General - Producer News

New Design for Premera Producer News | 12/13/2023
Visit and bookmark our new page to find the latest updates and exciting new changes
Yakima Kinwell Location to Close | 10/12/2023
Kinwell has made the difficult decision to close its Yakima clinic
Sports Physicals? Routine Vaccines? There’s Kinwell for That. | 9/14/2023
Head to Kinwell for your annual checkup, sports physical, and routine vaccines including your annual flu shot
Premera Speakers at Tri-Cities Women in Business Conference | 9/14/2023
Nicole Horgan and Dr. Josephine Young will speak on the importance of mental health in the workplace
The Buzz Around GLP-1 Medications | 8/10/2023
GLP-1 brand name medications like Wegovy and Ozempic are impacting drug trends and pharmacy benefits
Preventive Benefit Updates Effective July 1 | 7/12/2023
Learn about changes to our preventive care benefits
Communications with Providers May be Charged as Telehealth Visit | 7/12/2023
University of Washington Medicine recently announced that some communications between patients and providers may be billed to the patient or their insurance
May Producer Education Series Available in Producer Learning Center | 6/7/2023
Missed last month’s Producer Education Series? Visit the Producer Learning Center to watch now
Avoid the Emergency Room: DispatchHealth Offers In-Home Acute Care | 6/7/2023
DispatchHealth is an expansion of the Premera Blue Cross provider network providing in-home acute care services to Premera members
Better Mental Health Starts with Primary Care | 6/7/2023
Mia Wise, MD, President and Chief Medical Officer for Kinwell Medical Group, discusses the importance of primary care in supporting behavioral health
Survey Now Closed for Prescription Drug Data Collection | 5/10/2023
The employer survey for prescription drug data is now closed in order to meet the June 1, 2023, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services submission deadline
UW Medicine and Premera Blue Cross Continue Contract Negotiations | 5/10/2023
Premera Blue Cross continues to advocate for members and negotiate in good faith with UW Medicine
May Producer Education Series Covers Behavioral Health | 5/10/2023
Join us Thursday, May 25 at 3 p.m. Pacific Time for our Producer Education Series, News and Trends in Behavioral Health
Proposed Bill Would Impose Fines on Payors and Providers for Exceeding Growth Benchmark | 4/12/2023
House Bill 1508 would give the Health Care Cost Transparency Board the authority to levy fines against medical providers and health insurers who exceed the established growth benchmark
Premera and EvergreenHealth Reach Agreement | 4/12/2023
The new contract allows members across all Premera lines of business to retain in-network access at EvergreenHealth
New Producer Education Series Coming Soon | 4/12/2023
Next month’s Producer Education Series will review industry happenings and the evolving landscape of behavioral health
COVID-19 PHE Requirements Ending May 11, 2023 | 4/12/2023
Read the latest updates on requirements related to the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) ending
The Annual Producer Survey is Available Now | 4/12/2023
Your opinion is valuable to us. Tell us what we need to know in this year’s producer survey
Update on Negotiations with EvergreenHealth | 3/9/2023
Negotiations continue to find a solution that includes a reasonable rate increase and practical steps to drive down costs
Biden Administration Announces COVID PHE Ends May 11 | 2/9/2023
On January 30, 2023, the Biden administration announced that the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), which has been in place since January 2020, ends on May 11, 2023
Synergie Medication Collective Launches to Lower Specialty Medication Costs | 1/12/2023
Premera and other Blue Cross Blue Shield companies come together to launch Synergie Medication Collective
Avoid Long Wait Times with the Secure Member Portal | 1/12/2023
The new plan year often results in lots of questions, many of which can be answered in the secure member portal
Premera Is Prepared to Support Urgent Behavioral Health Needs | 1/12/2023
Customer service and case management teams are ready to support members with next-day appointments
Kroger – Express Scripts Termination Reminder | 1/12/2023
Kroger Pharmacies are no longer in-network as of January 1, 2023
Recognizing 2022 Heroes in the Classroom | 1/12/2023
Meet our 2022 Heroes in the Classroom and learn about the incredible impact they have had on their schools
Preventive Services Updates for 2023 | 12/7/2022
Changes to our preventive care benefits are coming in January
See What’s New in Our Latest Find Care Tool Update | 11/8/2022
We want our members to not only find care easily but also find providers who meet their needs
Kroger Seeks to End Pharmacy Agreement with Express Scripts | 11/8/2022
Kroger notified Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI) of its intent to end their pharmacy provider agreement effective January 1, 2023
Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) Reporting | 10/13/2022
What you need to know about how Premera will approach this upcoming requirement
Say what? The Importance of Health Insurance Literacy | 10/13/2022
Not knowing how health insurance works can end up costing employees more. Premera has a library of videos available that quickly explain the basics
Join Us for Our In-Person Producer Education Series | 9/8/2022
Get a snapshot of what’s to come in the 2023 plan year and visit with your colleagues during the cocktail reception
Premera Social Impact Program Invests $3 Million in Washington, Alaska | 9/8/2022
The receiving organizations of Premera Social Impact grants and sponsorships are working to close the health equity gap in accessing mental health services
Coming Soon: B’link Updates | 9/8/2022
Big updates are coming your way – find out what you need to know and what you can expect
Important Address Change for Payments | 9/8/2022
In October, Premera will have a new address for Payment Processing
Updates to the Premier Provider program | 8/11/2022
Premera Premier Provider designation program introduces enhancements
Premera Launches First-ever Spanish-Language Microsite | 7/14/2022
The Premera Heath Equity and Member Engagement teams spread the word with first-ever Spanish-language microsite dedicated to the importance of preventive care
Regular Dental Care Can Translate to Significant Healthcare Savings | 7/14/2022
A recent study conducted at the Mayo Clinic suggests regular dental can impact health outcomes and improved savings
Transparency in Coverage Rule | 6/9/2022
An update to this rule and how Premera is preparing for July 1, 2022
Now Available! 2022 Premera Producer Survey | 6/9/2022
The 2022 Premera producer survey is an excellent opportunity for you to tell us how we can better support you
Now available: Premera MyCare | 5/12/2022
Virtual care? We have an app for that. Members can now access a personalized virtual care portal with the Premera MyCare app.
Mental Health Matters for Everyone | 5/12/2022
Stress, anxiety, and depression are just a few of the mental health issues that can impact any person at any time in their lives
Last Chance! Register Today for our Producer Education Series | 5/12/2022
For Mental Health Awareness Month, Premera is taking the opportunity to educate producers on mental health services and products available to members with their Premera plans and, how our health equity strategy is working to improve access to these services.
Brightline and the Kennedy Forum Present “Ask a Therapist” | 5/12/2022
A free, virtual Q&A on the most common youth mental health questions like when is it time to seek help, how do I take the first step, how do I know if my child is depressed, and so many more.
Premera Blue Cross Invests $1.8M to Address Nursing Shortage | 4/12/2022
Grant increases access to advanced nursing education, degrees at facilities across the state
Test to Treat Oral Antiviral Medication for COVID-19 | 4/12/2022
As part of President Biden’s National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan, a Test to Treat initiative was launched on March 7, 2022
Up Close: Premera Behavioral Health Benefits | 4/12/2022
As Mental Health Awareness Month approaches, Premera is taking the opportunity to educate producers and their clients on the mental health benefits, services, and tools available with their Premera plan
Connexion to Acquire American Senior Resources | 3/14/2022
Combining the strengths of two leading Northwest insurance agencies
‘It’s OK Not to be OK:’ Premera Partners with Seattle Kraken to Raise Awareness about Mental Health | 3/14/2022
Premera is partnering with the NHL hockey team to destigmatize issues around mental health and to encourage people to seek care
Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Testing | 2/11/2022
On January 15, 2022, the federal mandate requiring health plans to cover member-purchased over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests went into effect
Update to Preventive Services: Colorectal Cancer Screenings | 12/16/2021
Learn about an age range change to our preventive benefits for colorectal cancer screenings.
No Surprises Act ID Card Requirements | 12/10/2021
Read more about information being added to ID Card in 2022.
Planning for Tax Season: Form 1095-B | 11/10/2021
What you need to know about form 1095-B
COVID-19 Booster Shots now available | 11/10/2021
Moderna and Johnson & Johnson received approval for booster doses
Members Matter | 9/16/2021
A new pilot feedback program is launching soon
PALS Assessment | 9/16/2021
Everything you need to know about this assessment
Vaccine Clinic Supports Health Equity Efforts in South King County | 8/6/2021
Print production will be moving to a vendor soon which will have an impact on producer checks and commission statements
