General - Producer News

Brightline and the Kennedy Forum present “Ask a Therapist” | 10/11/2024

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

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

Visit and bookmark our new page to find the latest updates and exciting new changes

These Articles Will Get You Ready for January | 11/8/2023

Here’s what you need to know to be ready for January

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 the Secure Producer Portal | 6/7/2023

Missed last month’s Producer Education Series? Visit the secure producer portal to watch now

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

Join us Wednesday, May 31 at 11 a.m. Alaska Time for our Producer Education Series, News and Trends in 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

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

Debate Over the 80th Percentile Rule Continues | 4/12/2023

Key questions and answers from Premera, Alaska Division of Insurance, and more in an article from the Anchorage Daily News

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

Register Today! Alaska Producer Education Series is March 30 | 3/9/2023

Join us Thursday, March 30 for our first Producer Education Series of 2023

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

New Program Launches to Get Anchorage Residents Out of Homelessness | 2/9/2023

With initial investment from Premera, the new Home for Good program in Anchorage is showing great promise

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

Kroger Ending Pharmacy Agreement with Express Scripts January 1 | 12/8/2022

Members have been notified of other pharmacy options in the region

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

2023 Preferred Choice and Large Group Health Plan Guides Available Now | 11/8/2022

See what’s coming for the 2023 plan year for Preferred Choice and Large Group

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

2023 Product Rollout Event Recording Now Available | 10/13/2022

Last month you joined us in-person to learn what’s coming from Premera in 2023. If you were unable to attend, the event recording is now available

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

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

Save-the-Date: Alaska Producer In-Person September Event | 9/8/2022

Join us Tuesday, September 20 at the Hotel Captain Cook for our 2023 Product Launch

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

Premera Premier Provider designation program introduces enhancements

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

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

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

Nadja Hipszer Appointed as Director of Alaska Sales | 6/9/2022

Premera is pleased to announce the appointment of Nadja Hipszer as director of Alaska Sales

Premera Welcomes Lori Vickery to Alaska Sales Team | 6/9/2022

Lori Vickery joins Premera as an implementation account specialist, supporting 51+ fully insured, OptiFlex, and self-funded groups

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

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

Transparency in Coverage and Federal No Surprises Act | 2/11/2022

Learn more about upcoming legislation in a Premera-sponsored event

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 | 12/13/2021

Learn about an age range change to our preventive benefits for colorectal cancer screenings.

No Surprises Act ID Card Requirements | 12/13/2021

Read more about information being added to ID Card in 2022.

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

Moderna and Johnson & Johnson received approval for booster doses

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

What you need to know about form 1095-B

2020 Premium Rebates Going Out Soon | 9/16/2021

Your clients who have purchased a Premera individual or small group health plan in 2020 may receive a premium rebate

Introducing the Premier Provider Program | 8/6/2021

This new program helps members navigate to high quality and cost-efficient healthcare

Upcoming Federal and State Regulations Webinar | 7/8/2021

Register today for the upcoming webinar

ConnectYourCare Is Now Part of Optum Financial | 7/8/2021

A look at changes as part of the transition

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

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

Premera Blue Cross’ Sales and Marketing organization recently announced changes in leadership

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

Credit card payments for premiums will end on June 30, 2021.

Transparency in Coverage Rule | 4/8/2021

What is this new rule and what will Premera do to comply.

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

Accept our invitation to participate in the annual producer communication survey.

COVID-19 News and Updates | 1/11/2021

What you and your clients need to know to about COVID-19 updates and the vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccine Updates | 12/7/2020

What your clients need to know to about the vaccine.

Planning for Tax Season | 11/9/2020

Find important information on this discontinuation for your clients.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 | 4/20/2020

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.

Minding Mental and Heart Health | 2/24/2020

February is American Heart Month.

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.

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.

$5.7 Million to Improve Healthcare in Rural Alaska | 11/11/2019

Premera announces grant to help improve access to care for Alaskans in rural communities.

Planning for Tax Season | 11/11/2019

What you need to know about form 1095-B.

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.

Designated Customer Service Number | 10/7/2019

If you want your clients to have the best customer experience, remind them about this phone number.

$40 Million to Combat Homelessness in Alaska | 10/7/2019

Premera is one of four funders helping to create solutions for homelessness in Alaska.

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 | 7/8/2019

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.

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 Signs New Contracts With 45 Providers in Q1 2019 | 4/22/2019

We’re committed to building and maintaining a sustainable provider network throughout the state.

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.

Making Healthcare Work Better in Alaska | 3/25/2019

Premera is committed to addressing behavioral health and the challenges of rural healthcare.

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.

Connecting Members With Guidance from Top Medical Professionals | 2/18/2019

Personalized expert medical guidance for members with three conditions and their providers.

Redesigned Explanation of Benefits Launches in February | 2/11/2019

Upgraded letters will improve clarity and ease of understanding health plan information.

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.

Premera Signs New Contracts with 18 Providers in Q4 2018 | 1/21/2019

We’re committed to building and maintaining a sustainable provider network throughout the state.