Small Group Archives - Premera Producers (AK)

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Digital producer payments are coming in November

October 8, 2026

Group and Medicare Supplement commission payments will transition to a new digital payment experience in October. Learn what to expect, how agencies will receive information, and where to find resources to help prepare for the change.

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Removing prior authorization from massage therapy streamlines member experience

September 10, 2026

Beginning January 1, 2027, prior authorization will no longer be required for massage therapy visits.

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Virtual Care and Telehealth Resources for Your Employer Clients

August 12, 2026

If your employer clients are looking for ways to improve awareness and utilization of virtual care services, encourage them to explore the new Virtual Care and Telehealth category on B'link.

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Annual Reminder: Complete your group size attestation form

August 12, 2026

To remain compliant with state and federal regulations, it’s necessary for employer groups to assess their group size each year.

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Premera and MultiCare reach an agreement to remain in network

August 12, 2026

Premera and MultiCare are taking the next steps to finalize contract details.

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Premera and Alaska Regional Hospital contract negotiations update

August 12, 2026

Get the latest information on negotiations with Alaska Regional Hospital.

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Registration is now open for the 2027 Product Launch

August 12, 2026

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Premera leaders and connect with colleagues at this year’s Product Launch.

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Save the Date! The 2027 Product Launch is just around the corner

July 9, 2026

Join the Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska sales team in September to learn what’s coming in the 2027 plan year.

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Matchmaker for Behavioral Health Launches Digital Intake

July 9, 2026

The new Matchmaker™ for Behavioral Health digital intake improves the member experience and streamlines provider list generation.

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Premera and MultiCare extend negotiations 30 days to finalize new agreement

July 9, 2026

Premera and MultiCare extended negotiation period for an additional 30 days to finalize the details around a new agreement.

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Premera Premier Provider program expands to help members find high-quality, affordable care nationwide

July 9, 2026

The enhanced Premera Premier Provider (3P) program makes it easier for members to find high-value care across 20 specialties.

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More ways to save: Price Assure pharmacy program can help lower costs in 2027

June 11, 2026

Price Assure can help lower pharmacy costs and expand savings opportunities for members in 2027.

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MultiCare remains in-network through June 30, 2026

June 11, 2026

Premera and MultiCare agreed to extend negotiations for all Premera health plans.

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Action needed: Confirm your agency finance contact by July 1

June 11, 2026

Premera is transitioning to electronic payments for producers and agencies. To streamline the process, update your agency’s finance or commissions contact today.

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Here’s what you missed last month

June 11, 2026

Jump to the highlights and segments you care about most from last month’s Producer Education Series.

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Direct-to-consumer drug programs: What producers should know

June 11, 2026

Cash-pay drug programs may improve access, but they can affect coverage, member costs, and employer visibility.

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New 6-tier formulary redesign gives clients flexibility and value

June 11, 2026

Redesigned 6-tier formulary helps manage rising pharmacy costs while reducing unnecessary member disruption.

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Expanded HSA Investment Options Means More Ways to Grow Savings in 2026

May 14, 2026

Members with health savings accounts now have more options to grow their savings.

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Latest Recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

May 14, 2026

These updates help members access recommended preventive services and support without unnecessary barriers—making it easier for producers to position preventive care value in Premera plans.

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Matchmaker fulfills 10,000 behavioral health care requests

May 14, 2026

Premera Matchmaker for Behavioral Health makes it easier for members to access mental health providers that meet their needs.

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RxDC Reporting Reminder: What Groups Need to do by April 24

April 9, 2026

Premera can submit data on your group’s behalf but we may need more information.

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Registration Open: The Q2 Producer Education Series is Next Month

April 9, 2026

Mark your calendar—the Q2 Producer Education Series is coming in May.

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Enhanced Case Management helps members overcome barriers—and helps employers lower total cost of care

April 9, 2026

Digital-first coaching and care coordination help members improve outcomes, stay engaged, and reduce avoidable utilization for employers.

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What is Health Coverage That Counts?

April 9, 2026

A new campaign dives into how Premera is lowering costs and improving access with a focus on what it takes to deliver better value.

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ICYMI: Q1 Producer Education Series Recording Now Available

March 13, 2026

Last week experts at Premera discussed the evolution of GLP-1s, state and federal legislation, the fully insured product ecosystem, and more.

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Premera to Present at Alaska SHRM Conference in April

March 11, 2026

Next month, W. James Smallwood is hosting a session on Making Sense of Healthcare at the Alaska SHRM annual conference.

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More Ways to Grow HSA Savings in 2026

March 11, 2026

Coming soon! Members with health savings accounts will have more investment options to grow their savings.

