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The Formal Benefit Inquiry Process allows providers to ask for pre-service review of, and approval of coverage for, services not yet provided to a specific Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield or Health Advantage member. This “Benefit Inquiry” process only applies to provider-initiated inquiries and only applies to services that are not already subject to prior approval requirements under the terms of the member's health plan. For services that the member's health plan requires prior approval, select the prior approval form [pdf]. Providers who are requesting a prior approval for an ASE/PSE member should direct the request to the utilization review entity for ASE/PSE.
These Benefit Inquiries are only available for Arkansas Blue Cross and Health Advantage members. They are not available for members of self-funded employer group health plans, even if the plans are administered by Arkansas Blue Cross, d/b/a BlueAdvantage Administrators, or by Health Advantage. Also, supplemental plans like Medi-Pak are not included. These Benefit Inquires are also not available for members covered by the Federal Employee Program.
Completed forms received after 12 p.m. will be considered received on the next business day.
You must complete and submit a Provider Initiated – Pre-Service/Formal Benefit Coverage Information form [pdf]
Diagnosis coding must be detailed and complete on the request form and the subsequent claim for services. If the Benefit Inquiry is approved and the member’s coverage was effective on the date the service is actually provided, payment of the claim is guaranteed only if the information on the Benefit Inquiry Request form matches exactly the post service claim submission.
If a Benefit Inquiry is approved, it is not a guarantee that the claim for the service, if provided, will be paid when the claim for that service is submitted. The claim may be denied if the member’s coverage has lapsed after the approval but before the service is provided due to nonpayment of premium. Please check the member’s coverage status at the time the service is performed. Providers using Availity Essentials portal may check the status of the member’s coverage prior to performing the service in several ways: