Blue Cross Blue Shield operates as independent plans in each state, so payment timelines vary. Most BCBS plans process clean electronic claims in 15-30 business days. Paper claims take 30-45 days. State prompt payment laws may impose shorter deadlines.
Day 1: Claim received by local BCBS plan. Days 2-7: Automated adjudication for clean claims. Days 8-30: Payment processing (electronic). Days 15-45: Payment processing (paper). For BlueCard claims: add 5-10 business days for inter-plan routing. State prompt payment laws may shorten these windows.
| CARC Code | Reason | Primary Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO-29 | Timely filing exceeded | Claim filed after plan deadline | Check your specific BCBS plan's filing limit |
| CO-22 | Coordination of benefits | Other insurance not identified | Verify COB at every visit |
| CO-18 | Duplicate claim | Claim already on file | Check claim status before resubmitting |
Payment disputes must be filed with your local BCBS plan. Deadlines vary: typically 60-365 days from the remittance date. BlueCard claim disputes go through your local plan, which coordinates with the member's home plan. Always reference the remittance advice and your contract.
BCBS is a federation of independent plans, not a single company. Each state plan sets its own payment policies within state prompt payment laws. A claim to BCBS of Texas follows different timelines than BCBS of Massachusetts.
Log into your local BCBS plan's provider portal. BlueCard claims may show status on the local plan portal or require a call to the home plan. Use the provider phone number on the member's ID card.
BlueCard handles claims when a BCBS member receives care outside their home plan's state. The claim routes from your local BCBS plan to the member's home plan for adjudication. This adds 5-10 business days.
Altair tracks payment timelines across all BCBS state plans and flags delays automatically.