June 18, 2020
On June 15, Premera introduced access to the Availity multi-payer secure provider platform to out-of-area providers for out-of-area Premera members. Availity will be communicating with their existing users who have high volumes of Premera membership, letting them know they can now access Premera member information.
Launching in phases
Premera is transitioning to Availity’s secure platform in a manner of phases, starting with out-of-area providers and a local pilot group of Washington providers. While we build toward full functionality and tools for our in-area Washington and Alaska providers, we’re promoting Premera presence in other states for providers who are already Availity users and who see Premera out-of-area members. Availity access will be launching to our local providers sometime in 2021. During all launch phases, Premera’s secure provider portal will still be available for provider use.
Featured tools
Partnering with Availity will give out-of-area providers better self-service options including checking member eligibility and benefits, submitting claims, and checking claim status. We chose Availity because of its national presence, existing provider adoption, and capability to eventually deliver functionality beyond our current secure portal tools. Availity also gives us marketplace parity and improves service for providers serving members of our national accounts.
Washington and Alaska providers
Local Washington and Alaska providers don’t need to do anything right now. As we get closer to our 2021 launch date, we’ll provide details about our transition plan, how to register with Availity, and training resources. During this transition time, Premera’s secure provider portal will still be available for provider use. For now, we want to be transparent and keep you updated on our Availity transition plan.