Introducing the Premier Provider Program | 8/6/2021
This new program helps members navigate to high quality and cost-efficient healthcare
Commission Update | 7/8/2021
Print production will be moving to a vendor soon which will have an impact on producer checks and commission statements
Preventive Services Updates for 2021 | 6/8/2021
Learn about changes to our preventive care benefits
Group Eligibility and Premium extensions ending June 30, 2021 | 6/8/2021
Several group extensions will be ending on June 30, 2021
COVID-19 related benefits ending June 30 | 6/8/2021
See what benefits will no longer be available at the end of the month
Premiums Credit Card Payments End June 30, 2021 | 5/11/2021
Credit card payments for premiums will end on June 30, 2021
Premera to Transition Sales and Marketing Leadership | 5/11/2021
Premera Blue Cross’ Sales and Marketing organization recently announced changes in leadership
Transparency in Coverage Rule | 4/12/2021
What is this new rule and what will Premera do to comply.
Updated COVID-19 FAQ | 4/8/2021
We recently announced temporary COVID-19 provisions and pending end dates.
We Want to Hear from You | 1/11/2021
Accept our invitation to participate in the annual producer communication survey.
COVID-19 Vaccine Updates | 12/7/2020
What your clients need to know to about the vaccine.
New Law Bringing Changes to Inpatient Substance Use Treatment Services | 12/7/2020
House Bill 2642, the “No Wrong Door” Inpatient Treatment Accessibility Act, removes important health coverage barriers for clients in need of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services.
Vivacity Care Center Opens a Third Location | 12/7/2020
Your clients will be thrilled at the new space now open in Spokane Valley December 16, 2020. Check it out!
Planning for Tax Season | 11/9/2020
Vivacity Care What you need to know about form 1095-B.
A Resource Center for You! | 10/12/2020
Vivacity Care Center is making it easy for you to talk to your clients about healthcare solutions in the Spokane area.
Therapy as Close as Your Phone | 9/15/2020
Premera expands behavioral health network with TalkSpace.
Premera Extends Cost Share Waivers to COVID-19 Testing and Treatment | 9/10/2020
Premera will be extending waivers for cost share and treatment.
Vivacity Care Center Has a Producer Resource Center Coming Soon! | 8/24/2020
These resources will help you start a conversation with your clients about the benefits of being a Premera Blue Cross member.
Why Peak Care? Employer Adds Benefits While Lowering Costs | 8/24/2020
The first of 3 stories that showcase how the Peak Care plan is positivity impacting employers and members.
Important Dates Regarding COVID-19 | 8/10/2020
This reminder will help you see when COVID-19 benefits, testing, treatment, and virtual care expire.
Member Discount Program Discontinued | 8/10/2020
As of August 1, 2020, your clients no longer have access to the member discount program.
Premera Named Top 2019 Philanthropist | 8/10/2020
Puget Sound Business Journal recognized Premera as one of the top corporate philanthropists.
Premium Relief | 7/13/2020
Important information your customers will want to know.
Premera Extends Cost Share Waiver and In-Network Telehealth Providers | 6/22/2020
Your clients continue to have greater access to care until December 31, 2020.
Exciting News from Vivacity Care Center | 6/22/2020
Your clients will be thrilled at the new space now open in North Spokane. You’re invited to come check it out!
Special Enrollment Period Reminders | 6/22/2020
Key things to know to help your clients experiencing life changes navigate the path to new coverage.
COVID-19 Updates | 5/26/2020
Information to share with your clients who have questions about COVID-19.
State Emergency Rules for Producer Licensing Renewals and Education | 5/11/2020
Licensing and Education Requirements Eased for Producers.
We Are Expanding Our In-Network Providers | 4/28/2020
Your clients now have greater access during the COVID-19 outbreak.
EpiPen Alert | 4/28/2020
The FDA has alerted patients, caregivers, and providers that EpiPen 0.3mg and EpiPen Jr 0.15mg auto-injectors, and the authorized generic versions, may have a delayed injection or aren’t properly injecting.
Premera.com Has a New Look | 4/13/2020
You may have noticed the www.premera.com homepage and member resource pages recently got a fresh, new look and an improved user experience.
Our Network is Expanding! | 4/13/2020
Premera has expanded our telehealth network to include 98point6 and Doctor on Demand.
Helping Your Clients Navigate COVID-19 | 3/10/2020
Information to share with your clients who have questions about COVID-19.
Time Is Running Out | 2/24/2020
Our invitation to participate in the annual producer communication survey is about to expire.
How Can We Improve? | 2/10/2020
Accept our invitation to participate in the annual producer communication survey.
Preventive Services Update: Perinatal Depression Interventions | 1/13/2020
