Effective Aug. 1, 2012, generic birth control pills will be covered in full when purchased through a pharmacy or mail order. Simply show your Premera member ID card at the pharmacy when filling a prescription. Also covered: Other contraceptives approved by the FDA requiring a written prescription, and birth control pills obtained through mail order (for a 90-day supply). (Learn more about generics or when a brand-name is unavailable.)
In addition, outpatient women's sterilization procedures will be covered in full, including the surgery and facility charges, when using an in-network doctor, hospital or healthcare practitioner. For details on these changes, members can log in to the secure member site to check their benefit book by selecting "My Plan Information," then "Benefits."
These changes support specific preventive health measures for women as part of the federal Affordable Care Act for health plans that are effective starting August 1*. If group plan members renewed before Aug. 1, 2012, these changes will become effective at the next policy renewal date. For clarification about your particular benefit, contact Premera customer service.
*If you have a grandfathered plan (a plan which was in effect on or before March 23, 2010 and which may be exempt from many requirements of the ACA) these benefits may not apply to you. Please check your benefit booklet for full details of what may or may not be covered by your plan.