Clarification: Blue Cross has selected Northwood as its DME/POS benefit manager

Effective Jan. 1, 2021, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan selected Northwood Inc., as its durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and medical supplies benefit manager for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan fully insured commercial and individual members who reside in Michigan.

Affected members were notified about the change by letter or email in October 2020. The notification included information about how to locate a Northwood provider. Members are encouraged to use network providers through the Northwood network to help keep costs as low as possible.

Keep in mind that participating in the Northwood network may result in more limited provider options for some members. They may need to travel farther to obtain a specific brand or device or they may need to find a replacement brand or device not available with their local provider.

We wanted to clarify that this change also applies to members who receive supplies or devices directly from the manufacturer (for example, Medtronic or Dexcom). Currently, there is no process to provide exceptions to the network guidelines. We advise members to always check their benefits when considering an out‑of‑network option.

For more information about the Northwood program and how it works, refer to the Northwood DMEPOS Management Program FAQ and the Northwood DMEPOS Management Program Procedure Code Requiring Prior Authorization documents located on bcbsm.com/providers.

If you have questions about the Northwood DME/POS management program, contact Northwood Provider Relations at 1‑800‑447‑9599 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday.