Small Group News
Published July 8, 2019
For employers with 1–50 employees
Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska plans offer more value for members who designate a primary care provider (PCP). When members designate a PCP their copay becomes lower for a visit to that specific provider. This not only adds value for our members, but also allows your provider to get to know them and their health history.
Members can choose a PCP from many types of healthcare providers—a family or general practice doctor, internist, pediatrician, obstetrician/gynecologist (OB-GYN), physician assistant or nurse practitioner. A PCP provides preventive care, identifies and treats common medical conditions, coordinates care, and makes referrals to medical specialists.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when telling your small group clients about the value of designating a PCP:
- Members have the flexibility to choose a different PCP for each member of their family covered by their Premera plan.
- The PCP selection must be made official before the office visit in order to get a copay that’s lower than a visit to a non-designated PCP or specialist office.
- A member makes their PCP selection by logging in to their member account or calling the customer service number on the back of their ID card.
- If a member’s health needs change, they can switch their PCP. In order to benefit from a lower copay for visits, they must notify Premera about the change.
Action you can take now
There are two things you can do now:
- Remind your clients about the value of their small group plan with Premera.
- Tell them about the Employee Communications Resource site where they will find ready-to- information about lower copays for designating a PCP. To access this online library, your clients need to log in to their secure employer website and select the link to the Employee Communications Resource site. Have them select Plan a doctor’s visit on the left side, then look for Designating a PCP on the right side.