What’s My Member ID Number?

Your member ID number identifies you as a covered member of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. It’s very important because it is how you access your benefits when you need care, much like a credit card lets you use your credit account to make purchases. Your member ID number connects you to your information in our systems, and is what providers use to make sure you are covered for a treatment or medicine when you seek care.
 
Where can you find your member ID number?
You can find your member ID number on your member ID card, which you should get in the mail soon after you sign up for one of our plans. If you are a current member and your plan doesn’t change, you may not get a new card.  The card you have will still work.

If you are in a plan through your job or another group, it will also be listed on y our card.

The sample card below shows where you might find your member ID number. Keep in mind that this is only a sample card, and your card may look different.

Your member ID number will also be listed on your welcome letter. If you haven’t received your ID card yet, you can use the ID number and group number from your welcome letter to log into Blue Access for Members^SM (BAM^SM) to access your digital ID card or print a temporary ID card.

How will you use your member ID number?
It’s important to take your member ID card with you when you seek care, so that your doctor's office has your insurance information. Without it, you may be billed wrongly for treatment or services. Your member ID card is also needed at the pharmacy to make sure your prescription is covered by your plan.

You will also need your ID number when you call Customer Service or pay your bill.

Your ID number is also the key that gets you into Blue Access for Members, your online resource for managing your health care coverage. There you can:

• Check claims status and review Explanation of Benefits statements
• Find a doctor, hospital, dentist or vision provider using Provider Finder^®
• Find a pharmacy and see a list of the drugs covered by your plan
• Learn health facts about illnesses and diseases

If you are already a member and haven’t signed up for Blue Access for Members, sign up today.

Will your ID number ever change?
In some cases your ID number may change, such as if you switch health insurance plans during open enrollment. Your number should stay the same if your plan doesn’t change. If you are unsure of whether your ID number has changed, call Customer Service at the number listed on your ID card.

Originally published 3/11/2015; Revised 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022