Frequently Asked Questions

As a SONM HMO health plan member, you can choose the providers you want to see. You do not have to choose a Primary Care Provider (PCP) and you do not need a referral to see a specialist. However, it's a good idea to choose a PCP, as your PCP will become the doctor who knows you best – your medical history and your present state of health. This familiarity allows your PCP to make decisions about when you need medical care, especially during an emergency. For most services, you will have a deductible to meet and then be responsible for paying a copay or coinsurance (a percentage of covered charges). Transplants and certain other services listed on your Summary of Benefits are covered only if you receive them from a BCBSNM provider.

You will use the Blue Cross and Blue Shield HMO provider network to access contracted doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals.

A PCP is a provider in one of the following medical specialties: Family Practice, General Practice, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Gynecology, or Pediatrics. PCPs do not include doctors specializing in any other fields such as Obstetrics only, Geriatrics, Pediatric Surgery, or Pediatric Allergy. A PCP coordinates all of your health care and knows your medical history and present state of health. This familiarity allows your PCP to make decisions about when you need medical care, especially during an emergency. When you see a PCP for an office visit, you pay a set copayment rather than a percentage of the charges (the deductible is waived). To find a PCP in New Mexico, search our online Provider Finder^®. You may also call Customer Service at the number on the back of your member ID card (1-877-994-2583) for help looking for a PCP. Your health plan does not require you to visit a PCP or get a referral from a PCP to see a specialist.

To locate a provider, search our Provider Finder^®.

Yes, with the BlueCard^® and Away From Home Care^® Programs you have help accessing doctors and hospitals contracted as providers with Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies across the country.

If you are traveling in the U.S. for less than 90 days and need emergency or urgent care, you can use the BlueCard Program. If you need to find a provider when out of the area that BCBSNM serves, contact the local Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield company, call the BlueCard Access^® toll-free at 1-800-810-2583, or search the Blue National Doctor and Hospital Finder.

If you will be living outside the BCBSNM service area for at least 3 months and no more than 6 months, you can use the Away From Home Care^® Program. With this program you can become the "guest" of an affiliated Blue Cross and Blue Shield HMO (where available), and can have ongoing access to contracting doctors and hospitals.

If you are outside the U.S. and need emergency medical care, go to the nearest hospital; call BlueCard Access at 1-800-810-2583 or call collect at 1-804-673-1177 if you're admitted. Always carry your BCBSNM member ID card, as it contains important information your provider will need to file claims correctly.

Certain services require approval from BCBSNM. If approval is not obtained, BCBSNM will not pay for them. This approval is called “preauthorization.” The list of services that require preauthorization is in your Benefit Booklet. To request preauthorization, you or your provider must call BCBSNM Health Services. Call 1-505-291-3585 in Albuquerque, or toll-free at 1-800-325-8334, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time.

Note: Your plan includes behavioral health and chemical dependency services. Preauthorization is required for inpatient, residential treatment, partial hospitalization and some outpatient services. Request preauthorization from the BCBSNM behavioral health services administrator. Call toll-free at 1-888-898-0700. Phones are open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

You can log in to Blue Access for Members and request a new member ID card, or call Customer Service at 1-877-994-2583. It will take up to two weeks to receive a new card. If you need a new card immediately, you can print a temporary ID card to use until your permanent card arrives.

No, the deductibles are waived when you receive preventive services from your PCP. Preventive services for adults, such as routine physicals and related routine testing, including mammograms, cholesterol tests, and immunizations are covered at 100%. Preventive services for children, including well-child care, routine vision or hearing screenings, and routine testing and immunizations are covered at 100%.

Your prescription coverage is provided by a third-party pharmacy benefits manager. Contact your company’s pharmacy benefits manager for more information.

BCBSNM's customer service representatives are available to answer your questions 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. MT, Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT on weekends and holidays (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). If you call after hours, you can leave a message and we will return your call by the next business day. Call the SONM Designated Service Unit toll-free at 1-877-994-2583; the number is printed on the back of your member ID card. Please have your ID card available when you call. You can also contact Customer Service with a secure message through Blue Access for Members.