Blue Cross Blue Shield. It was denied because you billed the wrong entity. Your patient has coverage, but the claim went to Illinois when it should have gone to Florida. This happens every day in addiction treatment billing, and it costs you time and revenue.
Here's the problem: BCBS is not one insurance company. It's 36 independent licensees operating under a shared brand. Each state has its own BCBS entity with separate claims addresses, provider phone numbers, EDI payer IDs, and prior authorization processes. If you send a claim to the wrong licensee, it gets denied or lost.
This guide gives you the exact BCBS billing contact by state addiction treatment providers need: claims submission addresses, provider services numbers, EDI enrollment details, and how to route BlueCard claims correctly. No fluff. Just the contacts that get your claims paid.
Why BCBS Billing Is Different: The 36-Licensee Structure
Blue Cross Blue Shield operates as a federation, not a single payer. Each of the 36 independent BCBS companies holds an exclusive license to operate in specific states or regions. They share branding and participate in the BlueCard program for out-of-state coverage, but they are legally separate entities with distinct tax IDs, claims systems, and billing requirements.
For addiction treatment providers, this means you cannot treat BCBS as one payer. A member with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of California has different billing instructions than a member with Florida Blue or Independence Blue Cross. Using the wrong claims address or EDI payer ID will result in denials, even if the patient has active coverage.
The most common error: assuming all BCBS claims go to one centralized processor. They don't. You must identify the specific licensee based on the member ID, then route the claim accordingly. This is especially critical for behavioral health services, where billing the correct procedure codes to the correct payer determines reimbursement.
How to Identify Which BCBS Plan Your Patient Has
Before you can bill correctly, you need to know which BCBS licensee issued the member's policy. The member ID card contains two key pieces of information: the three-letter prefix (also called the alpha prefix) and the suitcase logo with a three-letter code.
The alpha prefix identifies the home plan. For example, a member ID starting with "XYZ" might indicate Anthem, while "ABC" could indicate Highmark. Each BCBS licensee publishes a list of their prefixes, though these are not always publicly accessible. The suitcase logo on the card shows the BlueCard network identifier, which tells you whether the member is in-network or out-of-network when traveling.
The most reliable verification method: call the provider services number on the back of the member's card. Confirm eligibility, benefits, and whether prior authorization is required for your specific service. For substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, always verify coverage for your level of care (IOP, PHP, residential, outpatient) before admission.
State-by-State BCBS Billing Contact Information for Addiction Treatment
This section provides the primary BCBS licensee for each state, along with claims mailing addresses and provider services phone numbers. Note that some licensees operate in multiple states, and some states have more than one BCBS entity.
Alabama: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
Claims Address: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, P.O. Box 995, Birmingham, AL 35201
Provider Services: 1-800-292-8868
EDI Payer ID: 01022 (professional claims), 01023 (institutional claims)
Alaska: Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska
Claims Address: Premera Blue Cross, P.O. Box 91059, Seattle, WA 98111-9159
Provider Services: 1-800-508-4722
EDI Payer ID: 54771
Arizona: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (Anthem)
Claims Address: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, P.O. Box 105187, Atlanta, GA 30348-5187
Provider Services: 1-800-810-2583
EDI Payer ID: 87726
Arkansas: Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
Claims Address: Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, P.O. Box 2181, Little Rock, AR 72203-2181
Provider Services: 1-800-827-4814
EDI Payer ID: 00590
California: Anthem Blue Cross (Anthem)
Claims Address: Anthem Blue Cross, P.O. Box 60007, Los Angeles, CA 90060-0007
Provider Services: 1-800-964-0530
EDI Payer ID: 36273 (professional), 36274 (institutional)
Colorado: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem)
Claims Address: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, P.O. Box 105187, Atlanta, GA 30348-5187
Provider Services: 1-800-274-2958
EDI Payer ID: 87726
Connecticut: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem)
Claims Address: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, P.O. Box 105187, Atlanta, GA 30348-5187
Provider Services: 1-800-922-2232
EDI Payer ID: 62308
Delaware: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware
Claims Address: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware, P.O. Box 22492, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Provider Services: 1-800-572-2872
EDI Payer ID: 23232
Florida: Florida Blue
Claims Address: Florida Blue, P.O. Box 44022, Jacksonville, FL 32231-4022
Provider Services: 1-800-727-2227
EDI Payer ID: 59066 (professional), 59067 (institutional)
Georgia: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem)
Claims Address: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, P.O. Box 105187, Atlanta, GA 30348-5187
Provider Services: 1-800-810-2583
EDI Payer ID: 87726
Hawaii: Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA)
Claims Address: HMSA, P.O. Box 860, Honolulu, HI 96808-0860
Provider Services: 1-808-948-6486
EDI Payer ID: 80076
Idaho: Blue Cross of Idaho
Claims Address: Blue Cross of Idaho, P.O. Box 7408, Boise, ID 83707
Provider Services: 1-800-274-4018
EDI Payer ID: 20604
If you're opening a treatment center in Idaho, understanding the state's unique single-payer behavioral health model is critical for credentialing and billing.
