Independence Blue Cross
Upcoming changes to Independence Plans
For applied behavior analysis (ABA) services:
All requests should be submitted to Magellan up through and including March 31, 2026. For ABA requests on/after April 1, 2026, contact IBC at the number on the member’s ID card.
For all other behavioral health services:
- For Independence Blue Cross and Independence Administrators, contact the number listed below. These services are currently managed by the Independence team.
- For GeoBlue and BlueLink, all other behavioral health services will transition from Magellan to Independence on Jan. 1, 2026. The effective date and the phone numbers are below (and on the back of the member ID card).
|
|
ABA UM/CM Transition Magellan to Independence Effective Date |
All other BH UM/CM Transition Magellan to Independence Effective Date |
Phone* |
|
Independence Blue Cross Keystone Health Plan East, Personal Choice |
4/1/2026 |
N/A-currently with Independence |
1-800-668-1911 |
|
Independence Administrators |
4/2/2026 |
N/A-currently with Independence |
1-800-778-2119 |
|
GeoBlue (Global Solutions) |
4/1/2026 |
1/1/2026 |
1-800-952-3404 |
|
Bluelink |
4/1/2026 |
1/1/2026 |
1-833-803-4457 |
*Phone numbers will not be available until after the transition date.
Pennsylvania ABA Prior Authorization Process for Commercial Plans
Medical Necessity Criteria/Medical Policy
ABA Magellan Healthcare Guidelines (PDF)
ABA Preauthorization requirements for Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania Commercial (PDF)
Requesting Prior Authorization
Complete the appropriate form below and fax it to Magellan.
- For autism-related forms, sign in to this website. From the Resources section, select State & Plan Information, then choose Autism-Specific Information to access:
- ABA Initial Authorization
- ABA Treatment Plan/Concurrent Review
- Fax number for completed form submissions: 1-888-656-4925
- If you have questions about ABA authorization, you may contact Magellan at the following customer service number:
- COMMERCIAL: 1-800-688-1911
- If you have technical issues with the website, chat with us or contact the Provider Services Line at 1-800-788-4005.
Requesting a Peer-to-Peer Consultation
To request a peer-to-peer consultation, contact Magellan’s Utilization Management Support Team at 1-800-741-2304, option 3, then Option 2.