MSU Health Plans

Michigan State University has several Blue Care Network health plans with unique referral requirements. These referral requirements are described here. For more information, download the MSU Student and Graduate Assistant Health Plans flyer (PDF) or see the Member Benefits chapter of the BCN Provider Manual. Here's how to find it:

  1. Log in to our provider portal (availity.com*).
  2. Click Payer Spaces on the menu bar and then click the BCBSM and BCN logo.
  3. Click the Resources tab.
  4. Click Secure Provider Resources (Blue Cross and BCN).
  5. Click the Publications menu and then click Manuals.
  6. Click the BCN commercial and BCN Advantage link.

MSU Graduate Assistant Health Plan and MSU Student Health Plan

These plans cover graduate assistants and students at Michigan State University who do not have other health coverage.

Behavioral health services:
These products follow standard BCN network and authorization rules for behavioral health.

Medical services:
Follow these steps to determine the provider's referral requirements:
First, determine if the provider is in the MSU Student Health Services Network, a unique network of BCN providers primarily in Michigan's Mid region. While providers in this network are predominantly located within 45 miles of Olin Health Center in East Lansing, participation in the network is based on the primary address associated with the provider group. The best way to determine network participation is to check the provider's status on our online provider directory. Here's how:
1. Go to bcbsm.com/find-a-doctor.
2. Click Search without logging in.
3. In the search box, type the provider's last name, followed by first name. Click on the provider's name when it appears in the dropdown and then click the magnifying glass to search.
4. Results are displayed with the best match at the top. Click on the correct provider's name.
5. If the primary location displayed is the correct location, click on the link to the Plans Accepted or select another location on the right side of the page and click Show info and then click on the Plans Accepted at that location.
6. Under Employer Group Plans, scroll down to Michigan State University Graduate Assistant and Student Health Plans.
  • If Student Health Services Network (within 45 miles of Olin Health Center) is listed, the provider is in the MSU Student Health Services Network.
  • OR

  • If Blue Care Network - MSU (outside 45 miles of Olin Health Center) is listed, the provider is not in the MSU Student Health Services Network.
Once network status is known:
See the applicable referral guidelines in the chart below. All BCN plan notification and authorization requirements continue to apply regardless of the provider's network status.
Provider location Referral and Authorization requirements
Olin Health Center Referrals do not need to be submitted to BCN.
BCN providers who are part of the MSU Student Health Services Network (a network of providers predominantly located within 45 miles of Olin Health Center) Referrals do need to be submitted to BCN for the following:
  • Subscribers and spouses seeking care outside Olin Health Center need a global referral submitted by the primary care physician through the e-referral system.
  • Specialists outside of Olin Health Center need a global referral on file with BCN and must submit a referral to BCN for services outside their office – for example, a colonoscopy at a hospital within this network.
Referrals do not need to be submitted to BCN for the following members and these members can self-refer to any provider in Michigan. Providers will see a special message on our provider portal when checking eligibility for these members:
  • Dependent children, regardless of age
  • Certain member subgroups identified by Michigan State (such as visiting scholars and the College of Law)
Providers who are not part of the MSU Student Health Services network A referral from the member's primary care physician is not required. The member can self-refer to any provider in Michigan.
Providers who are not contracted with BCN or who are outside of Michigan Contact BCN Utilization Management at 1-800-392-2512 for assistance in requesting authorization.

Michigan State University plan

This plan covers MSU employees who do not have Medicare as their primary coverage.

The Michigan State University plan does not require referrals or plan notification in order to process and pay claims, but some services require authorization regardless of whether they are performed at the in-network or out-of-network benefit level. Some preventive services, such as physical exams and immunizations, are only covered when provided in network.

Refer to the BCN referral and authorization requirements for Michigan providers (PDF) for information about which services require authorization. This document is available on the BCN Authorization Requirements & Criteria page on this website.

MSU Plan 65 (for MSU employees and retirees)

This plan covers MSU employees and retirees who have Medicare as their primary coverage. Referrals and plan notification are not required for claims payment for members with this coverage. Also, no authorizations are required, except for:

  • Home infusion services not covered by Medicare
  • Inpatient care when Medicare days are exhausted

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