General Archives - Premera Employers (AK)

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Bookmark This Story! Here's Your Recap of What’s Coming in 2026

November 20, 2025

2026 is a big year in product changes at Premera.

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Subrogation Vendor Changes Name to Machinify

November 20, 2025

Last month, our subrogation vendor updated their name from Rawlings to Machinify.

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How primary care lowers costs, improves outcomes

November 20, 2025

Premera is taking a strategic step in lowering the cost of care—elevating primary care.

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We Must Protect Affordable Health Coverage

October 24, 2025

We know our employers in Washington state and Alaska understand the importance of a healthy workforce and the significant role affordable healthcare plays in boosting employee well-being and productivity.

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Premera Welcomes Two Strategic Leaders to its Board of Directors

October 24, 2025

Earlier this month, Premera announced Dr. Caroline Goldzweig and Betsy Seaton have joined its Board of Directors.

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2026 Open Enrollment Materials in B’link

October 24, 2025

Enhance your open enrollment outreach by including plan-specific details. B’link offers a robust library of resources to help your employees understand their Premera health plan options and make confident benefit decisions.

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Facts about COVID Vaccinations in 2025

October 24, 2025

Premera health plans cover vaccinations, including COVID-19, as a standard part of our preventive care benefits.

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Advanced Imaging Prior Authorization Incorporates Site of Care Review

October 24, 2025

For fully insured and OptiFlex groups: Starting January 1, 2026, Premera will expand the Radiology Benefit Management (RBM) program to include site of service review.

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What We’re Communicating to Members in October

October 24, 2025

Premera routinely communicates with members to promote benefits, products, and services that are part of their health plan.

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Premera Expands Access to Behavioral Health as Demand Rises

October 24, 2025

Premera’s making it easier for members to access mental health services.

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Policy, Progress, and Prior Authorization: Highlights from Alaska’s State of Reform

September 19, 2025

Premera follows guidelines and complies with state and federal mandates on preventive care, including vaccines.

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Out-of-Network Savings Solutions

September 19, 2025

Out-of-Network Savings Solutions for OptiFlex and self-funded groups go into effect January 1, 2026.

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Update on Optum Employer Portal Changes

September 19, 2025

The updates to the Optum Employer Portal have been delayed but will likely resume in the next couple weeks.

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Your Responsibility: Medicare Part D Notification and Disclosure to CMS

September 19, 2025

Understand your responsibilities about disclosing prescription drug coverage and creditable coverage status information.

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Premera Health Plans and Vaccines

September 19, 2025

Premera follows guidelines and complies with state and federal mandates on preventive care, including vaccines.

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Annual Gag Clause Prohibition Compliance Attestation

Posted September 19 and updated November 10, 2025

Important details on how Premera approaches the requirement ahead of the due date on December 31, 2025.

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Premera Health Hub Expands Digital Health and Enhances Member Experience

August 21, 2025

New digital health network available January 1, 2026, for self-funded employers in Washington and Alaska.

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Blue365 is a Free Health and Wellness Discount Program Coming in October

August 21, 2025

Blue365 is a discount program coming to Premera members that offers discounts to gym memberships, hearing aids, and more.

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Changes Coming to Optum Financial Personal Funding Account (PFA) Employer Portal

August 21, 2025

The new employer portal is a state-of-the-art, robust, benefit account management tool.

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Stay Informed: Updates to Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings

August 21, 2025

Preventive screenings for breast and cervical cancer will be expanded beginning January 1, 2026, to include more comprehensive care and patient navigation services.

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Member Communications and Outreach in June and July

August 21, 2025

Learn more about the outreach Premera has done for members this summer.

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Site of Service Expansion Means Groups and Members Save

August 21, 2025

Beginning January 1, 2026, Premera is expanding its site of service benefit to include ambulatory surgical centers for elective procedures. It also now includes freestanding birth centers for low-risk pregnancies.

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Right Care, Right Place, Right Time: A New Era for Prior Authorization

July 17, 2025

Prior authorization is just one of the ways we help lower out-of-pocket costs for our members and keep premiums more affordable for everyone.

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Changes Coming to Optum PFA Employer Portal

July 17, 2025

The updates will improve the user interface, include security updates, and reporting capabilities.

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Digital Health Messages Program Expands to Self-Funded Groups

July 17, 2025

In 2026 Digital Health Messages will expand to include all self-funded groups, reinforcing our commitment to improve member health outcomes through innovative engagement tools.

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Changes Coming to Premera Maternity Program

June 19, 2025

Enhanced Case Management maternal health program to replace the BestBeginnings app.

