BCBSAZ Member ID Prefix Lists

Most Blue Cross® Blue Shield® (BCBS) member identification numbers begin with a three-character prefix. The prefix is critical for routing eligibility/benefits, claims, and other electronic transactions.

Note: BCBSAZ has updated member accounts and replaced prefixes for certain members. For details, see the at-a-glance prefix replacement table below and the 2023 prefix list.


Prefix Replacements

Original Prefix Replacement Prefix
(for certain members only)
Before 01/01/2023 EWX ➔ B4H After 12/31/2022
Before 01/01/2023 PMA ➔ Z9P After 12/31/2022
Before 01/01/2023 XBM ➔ Y4M After 12/31/2022
Before 01/01/2023 XBN ➔ N4Z After 12/31/2022
Before 01/01/2023 XBP ➔ P9H After 12/31/2022
Before 01/01/2021 SYD ➔ S3Z After 12/31/2020
Before 01/01/2020 XBU ➔ M2K After 12/31/2019
Note: The XBU prefix is no longer in use
M2V
M3V
M3P

Prefix Lists

Current prefix list
January 2023

Previous prefix lists
July 2022
April 2022
January 2022
July 2021

More about member account updates
Effective January 1, 2023, some BCBSAZ member accounts were updated with new member ID prefixes. This may require adjustments in your eligibility/benefits inquiries and claim submission processes to ensure accurate information and timely claim processing. For more information, see our provider FAQs.

Tip: Be sure to submit eligibility/benefits inquiries and claims with the prefix related to the date of service.
If you do an eligibility/benefits inquiry using a prefix that isn’t valid for the service date, you will receive a “Member Not Found” message that may not be accurate for that member. You can re-run your inquiry using the other prefix or use the “Name” search option to bypass the need to enter a prefix. If you can’t confirm eligibility online, please email us at ProviderHelp@azblue.com so we can validate the member’s eligibility.

If you submit a claim using a prefix that isn’t valid for the service date, you will receive a message advising you of the prefix replacement and where to find the prefix reference list so you can resubmit your claim with the other prefix:

"This member’s ID prefix was replaced. Please check the prefix list at azblue.com/prefix and resubmit with the prefix that is valid for this service date."

Tip: You might want to adjust the date range of your online remit searches.
Some member accounts will be updated without a prefix replacement. All account updates (with and without prefix replacements) may affect remit searches that span a date range. If you find remits are missing from your search, try searching payments issued up to the date of the account update (e.g., 01/01/2023) and do another search for payments issued on or after that date.

Note: For Federal Employee Program® (FEP®) members (prefix “R”), use the following 2022 dates to start or end your remit searches:

  • August 6, 2022 (dental claims)
  • October 29, 2022 (professional claims)
  • November 19, 2022 (institutional claims)

More about BCBS ID prefixes
In addition to routing claims and electronic inquiries, BCBS member ID prefixes indicate specific network and benefit plan information. Most prefixes are in the first three positions of the member's ID number and can be a mix of alpha and numeric characters. FEP plans use just the letter "R" as the prefix. If an ID does not include a prefix, please check the back of the card for specific instructions to verify eligibility, submit claims, and contact customer service.