Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of North Carolina — How to Locate and Use the Customer Service Phone Number

Overview and where to start

If you are a member of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (often branded as Blue Cross NC), the single most reliable source for a customer service phone number is your member ID card and your plan documents. The member ID card contains the exact telephone number assigned to your contract, which routes you directly to the correct queue for benefit questions, claims, prior authorizations and billing.

In addition to the card, the official website for Blue Cross NC is bcbsnc.com. The site’s “Contact Us” and secure member portal sections display the same numbers and secure messaging options you will see on the ID card. Use the site to confirm hours of operation, to start a chat (when available), or to send secure messages if you prefer not to call.

What the number on your card represents and why it matters

The phone number printed on your ID card is specific to your product and membership category (individual/marketplace, employer group, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, dental, or vision). Calling a generic national number rather than the number on your card can create delays because callers may be routed to an out‑of‑network service team that cannot access plan details for your specific contract.

That number routes to specialized teams: Member Services (benefits and eligibility), Claims (status and explanation of benefits), Pharmacy Help Desk (formulary, prior authorization for medications), Provider Services (for clinicians and billing staff) and Appeals & Grievances. Having the card number ensures the agent can see plan-specific deductibles, copay tiers and referral or authorization requirements immediately.

Common phone‑line labels you will find on ID cards

• Member Services — for eligibility, benefits, ID cards, and account setup.
• Claims and Billing — to check a claim’s status, ask about remittance advice, or set up payment arrangements.
• Pharmacy Help Desk — for formulary questions, prior authorizations, and specialty medication assistance.
• Provider Services or Provider Relations — a dedicated line for offices and clinics handling referrals and claim submissions.
• Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D support — lines specific to Medicare members, often with extended hours during open enrollment.

How to prepare before you call

Be ready to provide specific identifiers and documentation to speed resolution: your full member name, date of birth, the ID number exactly as printed, group number (when applicable), and the provider’s name and tax ID (for claims issues). If the question relates to a claim or a prior authorization, have the claim number, date of service, and provider billing codes (CPT, ICD‑10, or NDC for medications) at hand.

Write down the agent’s name, the date and time of the call, the reference or confirmation number the agent provides, and the estimated timeframe they give you for resolution. If the call concerns a denial or an appealable decision, ask for the name of the appeals unit and any deadlines. Good documentation reduces repeat calls and avoids missed appeal windows.

Specialized channels and escalation paths

Most health plans provide escalation routes: first‑level member services, a supervisor or case manager, and a formal internal appeals process. For urgent clinical issues or prior authorizations that affect care timelines, ask to be escalated to a nurse reviewer or clinical case management team. These teams can often provide a faster clinical review (48–72 hours for urgent requests is a common standard across insurers).

If an issue is not resolved through internal appeal, members typically have external review options through the North Carolina Department of Insurance or independent review organizations. Your plan’s customer service team must provide written instructions and deadlines for external review upon request or when an internal appeal is exhausted.

Alternate ways to contact Blue Cross NC and support resources

Besides calling, use bcbsnc.com to access the secure member portal where you can view EOBs (explanations of benefits), download digital ID cards, submit secure messages, and start certain service requests online. Many administrative tasks — such as address changes, payment arrangements, and claims inquiries — can be completed faster through the secure portal than by phone.

If you are a provider, check the Provider section of bcbsnc.com for dedicated contact numbers, payer sheets, claim submission addresses, and portals (typically Availity or a provider portal designated by the plan). For pharmacy questions consult the pharmacy section and the formulary search tool on the website.

Practical tips to reduce wait time and common pitfalls

Call during non‑peak hours: weekday mid‑mornings (10:00–11:30 AM ET) and mid‑afternoons (2:00–4:00 PM ET) typically have shorter wait times than early morning or lunch hour. Have all required documents and your member ID ready to avoid being placed on hold while you search for details.

Finally, verify any payment plan or enrollment changes in writing. If a customer service agent agrees to a correction or change, request an email confirmation or written notice through the secure portal. This written trail will be critical if billing disputes or coverage questions arise later.

What is Blue Cross Blue Shield called in North Carolina?

Join our community. Shop for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) plans based on the type of coverage you need.

What number is 1 800 676 2583?

BlueCard provider customer services: (800) 676-2583, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Is BCBS 24 hour Customer Service?

Customer Care Representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Is BCBS of NC good insurance?

85% of BCBS of North Carolina customers gave the company high customer satisfaction scores, and almost 80% of members are satisfied with the policies offered by the company, with the company maintaining high Medicare Star Ratings and offering comprehensive support across all 100 North Carolina counties.

What is the Blue Cross Blue Shield lawsuit in NC?

North Carolina Demands Blue Cross Pay $2.05 Million for TPA Suit Legal Fees. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina owes the state’s residents more than $2.05 million from the carriers failed “sue till you’re blue” lawsuit over the North Carolina State Health Plan . . .

How do I contact BCBS of NC?

You can also call us to learn more about purchasing a plan.

1. Individual and family plans (under age 65) 800-324-4973 (toll-free) Mon.
2. Group plans (company sponsored) 800-291-6315 (toll-free) Mon.
3. Para asistencia en español. 866-760-5570. De lunes a jueves, de 8 AM a 6 PM ET, viernes, de 8 AM a 5 PM ET.