Premera health plans, vaccine policy, and coverage
Access to safe, effective, and affordable vaccinations is a cornerstone of preventive care and an important part of keeping employees and their families healthy. That’s why Premera health plans continue to cover preventive vaccines as a standard part of preventive care benefits.
Premera health plans cover vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) without cost sharing, in alignment with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) federal requirements and the Inflation Reduction Act, as well as requirements under Medicaid, the Vaccines for Children program, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Guided by evidence‑based medical recommendations
Premera follows evidence‑based medicine and regularly reviews guidance from federal and state agencies and leading medical organizations to guide vaccine coverage decisions. In addition to ACIP recommendations, we consider clinical guidance from respected medical organizations, independent expert groups, and state health departments to ensure our members have access to appropriate preventive care.
State health authorities across the Pacific Northwest still recommend keeping vaccinations up to date:
- The Washington State Department of Health recommends that everyone, including children, stay current on recommended vaccines.
- The Alaska Department of Health continues to recommend ACIP‑recommended vaccinations, including flu and COVID‑19 vaccines.
- The West Coast Health Alliance supports guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics in recommending routine childhood and adolescent vaccinations.
What employers should know
Vaccinations remain an essential part of preventive care, and Premera will continue to:
- Follow evidence‑based medical guidelines
- Review federal and state recommendations as they evolve
- Align coverage decisions with guidance from professional medical societies
Employers can feel confident that Premera health plans support preventive care that helps protect employee health and supports long‑term wellbeing.
Where to direct employees with questions
Employees should talk with their healthcare provider about which vaccinations are appropriate for them or their family members. For questions about vaccine coverage under a specific Premera health plan, employees can contact Customer Service using the phone number on the back of their member ID card.
Check out B’link
B’link is a free, online library for employers with ready‑to‑use, health plan communications—flyers, videos, and content —that help you quickly answer benefit questions, support utilization goals, and communicate effectively with employees throughout the plan year.
You can find materials in B’link to share with your employees about Preventive Care and Vaccinations in the Preventive Care category.