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Fully Insured Members Transition to Electronic EOBs in July

June 19, 2025

Next month, fully insured members with premera.com accounts will transition to electronic explanation of benefits.

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May 15, 2025

We are making significant strides to enhance access to mental health care for everyone we serve.

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Dental Choice Network Significantly Expands with National Dental GRID

May 15, 2025

Effective January 1, 2026, Premera members will have access to one of the largest dental networks in the nation.

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Update on Negotiations with Providence Alaska Medical Center and St. Elias Specialty Hospital

May 15, 2025

Providence Alaska and Premera have agreed on a 3-year contract, resulting in no disruption to Premera patients receiving care at Providence Alaska Medical Center or St. Elias Specialty Hospital.

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Newly Created Premera Accounts to Default to Electronic EOB

May 15, 2025

Members who create a new online account will now automatically default to electronic Explanation of Benefits.

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Member Communications and Outreach in April and May

May 15, 2025

Learn more about Premera communications and outreach to connect members to their health plan services.

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In-Home Test Kits Launched on April 28, 2025

May 15, 2025

Eligible members received opt-in invitations for at-home test kits the first week of May.

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Changes to the Secure Inbox on Member Portal

May 15, 2025

Last month Premera implemented a new vendor to support the secure member inbox feature in the member portal.

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Changes Coming to Premera Virtual Care Bundle

May 15, 2025

Effective January 1, 2026, some of the vendors for primary and urgent virtual care will change.

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Premera Promotes Colorectal and Cervical Cancer Screening

May 15, 2025

Premera uses Digital Health Messages and videos to promote colorectal and cervical cancer screenings.

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Closing healthcare gaps for women

April 17, 2025

As much as Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate progress, it also offers the opportunity to reflect on the challenges that remain.

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Premera to Host Live Webinar on Providence Negotiations in Alaska

April 17, 2025

Get the most up-to-date information on the Premera provider negotiations with Providence Alaska.

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Premera Improves Member Website on Personal Funding Accounts

April 17, 2025

Premera integrated member feedback into updates on the personal funding account web page.

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Data tells a story: Understanding and addressing gaps in care

March 27, 2025

Everyone deserves access to culturally competent, high-quality care. By listening to these stories, we can work together to make meaningful improvements.

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Helping you engage employees in their benefits

March 27, 2025

B’link is a free resource built by Premera just for you—and available to all our employer groups regardless of size or funding type.

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Updates to Security Platforms Requires Member Action

February 20, 2025

Premera is upgrading the member sign-in experience to increase account security and enhance user experience.

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Important Update: 1095-B Form Distribution Changes

February 20, 2025

Following revised IRS guidelines, we're sharing updates with you on how members of fully-insured groups will now access their 1095-B forms.

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Update: Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) Reporting

February 20, 2025

Get the latest information on prescription drug data collection reporting under the Consolidated Appropriations Act.

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Happening Today! This Is Your Last Chance to Register and Attend

January 16, 2025

Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska is hosting Business After Hours, an Anchorage Chamber of Commerce event, today, January 16, at 5 p.m. Don’t miss this event!

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Race, Ethnicity, and Language Questionnaire Now Available on Premera Website and App

January 16, 2025

The race, ethnicity, and language (REL) questionnaire is now available for members on their Premera website and Premera mobile app.

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Premera Supports Provider Partners with Six New Availity Features

January 16, 2025

New features aim to reduce administrative tasks for providers.

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Premera Transitions to Electronic Explanation of Benefits in 2025

January 16, 2025

Over the next several months, members will be automatically enrolled in electronic Explanation of Benefits (EOBs).

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2025 reports available for Medicare Part D creditable coverage

December 19, 2024

Your responsibilities about disclosing prescription drug coverage and creditable coverage status information.

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Looking back at 2024 and what we’ve accomplished

December 19, 2024

As this year comes to a close, we’d like to share some of the significant and exciting numbers of 2024.

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Collecting member race, ethnicity, and language (REL) information

November 21, 2024

Starting in 2025, we will launch a new REL data collection initiative to improve healthcare equity–learn how it impacts your employees.

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Making an impact for Alaska Native nurses and communities

November 21, 2024

With funding from Premera, the University of Alaska Anchorage expanded its Recruitment and Retention of Alaska Natives into Nursing program.

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Update: New breast exam benefit begins December 1, 2024

November 21, 2024

Alaska state mandate SB134 eliminates cost sharing for supplemental or diagnostic breast examinations.

