Medicare AdvantageAdministrativeMedium impact
Medicare Referral Changes for January 1, 2019
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI · ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat), Ophthalmology, Optometry +1 more·Physician
Effective date
Jan 1, 2019
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Effective January 1, 2019, Medicare will no longer require referrals for routine hearing and vision visits, but will now require referrals for speech therapy (authorization still required). Group Medicare members remain exempt from referral requirements.
Action Required
By January 1, 2019: Front desk staff must update referral tracking system to stop requiring referrals for routine hearing and vision appointments. Add speech therapy to services requiring referrals. Update patient scheduling protocols and staff training materials to reflect these changes.