Electronic Transactions – 2013 Holiday Schedule Reminders

Although it is possible for providers to transmit Electronic Media Claims (EMCs) and retrieve payment reports, as well as receive Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) and Electronic Payment Summary (EPS) files at almost any time during the year, it is important to keep in mind that corporate and legal banking holidays may cause delays in EMC, EFT and ERA/EPS processing.

• The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system is normally available Monday through Sunday, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• BCBSTX will be closed on “Holiday Observed” dates. Claims will not be processed on “Holiday Observed” dates.*
• Claims transmitted during the holidays will be processed the following business day.** 
• Legal banking holidays will add a day to the normal EFT schedule, with the EFT payment becoming available the next business day after the file is sent to the bank.
• Payment reports, ERA and EPS files for claims processed on a business day following an observed holiday will be available for retrieval the next business day.

*The BCBSTX Corporate Holiday Schedule is subject to change.

**Customers will receive EMC real-time reports on the day of transmission. For the Availity^®’ holiday schedule, please visit their website at availity.com, or contact Availity Client Services at 800-AVAILITY (282-4548).

Availity is a registered trademark of Availity, L.L.C., an independent, third party vendor. BCBSTX makes no endorsement, representations or warranties regarding any products or services offered by this vendor. Availity is solely responsible for the products and services it offers. If you have any questions regarding the products or services offered by Availity, you should contact them directly.