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Reminder: Open Enrollment Materials Are Available in B’link

October 17, 2024

We offer several resources in two convenient packages in the B’link employee communications center.

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Diabetes Management Plus for Fully Insured and OptiFlex in 2025

October 17, 2024

Effective January 1, 2025, fully insured and OptiFlex groups will have Diabetes Management Plus embedded as part of their plan.

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Help Protect Your Employees Against COVID-19 and the Flu

October 17, 2024

What you can do to help your employees stay healthy and out of the emergency room.

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Premera Sunsets myCare Alaska Virtual Care Offering

October 17, 2024

Premera is streamlining its virtual care offerings for Alaska members.

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There is an easier way to screen for colorectal cancer

September 19, 2024

When most people think about screening for colorectal cancer, a colonoscopy probably comes to mind. Fortunately, there is an at-home alternative.

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Your Responsibility: Medicare Part D Notification and Disclosure to CMS

September 19, 2024

Federal law requires employer groups to notify employees and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) if their prescription drug coverage for Medicare beneficiaries is creditable.

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Breaking Down Barriers and Investing in Care

September 19, 2024

Premera releases documentary series that takes a closer look at organizations driving change in their communities.

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Annual Gag Clause Prohibition Compliance Attestation

September 19, 2024

Find out how Premera will support compliance with the requirement due December 31, 2024.

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Helping to provide care to some of Anchorage’s most vulnerable residents

August 15, 2024

Permanent housing facility opens for homeless elders.

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Where your employees get surgery impacts their cost

August 15, 2024

Tips to help your employees lower their costs for planned surgeries.

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What Is Health Equity and 7 Reasons Why it Matters for Your Business

July 18, 2024

Understand the role of health equity in the workplace.

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Take Advantage of the Early Bird Discount

July 18, 2024

Fully insured and OptiFlex large groups can receive a discount by completing their renewal early.

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Premera Welcomes New Account Manager Madasin Jennings

July 18, 2024

Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska welcomes Madasin Jennings to the account management team.

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Change Healthcare Notice of Breach

July 18, 2024

An update on the Change Healthcare cyberattack and what you need to know.

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Looking For Employer Forms?

July 18, 2024

Whenever you need a form, we encourage you to visit our Employer Forms webpage first.

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Complete Your Group Size Attestation Form

July 18, 2024

If your group’s average payroll count changed from the prior year, it means you may need to complete the Group Size Attestation form.

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B’link Employee Communications Center

July 18, 2024

B’link has easy-to-use resources that make understanding benefits simple for you and your employees.

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Simple, Non-invasive Testing Helps Members Stay on Top of Their Health and Wellness

July 18, 2024

Home test kits program for colon cancer screening, diabetic HbA1c testing, and diabetic kidney monitoring will be sent to eligible members in Washington and Alaska.

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New Issuer of Personal Funding Account Checks

July 18, 2024

Members with personal funding accounts with their Premera health plan will now receive checks from Optum Bank.

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Identifying Cancer Early Increases the Odds of Surviving It

June 20, 2024

This National Cancer Survivor Month, encourage your network to stay healthy and get screened.

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Mental Health: We’re All in This Together

June 20, 2024

Premera is partnering with student athletes from the University of Washington, Washington State University, and Gonzaga University to hear how they manage their mental health and end the stigma around mental health issues.

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Preventive Service Updates Coming in July

June 20, 2024

Beginning July 1, 2024, as group plans renew, additional benefits may be covered as preventive care for Premera members.

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B’link Website Enhancements Are Live

June 20, 2024

New features are now available to help you find what you’re looking for.

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Premera Names Dr. Romilla Batra as Chief Medical Officer, Senior Vice President

June 20, 2024

Dr. Batra has accountability for the company’s clinical strategy, focused on making healthcare work better for Premera members and improving the provider experience.

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Livongo to be Rebranded to Teladoc

May 16, 2024

Livongo and Teladoc are merging, becoming one brand with one member experience.

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Helping You Prioritize Employee Mental Health

May 16, 2024

Livongo and Teladoc are merging, becoming one brand with one member experience.

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10 Questions About the Administration of Personal Funding Accounts

May 16, 2024

Here are the most common questions many of our employer groups ask relating to the administration of Personal Funding Accounts (PFAs).

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Negotiating the Future: Contracting Insights from Industry Leaders

April 18, 2024

A new ongoing series, “Navigating Healthcare Affordability,” takes a closer look at how Premera and others are prioritizing critical work around issues impacting the healthcare landscape.

