A new member ID card is coming: What you need to know before January 1

If you receive pharmacy benefits through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), a new member ID card will be arriving in your mailbox or member portal inbox in the coming weeks.

This is due to upcoming pharmacy benefit changes taking effect January 1, 2027, and we’re providing resources and support to help you prepare every step of the way.

Here’s what you need to know, the reason you’re receiving a new card, and a few simple steps you can take before January 1.

Why am I receiving a new member ID card?

Members with pharmacy benefits will receive a new Blue Cross NC member ID card because the pharmacy information on the card is changing.

Most importantly, the card will include a new Rx BIN number, which pharmacies use to process prescription benefits.

Beginning January 1, 2027, you’ll need to use your new member ID card when filling prescriptions so your pharmacy benefits can be processed correctly.

Some members are not used to getting a new ID card during this time. That includes certain Medicare members renewing their plan and members whose employer-sponsored plan year begins at a time other than January 1.

Receiving a card during this time is expected and is simply part of preparing for the transition.

What should I do before January 1?

The best thing you can do is take a few minutes to review your pharmacy information before the new year.

Beginning October 1, members can use pharmacy resources to check whether their current pharmacies and medications will be covered under the new pharmacy benefit arrangement.

For more details, visit the appropriate information page:

• Commercial members (members on employer or individual plans)
• Medicare members

Using these resources before January 1 can help answer common questions and provide peace of mind as the transition approaches.

Will my medications or prior authorizations be affected?

The transition is designed to be as seamless as possible.

If you currently have an approved prior authorization for medication, those authorizations will carry over as part of the transition process. If a change could affect your specific medications or pharmacy options, we'll communicate directly with you via letter and provide guidance on any next steps.

Our focus is helping members maintain continuity of care while minimizing disruption during the transition.

Your January 1 checklist

When the new year arrives, there are a few important actions to remember.

1. Bring your new member ID card to the pharmacy
   Starting January 1, use your new member ID card whenever you fill or refill a prescription. Pharmacies will need the updated information on your card to process your benefits.
2. Update your digital member ID card
   If you use a digital version of your member ID card, make sure you download or update it after receiving your new card. Keeping a digital copy on your phone can make pharmacy visits easier and ensure you always have your most current information available.
3. Add the new card to your mobile wallet
   If you use a mobile wallet on your smartphone, consider replacing any existing Blue Cross NC card with your new version once it’s available.
4. Explore updated pharmacy tools
   Beginning January 1, new pharmacy-related tools and resources will be available through our Blue Cross NC member portal. These tools can help you manage your prescription benefits, find information about covered medications and pharmacies, and access helpful support resources.

Frequently asked questions

I recently received a new member ID card. Will I get another one?

If your plan includes pharmacy benefits, you may receive a new card as part of this transition, even if you received a card recently. The updated card contains important pharmacy processing information that will be needed beginning January 1.

What if I use the old member ID card or forget to bring my new card to the pharmacy?

Blue Cross NC will alert the pharmacist if an expired card is used and provide instructions on what to do. So even if you don’t have your new ID card with you, there should be no issues filling your prescription. But to be safe, add the new physical card to your wallet once you get it and update any digital versions as soon as they become available.

If needed, the Rx BIN that a pharmacist should use for members on an employer or individual plan will be 029222 starting January 1, 2027. The Rx BIN for members on a Medicare plan will be 029230 starting January 1, 2027.

Do I need to take action right away?

Not necessarily. When you receive your new member ID card, keep it in a safe place and review the pharmacy resources available before January 1. Then begin using the new card at the pharmacy starting January 1, 2027.

We're here to help

Change can feel overwhelming, especially when it involves your health care and prescriptions. That’s why we’re committed to providing clear information, helpful tools, and proactive communication throughout this transition.

When your new member ID card arrives, take a moment to review it, save it somewhere easy to find, and use the pharmacy resources available before January 1. A few simple steps now can help make the transition smoother when the new year begins.

Ready to prepare?

Visit the appropriate pre-effective pharmacy website beginning October 1 to verify your pharmacies and medications and learn more about what to expect before January 1.

• For members of an employer plan or individual plan, visit the BenefitRX homepage.
• For members of a Medicare plan, visit the Medicare homepage.