Get our updated preventive services list with the addition of perinatal depression interventions.
Vivacity Care Center is Now Open in North Spokane | 1/13/2020
Encourage your clients to share the good news.
Form 1095 Tax Forms Available This Month | 1/13/2020
If your clients have questions about what forms they will receive to show proof of healthcare coverage, use this guide to help provide answers.
Good News for Premera Members Just in Time for the Holidays | 12/9/2019
During the months of December and January, the Active&Fit Direct™ program enrollment fee will be waived for all Premera individual and group members over the age of 18.
Home Test Kit Program Launching | 11/11/2019
Members can now stay up to date on colorectal cancer screenings from their home.
Planning for Tax Season | 11/11/2019
What you need to know about form 1095-B.
Surprise Billing Law Takes Effect in 2020 | 11/11/2019
Here’s what you need to know about a new Washington state law protecting patients from unexpected out-of-network provider bills.
Two New Discount Programs Available to Members | 11/11/2019
Premera now offers two new ways for members to save money with our discount program–just in time for the holidays.
Premera Partners With Vera to Launch Innovative Primary Care Center in Spokane | 8/12/2019
New Vivacity Care Center will put members first and add much-needed access to high quality, affordable healthcare.
A Date With the Doctor | 7/8/2019
To connect members to the care they need, Premera is helping to schedule doctor’s appointments.
Preventive Care Services Updates | 7/8/2019
Remind your clients about the importance of preventive care and share an updated services list.
Value-Based Care Is Built on Trust | 6/24/2019
Premera is partnering differently with providers to help members get quality care at a fair price. Here’s what we’re doing and why it matters to your clients.
It Can Always Be Better | 6/24/2019
We take communicating with you seriously. Find out how we’re acting on the feedback producers provided through our annual communication survey.
Premera Joins Other Health Organizations to Donate $15 Million to Combat Homelessness | 6/10/2019
Premera teams up with Swedish Health Services and Providence St. Joseph Health to build permanent supportive housing.
Premera Leads Blue Plans in Enrollment Growth | 5/28/2019
Because more members than ever see the value in Premera, we received a special award.
Behavioral Health Means More Than Mental Health With Premera | 5/28/2019
Our Enhanced Controlled Substance (ECSU) program helps employers take care of their employees.
Premera and Providence St. Joseph Health Announce New Contract | 5/14/2019
New five-year contract provides network stability and lower costs. It can also lead to improved patient outcomes.
Investing in Our Communities: Grants Support Behavioral Health | 5/13/2019
Premera recently announced $595,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations across Washington to help our communities.
New Youth Shelter Opens with Help from Premera | 5/13/2019
Your clients will want to know about our investments in community.
Event Highlights Six Nonprofit Agencies that Premera Supports | 5/13/2019
Find out how you and your clients can get Konnected and make a difference in your community. For the second year in a row, Premera Blue Cross was a sponsor of a Konnected event in April.
Raising Awareness of Behavioral Health | 5/13/2019
May is Mental Health Awareness month and this what your clients will want to know.
New Features Launch on Premera Mobile App | 4/22/2019
Members now have easy access to Teladoc and a convenient way to share their ID card. Here’s what your clients will experience.
Premera Is Helping Clients Avoid Surprise Costs | 4/8/2019
Check out these tips on how your clients can better understand what is and isn’t covered at a preventive care visit.
Insurance Scam Targets Members | 4/8/2019
Find out about the recent scam affecting Premera members and what we can do to help protect them.
Thank You for Your Feedback | 3/25/2019
More people than ever completed the 2019 producer communication survey. One of them is receiving a gift basket. All of you deserve our thanks.
Premera Makes Researching Healthcare Costs Easy With This Tool | 3/11/2019
The Find a Doctor tool helps members compare costs and make informed decisions.
What Your Clients Can Do About the Measles Outbreak | 2/25/2019
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a preventive immunization covered under every Premera plan. Here’s what your clients can do.
You Could Win – in More Ways Than One | 2/11/2019
Accept our invitation to participate in the annual producer communication survey. One producer will win a gift basket, but everyone will benefit from the feedback.
Redesigned Explanation of Benefits Launches in February | 2/11/2019
Upgraded letters will improve clarity and ease of understanding health plan information.

