Premera Strengthens Cancer Support with Expanded Case Management Program

For self funded groups

Last week, Premera announced the Personal Health Support program for self funded groups is expanding to include Premera Cancer Support. This new service, offered in partnership with Thyme Care, helps members navigate one of life’s most challenging journeys—a cancer diagnosis. This builds on specialized programs and investments in cancer care organizations throughout the community. It also reflects our ongoing commitment to improve access to high-quality care and support members when they need it most.

The Personal Health Support program leverages Premera’s integrated case management model. With this market-leading model, clinicians are able to offer one-on-one support to members with complex health situations at no extra cost. Premera Cancer Support extends this program through Thyme Care’s virtual cancer care navigation and support services. Members have access to an oncology-trained team of clinicians, nurses, social workers, and navigators for guidance any time, including:

• Clinical support for questions about symptoms, treatment side effects, addressing mental health needs, offering palliative care, urgent care support, and finding a specialist for a second opinion.
• Identifying non-clinical barriers to care and connecting members to local resources for food assistance, transportation, in-home care, or financial needs.
• Caregiver support with education, coping strategies, and help managing their day-to-day responsibilities.

“Studies show patient navigation programs like Premera Cancer Support positively impact both the quality of cancer treatment and patient satisfaction,” said Dr. Romilla Batra, chief medical officer at Premera Blue Cross. “This new program means our members have a strong, personalized support system to walk alongside them during a complex, and frankly scary, diagnosis so they can focus on healing.”

Building on this commitment, Premera has long invested in personalized cancer care. This includes on-the-ground member support from Premera case managers working on-site at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. These patient liaisons collaborate with the member’s care team, expedite appointments and treatment pre-approvals, connect them with financial or well-being resources, and answer questions about coverage.

Beyond direct member support, Premera works with community organizations to improve overall health outcomes related to cancer care in the communities  we serve, including:

• Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research (HICOR): For over a decade, Premera has been a key data contributor for HICOR’s Community Cancer Care report. Premera leadership has also been important as advisors and collaborators on the mutual goal to improve quality and lower costs for cancer patients in Washington state.
• American Cancer Society (ACS): Premera has worked alongside American Cancer Society for more than two decades on prevention, research, and care advancements. In 2026, Premera employees will join ACS’ Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, which has grown into the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer movement.
• Investments in The Goodtimes Project, which supports children with pediatric cancer and their families; Community Cancer Fund, which offers resources to cancer patients in the Inland Northwest; and Cancer Pathways, which offers services beyond the medical scope to anyone impacted by cancer.

Premera Cancer Support can help manage all types of cancer and offers nationwide coverage for members and their caregivers before, during, and after treatment. It’s now available to all self-funded plans as of January 1, 2026. For more information about Personal Health Support, visit Premera.com.