Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you haven’t received your member ID card yet but you have a doctors appointment? Or you left your ID card at home but you need to go to urgent care as soon as possible? We know this can be frustrating and common, so we created a list of frequently asked questions regarding member ID cards and what you should do if you find yourself in one of these situations.
Please note, every carrier will have different rules and regulations, these are generic responses that should help you if you are stuck.
Situation #1: I have a scheduled doctor’s appointment and do not have my member ID number/card.
Solution: Pay for full cost of the appointment out-of-pocket and submit the Medical Claims Reimbursement form once you receive your card. Just make sure you are seeing a participating provider (in-network physician). Can’t afford to pay for the doctors appointment out-of-pocket? If you are able, reschedule your appointment for a later date when you can provide your physician with a member ID number of your card. Or, ask the physician to hold onto the claim for a week before submitting because it may be enough time to receive your card in the mail.
Situation #2: I need a prescription filled and do not have my member ID number/card.
Solution: Pay the full cost of the prescription drug(s) out of pocket and submit a Claim Reimbursement form after you receive your card. If you can’t afford to pay the full cost of the prescription, ask your pharmacist if he/she can supply you with a few days of your medication(s) until you can provide your member ID number or card.
Situation #3: I have a schedule surgery and do not have my ID number/card.
Solution: If you are able, reschedule your surgery for a later date when you can share your member ID number/card with your provider. Or complete an ID Number Request Form through your carrier.
Situation #4: What do I do in the event of an emergency and I do not yet have my ID card?
Solution: For urgent care center visits, you may pay for your treatment out-of-pocket and submit a Medical Claims Reimbursement form after your receive your member ID card. If you face a life-threatening situation that requires attention at the emergency room, call 911 or get to a hospital as soon as possible. Our Benefits Team will work with the hospital to ensure your benefits are applied to the services you receive.