Small Group Paperwork Processing Extension

• We have seen an unprecedented volume of new small group submissions for 2016, an approximate increase of 600 percent, compared to last year. This volume of small group applications has increased our traditional processing time period from two weeks to 30 or more business days. While we recognize that this may create some inconveniences for our small group customers, we have added additional staff and expanded hours to work quickly to process all applications.
• BCBSTX cannot verify a new group’s benefits until they are fully implemented in our system. This means that members may be responsible for all costs related to prescription drugs, provider or hospital services and fees.
• As long as the group application meets state and federal requirements for small group coverage, we will honor the requested effective date.
• Once the system is updated and member information is loaded, please resume checking benefits and submitting your claims as normal process.