Illinois: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (HCSC)
Claims Address: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, P.O. Box 805107, Chicago, IL 60680-4112
Provider Services: 1-800-810-2583
EDI Payer ID: 60054 (professional), 60055 (institutional)
Indiana: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem)
Claims Address: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, P.O. Box 105187, Atlanta, GA 30348-5187
Provider Services: 1-800-577-7908
EDI Payer ID: 87726
Iowa: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa
Claims Address: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, P.O. Box 9232, Des Moines, IA 50306-9232
Provider Services: 1-800-524-9242
EDI Payer ID: 52063
Kansas: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS)
Claims Address: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, P.O. Box 239, Topeka, KS 66601-0239
Provider Services: 1-800-432-3990
EDI Payer ID: 00920
Kentucky: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem)
Claims Address: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, P.O. Box 105187, Atlanta, GA 30348-5187
Provider Services: 1-800-810-2583
EDI Payer ID: 87726
Louisiana: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana
Claims Address: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, P.O. Box 98029, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9029
Provider Services: 1-800-392-4089
EDI Payer ID: 75190 (professional), 75191 (institutional)
Maine: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem)
Claims Address: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, P.O. Box 105187, Atlanta, GA 30348-5187
Provider Services: 1-800-822-2211
EDI Payer ID: 62308
Maryland: CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Claims Address: CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, P.O. Box 14115, Lexington, KY 40512-4115
Provider Services: 1-800-810-2583
EDI Payer ID: 52131 (professional), 52132 (institutional)
Massachusetts: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Claims Address: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, P.O. Box 986030, Boston, MA 02298-6030
Provider Services: 1-800-882-1178
EDI Payer ID: 00590
Michigan: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Claims Address: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, 600 E. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226
Provider Services: 1-800-662-6667
EDI Payer ID: 74114 (professional), 74115 (institutional)
Minnesota: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota
Claims Address: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, P.O. Box 64560, St. Paul, MN 55164-0560
Provider Services: 1-800-262-0820
EDI Payer ID: 00940
Mississippi: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi
Claims Address: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi, P.O. Box 1043, Jackson, MS 39215-1043
Provider Services: 1-800-932-2832
EDI Payer ID: 01162
Missouri: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem)
Claims Address: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, P.O. Box 105187, Atlanta, GA 30348-5187
Provider Services: 1-800-810-2583
EDI Payer ID: 87726
Montana: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana
Claims Address: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, P.O. Box 4309, Helena, MT 59604-4309
Provider Services: 1-800-447-7828
EDI Payer ID: 00830
Nebraska: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska
Claims Address: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska, P.O. Box 3248, Omaha, NE 68103-0248
Provider Services: 1-800-642-2583
EDI Payer ID: 00994
Nevada: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem)
Claims Address: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, P.O. Box 105187, Atlanta, GA 30348-5187
Provider Services: 1-800-810-2583
EDI Payer ID: 87726
New Hampshire: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem)
Claims Address: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, P.O. Box 105187, Atlanta, GA 30348-5187
Provider Services: 1-800-922-2232
EDI Payer ID: 62308
New Jersey: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Claims Address: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, P.O. Box 420, Newark, NJ 07101-0420
Provider Services: 1-800-624-2414
EDI Payer ID: 52113 (professional), 52114 (institutional)
New Mexico: Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico (HCSC)
Claims Address: Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico, P.O. Box 27630, Albuquerque, NM 87125-7630
Provider Services: 1-800-835-8699
EDI Payer ID: 87726
New York: Multiple BCBS Plans
New York has several BCBS licensees. The two largest are:
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (Upstate NY):
Claims Address: Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, P.O. Box 22999, Rochester, NY 14692-2999
Provider Services: 1-800-888-2583
EDI Payer ID: 14163
Empire BlueCross BlueShield (Anthem, Downstate NY):
Claims Address: Empire BlueCross BlueShield, P.O. Box 1407, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008-1407
Provider Services: 1-800-810-2583
EDI Payer ID: 62308
