- EFT Payments Issued as Checks:CareFirst identified on or around May 10 an issue in which some providers who were set up to receive ACH/EFT payments instead received paper checks. This issue remains under active investigation. Providers do not need to take any action at this time. We are working toward resolution and will continue to share updates as more information becomes available, including expected timing.
- ERAs Reflecting Check Information Instead of ACH:CareFirst is aware of an issue in which some Electronic Remittance Advices (ERAs) reflected check payment information instead of ACH/EFT details. This issue was resolved on May 29, 2026. CareFirst is currently working to reissue impacted ERAs to include the correct ACH/EFT information. Providers do not need to take any action at this time.
Change Healthcare notifying individuals of data breach. Learn more here.
Claims FAQs
Answer:
- Providers send electronic claims to CareFirst through one of our preferred vendors/clearinghouses.
- The vendor/clearinghouse will edit all claims and send you a report to notify you of any errors they identify. Errors must be corrected and the claims must be resubmitted electronically.
- Claims without errors are forwarded to CareFirst for processing and additional editing.
- You will receive an additional report from the clearinghouse to confirm receipt of claims by CareFirst and advise you of any additional errors. Again, you have the opportunity to correct all errors and resubmit claims electronically.
Answer:
- If you do not currently have a vendor or clearinghouse, you may contact one of our preferred vendors.
- If you currently work with another vendor or clearinghouse, you must contact that vendor to inquire about the enrollment process.
Is there a telephone number that I can call regarding problems with my electronic claim submissions?
Answer: Please direct questions to your vendor or clearinghouse first. If you need further assistance, contact the CareFirst Help Desk at 1-877-526-8390, select option 5.
Answer: No, only CareFirst participating providers are eligible to enroll in EFT.
Answer: To register, you much use CareFirst's preferred clearinghouse. Click the link or call the clearinghouse below:
Availity at 800-282-4548
Answer: Yes, you must:
- Be a CareFirst Participating Provider (Non-Participating providers are not eligible to enroll for EFT)
- Receive an Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) 835*
- National Provider Identifier (NPI) - Billing NPI
- Provider Federal Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- Reason for Submission: New/Change/Cancel Enrollment
- Requested EFT Start/Change/Cancel Date
- Practice/Provider Name
- Financial Institution Information (including Financial Institution Name, Financial Institution Routing Number, Type of Account (Checking/Savings), Provider's Account Number)
Contact your financial institution and arrange for the delivery of the CORE-Required minimum CCD+ Data Elements. This assures successful reassociation for EFT payment with ERA remittance.
*Note: If you are not currently receiving an ERA-835, contact your clearinghouse to set this up.
Answer: Contact your clearinghouse for specific timing. The clearinghouse will forward the EFT request to CareFirst for validation. CareFirst will contact your office to verify that the request is accurate. Once this validation process occurs, your EFT will begin with the next voucher issued after the validations is complete.
Answer: Once enrolled, all claims processed by CareFirst will be included on the EFT.
Answer: No, your paper vouchers will be discontinued.
Answer: Contact your clearinghouse if you:
- Need a copy of your ERA-835
- Received your EFT but not your ERA-835
- Need to make changes to your banking or contact information
Answer: If your EFT deposit was not received or it is late, contact Provider Services. For the appropriate contract information, please refer to carefirst.com/electronicclaims.