Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) is a division of Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) and an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSTX). HCSC also runs Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, but the two have different payer IDs and addresses.
Checked 10/1/26. Some figures come from manuals without a printed date. Reconfirm in Availity.
Quick facts
| Electronic payer ID | 84980, listed in BCBSTX's PPO provider manual for Blue Choice PPO claims through Availity (manual) |
|---|---|
| Plans on that ID | Blue Choice PPO, Blue High Performance Network (BlueHPN), Blue Edge, EPO, Federal Employee Program (FEP) and BlueCard |
| Paper claims (commercial professional) | BCBSTX, PO Box 660044, Dallas, TX 75266-0044 (PPO manual) |
| Timely filing | 365 days from date of service; claims returned for more information must be resubmitted within 90 days (same manual) |
| Provider Customer Service | 800-972-8088 (commercial) |
| BlueCard eligibility | 800-676-2583 |
| Behavioral health | 800-528-7264, or the number on the member ID card |
| Provider website | bcbstx.com/provider |
| State regulator | Texas Department of Insurance, help line 800-252-3439 |
Private payer: behavioral health
BCBSTX manages behavioral health itself under its Integrated Behavioral Health Program. Prior authorization for inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization and some intensive services runs through Availity Authorizations (BCBSTX behavioral health).
Private payer: credentialing
BCBSTX assigns a Provider Record ID for your tax ID, then you complete and attest your CAQH ProView profile and authorize BCBSTX (how to join). Approved behavioral health types include clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, professional counselors and marriage and family therapists.
Medicaid is separate
BCBSTX's Medicaid STAR, CHIP and STAR Kids plans use different claims addresses and phone numbers from commercial. BCBSTX took over Medicaid behavioral health from Magellan on May 1, 2024. Do not apply the commercial rules above to Medicaid.
State law
The Texas Department of Insurance regulates fully insured plans.
Frequently asked questions
What is the BCBSTX payer ID?
BCBSTX's PPO provider manual lists 84980 for Blue Choice PPO claims through Availity. The same ID covers BlueHPN, Blue Edge, EPO, FEP and BlueCard.
How long do I have to file a BCBSTX claim?
365 days from the date of service. Claims returned for more information must be resubmitted within 90 days.
Where do BCBSTX paper claims go?
Commercial professional paper claims go to BCBSTX, PO Box 660044, Dallas, TX 75266-0044. Electronic filing through Availity is faster.
Who manages BCBSTX behavioral health?
BCBSTX manages it in-house under its Integrated Behavioral Health Program. Call 800-528-7264 or the number on the member card.
How MCM South helps with BCBS Texas
MCM South bills Blue plans for psychotherapists and psychiatrists in the states we serve. We verify benefits, submit claims electronically, follow up on denials and appeals, and handle credentialing. Get a free quote. If a BCBS Texas claim is denied or credentialing stalls, we follow up for you.
MCM South currently serves practices in GA, MA, CT, TX, FL, NY, CO, TN, NC and IL, and has worked in all 50 states. If your state is not on that list, ask us. This page is operational guidance for billing, not legal advice. For real financial or legal exposure, talk to your attorney or compliance officer.
Related: Blue Cross by State · How Blue Cross Blue Shield Works · Billing Terms Glossary · CPT and E/M Code Guide · Who We Serve.
This is the MCM South guide to BCBS Texas for therapists and psychiatrists: where claims go, how appeals work, and what to check first.
Want a billing team that handles this for you? MCM South bills for psychotherapists and psychiatrists. Get a free quote.