General News
Published January 13, 2020
For all Premera plans, except Medicare Advantage.
As of January 1, 2020, Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska now covers perinatal depression interventions as a preventive service with no member out-of-pocket costs.
Providers are asked to refer pregnant and postpartum persons who are at increased risk of perinatal depression to counseling interventions. Screening for perinatal depression can also occur during a well-baby checkup.
What is perinatal depression?
Perinatal depression is defined as the occurrence of a major or minor depressive episode during pregnancy or up to one year after childbirth. Feeling hopeless, losing interest in activities that used to be enjoyed, and withdrawing from friends and family are typical symptoms of depressive disorders. Other symptoms in the perinatal period may include persistent doubt of the ability to take care of the infant, trouble bonding with the infant, and thoughts of self-harm or harm of the infant.
Research shows perinatal depression is a common condition that is estimated to affect more than 180,000 new mothers annually in the United States and can have a devastating effect on the mother and infant.
Action you can take
- Share the updated preventive services list with your clients.
- Remind your clients that preventive benefits are paid in full when in-network providers are used. If they choose an out-of-network doctor, they may pay more.
- Let your group clients know that they can find ready-to-share resources about preventive services in our Employee Communications Center. You and your clients can access this employer resource by logging in to your secure accounts and selecting the Employee Communications Center link.