General - Producer News

New Design for Premera Producer News | 12/13/2023

Yakima Kinwell Location to Close | 10/12/2023

Sports Physicals? Routine Vaccines? There’s Kinwell for That. | 9/14/2023

Premera Speakers at Tri-Cities Women in Business Conference | 9/14/2023

The Buzz Around GLP-1 Medications | 8/10/2023

Preventive Benefit Updates Effective July 1 | 7/12/2023

Communications with Providers May be Charged as Telehealth Visit | 7/12/2023

May Producer Education Series Available in Producer Learning Center | 6/7/2023

Avoid the Emergency Room: DispatchHealth Offers In-Home Acute Care | 6/7/2023

Better Mental Health Starts with Primary Care | 6/7/2023

Survey Now Closed for Prescription Drug Data Collection | 5/10/2023

UW Medicine and Premera Blue Cross Continue Contract Negotiations | 5/10/2023

May Producer Education Series Covers Behavioral Health | 5/10/2023

Proposed Bill Would Impose Fines on Payors and Providers for Exceeding Growth Benchmark | 4/12/2023

Premera and EvergreenHealth Reach Agreement | 4/12/2023

New Producer Education Series Coming Soon | 4/12/2023

COVID-19 PHE Requirements Ending May 11, 2023 | 4/12/2023

The Annual Producer Survey is Available Now | 4/12/2023

Update on Negotiations with EvergreenHealth | 3/9/2023

Biden Administration Announces COVID PHE Ends May 11 | 2/9/2023

Synergie Medication Collective Launches to Lower Specialty Medication Costs | 1/12/2023

Avoid Long Wait Times with the Secure Member Portal | 1/12/2023

Premera Is Prepared to Support Urgent Behavioral Health Needs | 1/12/2023

Kroger – Express Scripts Termination Reminder | 1/12/2023

Recognizing 2022 Heroes in the Classroom | 1/12/2023

Preventive Services Updates for 2023 | 12/7/2022

See What’s New in Our Latest Find Care Tool Update | 11/8/2022

Kroger Seeks to End Pharmacy Agreement with Express Scripts | 11/8/2022

Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) Reporting | 10/13/2022

Say what? The Importance of Health Insurance Literacy | 10/13/2022

Join Us for Our In-Person Producer Education Series | 9/8/2022

Premera Social Impact Program Invests $3 Million in Washington, Alaska | 9/8/2022

Coming Soon: B’link Updates | 9/8/2022

Important Address Change for Payments | 9/8/2022

Updates to the Premier Provider program | 8/11/2022

Premera Launches First-ever Spanish-Language Microsite | 7/14/2022

Regular Dental Care Can Translate to Significant Healthcare Savings | 7/14/2022

Transparency in Coverage Rule | 6/9/2022

Now Available! 2022 Premera Producer Survey | 6/9/2022

Now available: Premera MyCare | 5/12/2022

Mental Health Matters for Everyone | 5/12/2022

Last Chance! Register Today for our Producer Education Series | 5/12/2022

Brightline and the Kennedy Forum Present “Ask a Therapist” | 5/12/2022

Premera Blue Cross Invests $1.8M to Address Nursing Shortage | 4/12/2022

Test to Treat Oral Antiviral Medication for COVID-19 | 4/12/2022

Up Close: Premera Behavioral Health Benefits | 4/12/2022

Connexion to Acquire American Senior Resources | 3/14/2022

‘It’s OK Not to be OK:’ Premera Partners with Seattle Kraken to Raise Awareness about Mental Health | 3/14/2022

Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Testing | 2/11/2022

Update to Preventive Services: Colorectal Cancer Screenings | 12/16/2021

No Surprises Act ID Card Requirements | 12/10/2021

Planning for Tax Season: Form 1095-B | 11/10/2021

COVID-19 Booster Shots now available | 11/10/2021

Members Matter | 9/16/2021

PALS Assessment | 9/16/2021

Vaccine Clinic Supports Health Equity Efforts in South King County | 8/6/2021

Introducing the Premier Provider Program | 8/6/2021

Commission Update | 7/8/2021

Preventive Services Updates for 2021 | 6/8/2021

Group Eligibility and Premium extensions ending June 30, 2021 | 6/8/2021

COVID-19 related benefits ending June 30 | 6/8/2021

Premiums Credit Card Payments End June 30, 2021 | 5/11/2021

Premera to Transition Sales and Marketing Leadership | 5/11/2021

Transparency in Coverage Rule | 4/12/2021

Updated COVID-19 FAQ | 4/8/2021

We Want to Hear from You | 1/11/2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Updates | 12/7/2020

New Law Bringing Changes to Inpatient Substance Use Treatment Services | 12/7/2020

Vivacity Care Center Opens a Third Location | 12/7/2020

Planning for Tax Season | 11/9/2020

A Resource Center for You! | 10/12/2020

Therapy as Close as Your Phone | 9/15/2020

Premera Extends Cost Share Waivers to COVID-19 Testing and Treatment | 9/10/2020

Vivacity Care Center Has a Producer Resource Center Coming Soon! | 8/24/2020

Why Peak Care? Employer Adds Benefits While Lowering Costs | 8/24/2020

Important Dates Regarding COVID-19 | 8/10/2020

Member Discount Program Discontinued | 8/10/2020

Premera Named Top 2019 Philanthropist | 8/10/2020

Premium Relief | 7/13/2020