CommercialAdministrativeMedium impact
Digital Access to Prior Authorization Decision Letters via Availity® Essentials
BCBS Montana·MT·Prior Authorization
Effective date
Jul 18, 2026
We identified it
Jun 18, 2026
Summary
Starting July 18, 2026, BCBS Montana will provide digital access to prior authorization decision letters through Availity Essentials for commercial members. Beginning September 8, 2026, approval letters will only be available digitally (no longer mailed), though denial letters will continue to be mailed.
Action Required
By July 18, 2026: Billing team and providers must set up access to Availity Essentials Provider Correspondence Viewer to view prior authorization decision letters for BCBS Montana commercial members. By September 8, 2026: Update workflow to check Availity portal for all prior auth approval letters as these will no longer be mailed. Train staff on new digital access process through Provider Correspondence Viewer in the branded Payer Spaces section.