Lower Copays for Designating a PCP

  • Small Group News
    Published January 21, 2019

    For businesses with 1—50 employees

    Premera plans offer more value for members who designate a primary care provider (PCP). Tell your group clients.

    Lower copays for designating a PCP

    Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska plans offer more value for members who designate a primary care provider (PCP).

    Members get the highest value of care in two ways when they designate a PCP:

    • A member’s copay will be lower for a visit to a designated PCP than a visit to a non-designated PCP or specialist.
    • When they choose a PCP, their provider will get to know them and their health history.

    Answers to your clients’ questions

    Here are a few things to keep in mind when telling your small group clients about the value of designating a PCP:

    • Members can choose a PCP from many types of healthcare providers—family or general practice doctor, internist, pediatrician, obstetrician/gynecologist (OB-GYN), physician assistant or nurse practitioner. A PCP provides preventive care, identifies and treats common medical conditions, coordinates care, and makes referrals to medical specialists.
    • Members have the flexibility to choose a different PCP for each member of their family covered by their Premera plan.
    • The PCP selection must be made official before the office visit in order to get a copay that’s lower than a visit to a non-designated PCP or specialist office.
    • A member makes their PCP selection by logging in to their member account or calling the customer service number on the back of their ID card.
    • If a member’s health needs change, they can switch their PCP. In order to benefit from a lower copay for visits, they must notify Premera about the change.

    Action you should take

    • Remind your group clients about this added value of a Premera plan. Point them to their Employee Communication Resources site in the secure employer website. Tell them to select Plan a doctor’s visit on the left side, then look for Designating a PCP on the right side.
    • Tell your clients considering a Premera plan for their small business about lower copays for designating a PCP. Get a complete guide to medical, dental, and vision plans under Tools and Resources in your secure producer website.

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