Reminder: Digital Access to Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization Decision Letters Begins Oct. 8

Oct. 6, 2026

As a reminder, beginning Oct. 8, 2026, you’ll be able to view and securely download prior authorization decision letters for members with Medicare Advantage plans through the Provider Correspondence Viewer within the Payer Spaces section of Availity® Essentials.

Beginning Dec. 11, 2026, prior authorization approval letters will no longer be mailed via the U.S. Postal Service. Access to these approval letters will only be available through Availity Essentials. Prior authorization denial letters will continue to be mailed via USPS and will also remain available digitally through Availity Essentials. 

Prior authorization decisions issued by third-party vendors will continue to be communicated through existing channels and will not be available through the Provider Correspondence Viewer.

Opting out: Providers who wish to continue receiving prior authorization approval letters for Medicare Advantage members by mail may submit an opt-out request by emailing our Provider Education Consultants.

Opt-out requests should include the following information:

  • Provider National Provider Identifier number
  • Provider tax ID number
  • Provider name
  • Provider city, state and ZIP code
  • Requester name

For more information about accessing letters electronically, refer to the Provider Correspondence Viewer page on our website. Our Provider Education Consultants are also available to answer questions and provide educational support. 

Always check eligibility and benefits first via Availity Essentials or your preferred web vendor before rendering care and services. In addition to verifying membership, coverage status and other important details, this step returns information on prior authorization and referral requirements and utilization management vendors, if applicable. 

Availity is a trademark of Availity, LLC, a separate company that operates a health information network to provide electronic information exchange services to medical professionals. Availity provides administrative services to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. BCBSOK makes no endorsement, representations or warranties regarding third party vendors and the products and services they offer.