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Tips to Prepare for Mental Health Awareness Month in May

April 18, 2024

Next month is Mental Health Awareness Month. This month, prepare to be a part of shifting the narrative surrounding mental health in the workplace by creating a #StigmaFree space for you and your colleagues.

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We Want Your Feedback

March 21, 2024

Later this month, you will receive an email from Premera Market Research. Please complete our survey to help us better understand your needs, your likes and dislikes, and the most important issues to you.

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New Video Helps Members Find a Doctor

March 21, 2024

View our new three-minute video on how to save your employees time and hassle when looking for the right provider.

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Joint Session on 80th Percentile and Premium Setting

March 21, 2024

In case you missed it, the recording of last week’s joint session is now available.

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Navigating Healthcare Affordability: Working Together to Find Solutions

March 21, 2024

As part of our commitment to making healthcare more affordable and accessible, Premera is sharing insights from a recent Thought Leadership Forum hosted in partnership with the Puget Sound Business Journal.

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First Use Plan Emails for 2024 Launch This Month

March 21, 2024

These emails aim to improve member experience with their health plan and help them feel more confident when engaging with their plan.

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Check Out the New Search Function on Employer News

March 21, 2024

Get the information you need quickly with our new search function.

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Change Healthcare cyberattack is contained

March 21, 2024

Premera has taken steps to secure our systems and monitor for indications of this cyberattack.

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February is American Heart Month

February 15, 2024

You can show your support by wearing red and sharing heart-healthy information with your employees.

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Coming soon! A Joint Session for Producers and Employers Coming in March

February 15, 2024

Next month, a joint virtual session will review updates to the 80th Percentile repeal and a deep dive into how fully insured employer premiums are set by Premera.

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Repeal of 80th Percentile is a Step in Changing Healthcare in Alaska

February 15, 2024

Senior Vice President of the Alaska Group Market, Jim Grazko, discusses how the repeal of the 80th Percentile rule will benefit Alaskans.

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Healthcare Asks: How Do I Find Care Nationwide?

February 15, 2024

Are your employees curious about how to find care while traveling or living in another state, and what services are covered?

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Healthcare Asks: What is Prior Authorization?

February 15, 2024

Premera medical director, Dr. Josephine Young, explains more about the process, and why it’s needed.

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Premera Commitment to Mental Health Parity Proposed Rules

February 15, 2024

Premera is committed to ensuring its members continue to have access to behavioral health and substance use disorder treatments.

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Medical Director Speaks on Physical Wellness and Mental Health

February 15, 2024

Dr. Josephine Young’s commentary emphasized the importance of inclusive spaces and their connection to mental wellbeing.

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Premera Launches Public Affairs Newsletter

February 15, 2024

Bi-monthly newsletters keep state legislators in the know about Premera efforts in the community.

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Welcome Employees to their 2024 Health Plan

January 18, 2024

Simplify your life and use content that’s already available in B’link.

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Reminder: Digital ID Cards Are Available

January 18, 2024

Here’s how to access a digital or printable ID card.

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2024 Reports Available for Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage

January 18, 2024

Your responsibilities about disclosing prescription drug coverage and creditable coverage status information.

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2024 Price Comparison Tool Goes Live

January 18, 2024

The Transparency in Coverage Rule (TCR) requires health plans make price comparison information available.

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80th Percentile Repeal Endorsement for Employers and Members

January 18, 2024

The endorsement is now posted on the secure employer and member portals and included in benefit booklets.

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Alaska Out-of-Network Reimbursement Update

January 18, 2024

Premera will implement a new out-of-network (OON) reimbursement methodology for dates of service beginning January 1, 2024.

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2024 HSA Contribution Limits

January 18, 2024

For groups who offer a high-deductible health plan, you may want to share the new 2024 contribution limits with your employees who have a high-deductible health plan with a health savings account (HSA).

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Premera Employer News Gets a Refresh

December 21, 2023

The redesigned employer news page makes it easier to find the information you need.

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Home Test Kit Member Outreach

December 21, 2023

Home test kit program launches for eligible members.

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Planning for Tax Season: Form 1095-B

December 21, 2023

What you need to know and how to tell your employees about Form 1095-B requirements with B’link ready-to-share employee communications.

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Providence Ambulatory Surgical Centers Sign Agreement

December 21, 2023

Premera and Providence Alaska Professional Groups have come to an agreement on a contract, providing no disruption to Premera patients receiving care at 3 Alaska Professional Groups.

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Stay Healthy this Season

November 16, 2023

One of the best ways to protect your health is to stay up to date with your vaccinations—whether you’re protecting yourself from the flu, COVID-19, or RSV.

