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In 2003 BCBSNC started this initiative to protect against identity theft by removing the SSN-based ID number from the Explanation Of Benefits (EOBs). BCBSNC will begin to replace all SSN-based ID numbers on member ID cards and correspondence in 2005. Beginning in April 2005, we will start issuing new ID numbers for groups that renewed in February, March or April of that year, and we will continue issuing new ID numbers on group renewal dates through January 2006.

This schedule means that all BCBSNC members will have new identifiers by the end of January 2006. All member ID cards – as well as correspondence with members and providers – will contain the new identifiers.

If your renewal occurs in February or March of 2005, BCBSNC will issue a new ID card with the current SSN-based subscriber ID prior to your effective date of coverage. When our systems are ready to convert the ID numbers in late March, we will reissue the ID cards with the new non-SSN-based ID number. We apologize for any confusion this may cause, but we will notify the members to destroy their old card and use the new one.

All Medicare Supplemental members, including group Medicare Supplemental, will be assigned new ID numbers and issued new cards on April 1, 2005.

BCBSNC will start communicating with members in the fall of 2004 via Active Blue, our member wellness magazine.

Upon renewal, BCBSNC will send each member a new ID card with a notice explaining the new non-SN identifier. The notice will instruct each member to destroy their old ID card and present their new ID card to their provider when receiving medical services.

The current 9-digit SSN of the ID number will be replaced with a lead alpha character "W", followed by eight numeric digits. The prefixes and suffixes used today will remain unchanged. For example, if a three–digit prefix and two digit suffix is part of the current subscriber ID (YPP - 059485274 - 01), the same prefixes and suffixes will be used with the new ID number (YPP - W12345678 - 01).

BCBSNC will choose the digits for the new identifier through a random number generator, so the new identifier will not resemble the Social Security number of the member.

We plan to make a gradual transition to the new identifiers, which means that for a while, our systems will continue to read the SSN-based ID number as well as the new subscriber IDs on incoming claims. Our goal, however, is to encourage all providers to use the member's correct (i.e. new) ID number.

When your employees receive their new cards next year, please remind them to replace their old ID cards. Members should always present their most current BCBSNC ID card when obtaining health care services. The information on the ID card will enable the provider to file the claim accurately.

Identity theft is becoming an increasing concern in the United States. Several states have already passed legislation prohibiting the display of an individual's Social Security Number (SSN) on member ID cards and/or member correspondence, and other states are following suit.

While North Carolina does not yet have legislation to this effect, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina considers the security of members' information to be of the highest importance. That's why we are taking steps to eliminate the use of SSNs as identifiers for people enrolled in our health plans. Transitioning away from the use of SSN-based ID numbers will reduce the threat of identity theft and other potential security problems.

BCBSNC does not plan to send a list of new identifiers to groups. However, the group bill will include the new subscriber ID number as well as the subscriber SSN under which they are enrolled. All other group reports will continue to include only the subscriber's SSN.

No. By January 2006, all members will be assigned a unique identifier that does not include their Social Security number. Taking these steps to replace SSNs will enhance BCBSNC's efforts to make data as secure as possible.

All member enrollments and renewals should be processed in the same manner they are today. The employee's SSN will be used to enroll and renew members. The SSN should also be used for any termination or change requests.

The employee's SSN must be used when enrolling members through EDT. If a number other than the SSN is populated to the SSN or Member ID fields an error will result and the record will be rejected.

We will continue to collect members' Social Security numbers for internal use, group reporting, and for limited business-related disclosures such as coordination of benefits. Employees will be asked for their SSN during enrollment. BCBSNC will have strict measures in place to protect the SSNs, and all correspondence with members or providers will identify a member by the new identifier, not the SSN.

Although BCBSNC can accommodate individual members who do not want to enroll with their SSN on a case-by-case basis, this is a manual process and we would not be able to accommodate an entire group.

If the member refuses to provide their SSN during enrollment, the member can be assigned a dummy number that will be used internally to process claims. Although the member can be accommodated, this is a manual process and the member will not be able to be enrolled through Electronic Data Transfer (EDT) or eBenefitsNow. Also, there may be issues with coordination of benefits since other health plans and benefit managers may need the SSN to match records.Members will not be asked for their SSN unless they do not know their Member ID number. Without either the Member ID number or SSN Customer Services will not be able to verify the caller's identity. Customer Services will try to assist the caller but will not be able to disclose any Protected Health Information.

BCBSNC will take the call if the caller does not have access to the new ID number. BCBSNC currently has a procedure in place to verify the identity of callers requesting information. Today a member is requested to provide the following information for verification:

• Member ID number,
• Member name,
• Member date of birth, and
• Subscriber's address

If the caller does not have access to the new ID number the subscriber's SSN can be given in lieu of the member ID number.

We will collect the SSN and use it for internal processing and limited reporting. However, the SSN will not be displayed on the ID card or on member and provider correspondence. This will greatly reduce the risk of identity theft via mail theft or the visual display of the member's SSN.

Members must present their new ID card to their provider when they receive medical services. This is the only way your provider will know your ID number has changed.

There are no HIPAA regulations that are impacted by this change.

Yes.

Providing the new non-Social Security number identifiers is a service provided by BCBSNC to help prevent identity theft and provide additional security and privacy for our members. There is no charge for this service.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans across the country can identify your employee as a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina member by the three-digit alpha prefix found on their ID card. By this prefix, the host plan outside of North Carolina can price the claim and route it to BCBSNC just like they do today.

All Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans across the country will be replacing their Social Security number identifiers by January 2006.

Our vendors plan to revise their business processes and systems to handle the new alphanumeric identifiers.

Members with dual coverage will be handled the same way they are today. They will have a unique modifier that will indicate that there is dual coverage.