North Carolina: Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina
Claims Address: Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, P.O. Box 2291, Durham, NC 27702-2291
Provider Services: 1-800-777-1643
EDI Payer ID: 56173 (professional), 56174 (institutional)
North Dakota: Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
Claims Address: Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, 4510 13th Avenue SW, Fargo, ND 58121
Provider Services: 1-800-342-4718
EDI Payer ID: 00760
Ohio: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem)
Claims Address: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, P.O. Box 105187, Atlanta, GA 30348-5187
Provider Services: 1-800-810-2583
EDI Payer ID: 87726
Oklahoma: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma (HCSC)
Claims Address: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, P.O. Box 3283, Tulsa, OK 74102-3283
Provider Services: 1-800-942-5837
EDI Payer ID: 87726
Oregon: Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon
Claims Address: Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, P.O. Box 1271, Portland, OR 97207-1271
Provider Services: 1-888-232-5763
EDI Payer ID: 84881
Pennsylvania: Multiple BCBS Plans
Pennsylvania has several BCBS licensees. The two largest are:
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield (Western PA):
Claims Address: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, P.O. Box 22492, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Provider Services: 1-800-242-0514
EDI Payer ID: 23232
Independence Blue Cross (Southeastern PA):
Claims Address: Independence Blue Cross, P.O. Box 41820, Philadelphia, PA 19101-1820
Provider Services: 1-800-275-2583
EDI Payer ID: 39026
Rhode Island: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island
Claims Address: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, P.O. Box 1000, Providence, RI 02901-1000
Provider Services: 1-800-230-9050
EDI Payer ID: 74142
South Carolina: BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
Claims Address: BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, P.O. Box 100300, Columbia, SC 29202-3300
Provider Services: 1-800-868-2528
EDI Payer ID: 52072 (professional), 52073 (institutional)
South Dakota: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Dakota
Claims Address: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, P.O. Box 9232, Des Moines, IA 50306-9232
Provider Services: 1-800-524-9242
EDI Payer ID: 52063
Tennessee: BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
Claims Address: BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, P.O. Box 100260, Columbia, SC 29202-3260
Provider Services: 1-800-924-7141
EDI Payer ID: 62308
Texas: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (HCSC)
Claims Address: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, P.O. Box 660044, Dallas, TX 75266-0044
Provider Services: 1-800-521-2227
EDI Payer ID: 87726
Utah: Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah
Claims Address: Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah, P.O. Box 30270, Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0270
Provider Services: 1-888-231-5763
EDI Payer ID: 87726
Vermont: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont
Claims Address: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont, P.O. Box 186, Montpelier, VT 05601-0186
Provider Services: 1-800-247-2583
EDI Payer ID: 62308
Virginia: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem)
Claims Address: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, P.O. Box 105187, Atlanta, GA 30348-5187
Provider Services: 1-800-810-2583
EDI Payer ID: 87726
Washington: Premera Blue Cross
Claims Address: Premera Blue Cross, P.O. Box 91059, Seattle, WA 98111-9159
Provider Services: 1-800-722-1471
EDI Payer ID: 54771
Washington, D.C.: CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Claims Address: CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, P.O. Box 14115, Lexington, KY 40512-4115
Provider Services: 1-800-810-2583
EDI Payer ID: 52131 (professional), 52132 (institutional)
West Virginia: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia
Claims Address: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia, P.O. Box 22492, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Provider Services: 1-800-543-3468
EDI Payer ID: 23232
Wisconsin: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem)
Claims Address: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, P.O. Box 105187, Atlanta, GA 30348-5187
Provider Services: 1-800-810-2583
EDI Payer ID: 87726
Wyoming: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming
Claims Address: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming, P.O. Box 2266, Cheyenne, WY 82003-2266
Provider Services: 1-800-442-2376
EDI Payer ID: 00720
Electronic Billing: EDI Enrollment and Payer IDs for BCBS
Most addiction treatment providers submit claims electronically through a clearinghouse or integrated EHR system. Electronic claims reduce processing time and denial rates compared to paper submissions. However, you must use the correct EDI payer ID for each BCBS licensee.
