Premera Blue Cross is here to support members, employers, and healthcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Updates as of September 20, 2023
There are new COVID vaccines available. Find out more, including where to get your vaccine, below.
Get all the latest COVID-19 updates from the Washington State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
If you have health plan questions not covered in these resources, call Premera’s customer service team at the number on the back of the member ID card, or your provider network team. Every question will be answered as soon as possible.
We’ll be updating the following FAQ as additional information is available.
Ending the Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19
The public health emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 ended. |
On January 30, 2023, the Biden administration announced that the PHE for COVID-19 is ending on May 11, 2023. The end of the PHE means that most of the mandates
under the current PHE for COVID-19 ended on May 11, 2023. |
Will consumers have to pay for COVID-19 vaccines and boosters now? |
COVID-19 vaccinations will be at no cost for people with preventive care benefits after May 11, 2023. For those without commercial insurance, the
federal government is providing access through specific providers and
pharmacies under the CDC’s Bridge
Access Program. |
What about the cost of vaccines? |
While vaccinations will continue to be free for most members, the cost to insurers (and self-funded employers) will increase. The cost of the vaccines will now revert to commercial prices, which could range from $82 to $130 per dose. This cost should be billed to the patient’s health insurer. |
Will the cost of COVID-19 treatments continue to be at no cost? |
Treatment for COVID continue to be covered and
cost shares may apply. |
Can I still get free at-home COVID-19 tests? |
Free at home tests are no longer covered by Premera.
However, the federal government will begin providing free tests to consumers on
September 25, 2023. Visit Covidtests.gov to order your free kits.
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COVID-19 vaccines
Note: We’re updating our vaccine FAQs as information becomes available. Information about vaccines and distribution will continue to evolve.