What is a group id number on insurance card

Your member ID number identifies you as a covered member of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico. It’s very important because it is how you access your benefits when you need care, much like a credit card lets you use your credit account to make purchases. Your member ID number connects you to your information in our systems, and is what providers use to make sure you are covered for a treatment or medicine when you seek care.

 Where can you find your member ID number?
You can find your member ID number on your member ID card, which you should get in the mail soon after you sign up for one of our plans. If you are a current member and your plan doesn’t change, you may not get a new card. The card you have will still work.

If you are in a plan through your job or another group, it will also be listed on your card.

The sample card below shows where you might find your member ID number and your group number. Keep in mind that this is only a sample card, and your card may look different.

What is a group id number on insurance card

Your member ID number will also be listed on your welcome letter. If you haven’t received your ID card yet, you can use the ID number and group number from your welcome letter to log into Blue Access for MembersSM (BAMSM) to access your digital ID card or print a temporary ID card.

How will you use your member ID number?
It’s important to take your member ID card with you when you seek care, so that your doctor has your insurance information. Without it, you may be billed wrongly for treatment or services. Your member ID card is also needed at the pharmacy to make sure your prescription is covered by your plan.

You will also need to know your ID number when you call Customer Service or pay your bill.

Your ID number is also the key that gets you into Blue Access for Members, your online resource for managing your health care coverage. There you can:

  • Check claims status and review Explanation of Benefits statements
  • Find a doctor, hospital, dentist or vision provider using Provider Finder®
  • Find a pharmacy and see a list of the drugs covered by your plan
  • Learn health facts about illnesses and diseases

If you are already a member and haven’t signed up for Blue Access for Members, sign up today.

Will your ID number ever change?
In some cases your ID number may change, such as if you switch health insurance plans during open enrollment. Your number should stay the same if your plan doesn’t change. If you are unsure of whether your ID number has changed, call Customer Service at the number listed on your ID card

Originally published 8/21//2015; Revised 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022

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Your BCBS ID Card Contains Vital Health Insurance Information

What is a group id number on insurance card

You can use the first three numbers on your member ID card to log into your account and access your benefits. 

Some items go everywhere with us. Our phones, keys, driver’s licenses and credit cards are kept at our fingertips at all times. When it comes to healthcare services, that item is your Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) ID card.

Keep it in a safe, easily accessible place like your wallet. Your card contains key information about your health insurance coverage that is required when you need care or pick up a prescription at the pharmacy. Keeping your card in a secure location will also help protect you from medical identity theft.

If you have misplaced or haven’t yet received your BCBS ID card, a temporary ID card may be available online. Visit your local BCBS company’s website for details.

When your BCBS ID card arrives in the mail, take a moment to look for these five things:

1. Double-Check Details

Check your new card to ensure details like the spelling of your name and the type of plan you selected are correct. (See item #2 below to learn how to contact your BCBS company to address any errors.)

2. Key Contact Information

Your BCBS ID card has important contact information to help you reach your BCBS company. Look on the back of your card to find the phone numbers for customer service and eligibility questions. 

3. Your Member ID Number

Your BCBS ID card has your member number, and in some cases, your employer group number. Your member number, also known as your identification number, is listed directly below your name. You’ll need this information when receiving medical services at the doctor or pharmacy, or when calling customer service for assistance. If your group number is available, you'll find it directly below your member number. 

4. Your Plan Type

If you forget or aren’t sure what type of health insurance plan you have (like an HMO or PPO), you can find out on your BCBS ID card. If you have an HMO, your card may also list the physician or group you’ve selected for primary care. Determining whether a provider is in-network is an important part of choosing a primary care physician. 

5. Your Co-Pays

Your BCBS ID card may include a list of the co-pay amounts you can expect to pay for common services, like a doctor’s visit or trip to the emergency room.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies.