- 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.
- PreAuth/Provider Portal/CFD applications will be unavailable Sat,July 18 from 8AM to 2PM and Sun, July 19 from 8AM to 2PM
Federal Employee Program
The Federal Employee Program (FEP), also known as the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan, has been part of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program since its inception in 1960. For Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia, this fee-for-service plan is administered by CareFirst. More than 50 percent of all federal employees and retirees nationwide have chosen to receive their healthcare benefits through FEP. These members and their families receive health coverage through the local Blue Plan where they reside.
The links below will help you treat your FEP patients. For questions about FEP, please call 1-800-842-5975.
- FEP Website (includes current year benefit information)
- FEP Brochure
- FEP Medical Policy
- Medications Requiring Prior Authorization for FEP Members
- FEP Contact Information Cheat Sheet
- FEP Provider Job Aid
Provider Manual
CareFirst recently incorporated an FEP section in our new Provider Manual. Found in Chapter 2, the FEP section gives providers a comprehensive overview of FEP benefits, including verifying eligibility requirements, submitting claims, and coordinating benefits with Medicare. Visit carefirst.com/providermanual for more information.