The payer IDs listed above are the most commonly used identifiers for each state's primary BCBS plan. Some clearinghouses may use alternative IDs, so confirm the correct identifier with your billing software vendor or clearinghouse before submitting claims.
To enroll in electronic funds transfer (EFT) and electronic remittance advice (ERA), contact the provider services number for your state's BCBS plan. Most licensees require a separate enrollment form for EFT/ERA, which can be downloaded from their provider portal or requested by phone. Processing time typically ranges from 30 to 60 days.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Behavioral Health Billing Contact and Prior Authorization
Most BCBS plans require prior authorization for intensive outpatient (IOP), partial hospitalization (PHP), residential treatment, and inpatient detox. Authorization requirements vary by plan and state, but the general process is similar: submit a treatment plan, clinical assessment, and medical necessity documentation to the plan's utilization review (UR) department.
Many BCBS licensees contract with third-party behavioral health vendors for UR and care management. Common vendors include Carelon (formerly Beacon Health Options), Optum, and eviCore. When verifying benefits, ask whether behavioral health services are managed by a separate entity and obtain the correct phone number and fax number for authorization requests.
For example, Anthem plans in multiple states use Carelon for behavioral health management. Florida Blue uses its own internal UR team. Independence Blue Cross contracts with Magellan for some products. Always verify the authorization process for each patient's specific plan.
When submitting authorization requests, include the specific CPT and HCPCS codes you plan to bill. This reduces the risk of denials due to code mismatches between the authorization and the claim. Common codes for addiction treatment include H0015 (alcohol/drug services), H0005 (group counseling), and 90832-90834 (individual psychotherapy).
Common BCBS Billing Mistakes in Addiction Treatment
These errors account for the majority of BCBS claim denials in behavioral health:
Wrong payer ID or claims address. Sending a claim to the wrong BCBS licensee is the most common error. Double-check the member ID prefix and verify the home plan before submitting.
BlueCard routing errors. When a patient has out-of-state BCBS coverage, their claims are processed through the BlueCard program. The claim should be submitted to your local BCBS plan (the "host plan"), which forwards it to the patient's home plan. However, some clearinghouses and billing systems route BlueCard claims incorrectly. Verify your clearinghouse's BlueCard routing logic.
Missing or expired prior authorization. Always confirm that authorization is active before providing services. Authorization expiration dates are strict, and BCBS will deny claims for dates of service outside the approved period.
Incorrect place of service code. IOP and PHP are typically billed with place of service 52 (psychiatric facility, partial hospitalization). Outpatient counseling uses place of service 11 (office). Using the wrong POS code can trigger denials or underpayment.
Billing non-covered codes. Not all BCBS plans cover all behavioral health procedure codes. For example, some plans do not reimburse for health behavior assessment codes or neurobehavioral status exam add-ons. Verify coverage before billing.
Incomplete documentation. BCBS frequently audits behavioral health claims. Ensure your clinical documentation supports medical necessity and matches the billed codes. Missing treatment plans, unsigned notes, or vague progress documentation will result in recoupment.
How ForwardCare Simplifies BCBS Billing for Addiction Treatment Providers
Managing 36 different BCBS entities, each with unique billing requirements, is complex. For new treatment centers, the administrative burden of payer enrollment, credentialing, and claims submission can delay revenue for months.
ForwardCare specializes in billing operations for addiction treatment providers. We handle payer enrollment, EDI setup, prior authorization management, and claims submission for BCBS and other commercial payers. Our team knows which BCBS licensee to bill in each state, how to route BlueCard claims correctly, and how to appeal denials efficiently.
If you're opening a new IOP, PHP, or outpatient program, we can accelerate your time to revenue by managing the entire billing process while you focus on patient care. We work with treatment centers across the country to optimize reimbursement and reduce administrative overhead.
Ready to simplify your BCBS billing? Contact ForwardCare today to learn how we can support your treatment center's revenue cycle management.