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Network Update

November 16, 2023

We will keep you informed as negotiations continue so you are aware of our progress.

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Alaska Vaccine Assessment Program Recommends 2024 Vaccine Rates

November 16, 2023

The Alaska Department of Health accepts the 2024 recommended rates from The Alaska Vaccine Assessment Program.

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Alaska Members Will Receive New ID Cards for 2026

Bookmark This Story! Here's Your Recap of What’s Coming in 2026

Subrogation Vendor Changes Name to Machinify

How primary care lowers costs, improves outcomes

We Must Protect Affordable Health Coverage

Premera Welcomes Two Strategic Leaders to its Board of Directors

2026 Open Enrollment Materials in B’link

Facts about COVID Vaccinations in 2025

Advanced Imaging Prior Authorization Incorporates Site of Care Review

What We’re Communicating to Members in October

Premera Expands Access to Behavioral Health as Demand Rises

Policy, Progress, and Prior Authorization: Highlights from Alaska’s State of Reform

Out-of-Network Savings Solutions

Update on Optum Employer Portal Changes

Your Responsibility: Medicare Part D Notification and Disclosure to CMS

Premera Health Plans and Vaccines

Annual Gag Clause Prohibition Compliance Attestation

Premera Health Hub Expands Digital Health and Enhances Member Experience

Blue365 is a Free Health and Wellness Discount Program Coming in October

Changes Coming to Optum Financial Personal Funding Account (PFA) Employer Portal

Stay Informed: Updates to Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings

Member Communications and Outreach in June and July

Site of Service Expansion Means Groups and Members Save

Right Care, Right Place, Right Time: A New Era for Prior Authorization

Changes Coming to Optum PFA Employer Portal

Digital Health Messages Program Expands to Self-Funded Groups

Changes Coming to Premera Maternity Program

Fully Insured Members Transition to Electronic EOBs in July

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Dental Choice Network Significantly Expands with National Dental GRID

Update on Negotiations with Providence Alaska Medical Center and St. Elias Specialty Hospital

Newly Created Premera Accounts to Default to Electronic EOB

Member Communications and Outreach in April and May

In-Home Test Kits Launched on April 28, 2025

Changes to the Secure Inbox on Member Portal

Changes Coming to Premera Virtual Care Bundle

Premera Promotes Colorectal and Cervical Cancer Screening

Closing healthcare gaps for women

Premera to Host Live Webinar on Providence Negotiations in Alaska

Premera Improves Member Website on Personal Funding Accounts

Data tells a story: Understanding and addressing gaps in care

Helping you engage employees in their benefits

Updates to Security Platforms Requires Member Action

Important Update: 1095-B Form Distribution Changes

Update: Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) Reporting

Happening Today! This Is Your Last Chance to Register and Attend

Race, Ethnicity, and Language Questionnaire Now Available on Premera Website and App

Premera Supports Provider Partners with Six New Availity Features

Premera Transitions to Electronic Explanation of Benefits in 2025

2025 reports available for Medicare Part D creditable coverage

Looking back at 2024 and what we’ve accomplished

Collecting member race, ethnicity, and language (REL) information

Making an impact for Alaska Native nurses and communities

Update: New breast exam benefit begins December 1, 2024

Reminder: Open Enrollment Materials Are Available in B’link

Diabetes Management Plus for Fully Insured and OptiFlex in 2025

Help Protect Your Employees Against COVID-19 and the Flu

Premera Sunsets myCare Alaska Virtual Care Offering

There is an easier way to screen for colorectal cancer

Your Responsibility: Medicare Part D Notification and Disclosure to CMS

Breaking Down Barriers and Investing in Care

Annual Gag Clause Prohibition Compliance Attestation

Helping to provide care to some of Anchorage’s most vulnerable residents

Where your employees get surgery impacts their cost

What Is Health Equity and 7 Reasons Why it Matters for Your Business

Take Advantage of the Early Bird Discount

Premera Welcomes New Account Manager Madasin Jennings

Change Healthcare Notice of Breach

Looking For Employer Forms?

Complete Your Group Size Attestation Form

B’link Employee Communications Center

Simple, Non-invasive Testing Helps Members Stay on Top of Their Health and Wellness

New Issuer of Personal Funding Account Checks

Identifying Cancer Early Increases the Odds of Surviving It

Mental Health: We’re All in This Together

Preventive Service Updates Coming in July

B’link Website Enhancements Are Live

Premera Names Dr. Romilla Batra as Chief Medical Officer, Senior Vice President

Livongo to be Rebranded to Teladoc