BCBSM replaces ID cards

To protect members’ privacy and meet legislative mandates, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network will replace Social Security numbers on ID cards and all correspondence by year’s end.

“With the increasing reports of crimes involving identity theft, it’s a smart move on the part of BCBSM,” said Ally Nemetz, MRA’s manager of customer data.

Beginning in late June, BCBSM began issuing ID cards with new contract numbers to members in Michigan. Blue Care Network began issuing new ID cards on July 1, 2005. BCBSM plans to convert all members as quickly as possible, but no later than Jan. 1, 2006.

The contract number on members’ new cards will be changed from their Social Security number to a randomly selected, computer-generated subscriber number. The new contract numbers will be nine-digit numbers with three-letter prefixes.

The alphabetical prefix identifies the members as either a BCBSM or Blue Care Network member. Other than the new number, the appearance of the ID card will remain the same.

Once members receive the new card, they should destroy the old card and use the new one. Members should make sure to present the new card to their health care providers (such as physicians, hospitals and pharmacists) on their first visit after receiving the new card.