Individual Market News
Published September 23, 2019
If you’ve taken our 2020 online training for individual plans, you already know that Premera Blue Cross is shaking things up a bit in 2020—but we’re also retaining key aspects of the Premera brand that you and your clients value. That’s because we’re reimagining healthcare for 2020 and finding new ways to make things work better, from the way we interact with our customers to the way we add value to your business.
Reimagined healthcare in action
Here are some ways you’ll see healthcare reimagined in 2020, for both you and your clients.
Referral-free plans
In 2020, we’re offering exclusive provider organization (EPO) plans on the exchange in 7 counties. Coupled with the robust network your clients expect from Premera, EPO plans offer members the flexibility to see network specialists without a referral. They also cover only services performed by network providers, except for emergencies.
We are discontinuing PersonalCare plans January 1, 2020. We've posted letter guides on our producer page under Plan Information that include sample letters we’ll mail to current PersonalCare members as well as members on renewing plans.
More affordable options
Starting January 1, our rates will be 6% lower on average across all plans. You can view our 2020 rates on the newly-updated producer page: scroll down to Rate Information under the More 2020 Information heading.
More efficiencies
Starting with this upcoming open enrollment, we’re increasing operational efficiency in key areas including customer service, claims, and membership and billing. This means for January 1, we’ll have new ID cards for all individual members, along with a new customer service number, mailing address, and secure member website.
We’ll provide more details as we get closer to open enrollment to help you answer any client questions.
Better tools for your business
Next year, you’ll have access to a new secure producer website. You’ve told us you want better client management tools, so we're working on this and will share more information as enhancements are available.
Commission will remain at the same level as today.
More opportunities ahead
This open enrollment is shaping up to be an exciting one, with many opportunities for you to reach your clients about Premera individual plans. I look forward to reimagining healthcare together and our shared success in 2020.
Thank you for your partnership,
Kristin Meadows
Director, Individual Market
Premera Blue Cross