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Coming Soon: Find Care Refresh

March 11, 2026

A simpler and improved Find a Doctor experience is coming to our members.

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Payment Integrity Programs to Launch Throughout 2026

March 11, 2026

Payment Integrity extends programs to include laboratory tests.

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Accessing Spring Health for Virtual Mental Health

February 12, 2026

Here’s how members can get virtual mental health care through Spring Health.

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Pharmacy Formulary and Medical Policy Changes for January 2026

December 11, 2025

See what drugs will require prior authorization and the preferred alternatives.

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2026 Reports Available for Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage

December 11, 2025

Help your group clients understand their responsibilities about disclosing prescription drug coverage and creditable coverage status information.

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Reminder to be Ready for January 2026

Don’t miss key deadlines for personal funding accounts, ID cards, and more.

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Premera Mailer Reminds Members to Set Up Online Account

December 11, 2025

In December 2025 and February 2026, members will receive postcards from Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska encouraging members to create online accounts.

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'Talk to your doctor': How primary care lowers costs, improves outcomes

November 13, 2025

As open enrollment begins, Premera is taking a strategic step in lowering the cost of care--elevating primary care.

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2026 Small Group Health Plan Guide Now Available

November 13, 2025

Sign in to the secure producer portal to view the 2026 small group health plan guide and benefit highlights.

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

November 13, 2025

2026 is a big year in product changes at Premera. Learn more about what could be coming to your group.

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Subrogation Vendor Changes Name to Machinify

November 13, 2025

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

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Alaska Members Will Receive New ID Cards for 2026

November 13, 2025

Product changes require members to receive new cards for the 2026 plan year.

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2026 Alaska Product Launch Recording Now Available

October 8, 2025

Last month, the Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska sales team hosted producers in Anchorage and got them up to date on the great things coming to Premera in 2026.

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Advanced Imaging Prior Authorization Incorporates Site of Care Review

October 8, 2025

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 8, 2025

Premera sends communications to members to promote benefits, products, and services available as part of their plan.

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2026 Benefit Highlights for Small Group, Preferred Choice Now Available

October 8, 2025

Get a snapshot of our 2026 small group and Preferred Choice plans.

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Medicare Part D Notification and Creditable Coverage Reports

September 11, 2025

Help your group clients understand their responsibilities about disclosing prescription drug coverage and creditable coverage status information.

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Register Today for the 2026 Product Launch

August 14, 2025

Registration is now open for the 2026 Product Launch. Join us in September to see what’s coming in 2026.

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Stay Informed: Updates to Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings

August 14, 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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Site of Service Expansion Means Groups and Members Save

August 14, 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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Changes Coming to Optum Financial PFA Employer Portal

August 14, 2025

Next month, employers will see changes to the Optum Financial personal funding account employer portal.

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Member Communications and Outreach in June and July

August 14, 2025

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

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Spokane Obstetrics and Gynecology Contract Termination

August 14, 2025

Spokane Obstetrics and Gynecology has issued a contract termination. Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska is working diligently to renegotiate.

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Blue365 a Free Health and Wellness Discount Program Coming in October

August 14, 2025

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

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Changes Coming to Optum PFA Employer Portal

July 10, 2025

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

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Changes Coming to Premera Maternity Program

June 12, 2025

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

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Evernorth Announces GLP-1 Changes

June 12, 2025

Learn about the new programs coming for GLP-1 drugs.

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The Q2 Producer Education Series Recording is Now Available

June 12, 2025

If you missed the May Producer Education Series, the recording is now available.

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Prescription Drug Data Submitted to CMS

June 12, 2025

Annual drug data for group business has been submitted.

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Fully Insured Members Transition to Electronic EOBs in July

June 12, 2025

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

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Premera Promotes Colorectal and Cervical Cancer Screening

May 7, 2025

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

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Member Communications and Outreach in April and May

May 7, 2025

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

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Dental Choice Network Significantly Expands with National Dental GRID

May 7, 2025

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

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In-Home Test Kits Launched on April 28, 2025

May 7, 2025

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

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Changes to the Secure Inbox on Member Portal

May 7, 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 7, 2025

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

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Premera Improves Member Website on Personal Funding Accounts

April 10, 2025

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

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Updates to Security Platforms Requires Member Action

February 12, 2025

Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska is upgrading the member sign-in experience to increase account security and enhance user experience.

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Your Next Producer Education Series is Coming Up

February 12, 2025

Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska invites you to join us next month for our first Producer Education Series of 2025.

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Important Update: 1095-B Form Distribution Changes

February 12, 2025

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

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Updates to Benefit Highlights

February 12, 2025

Small changes have been made to our benefit highlights to simplify benefit information.

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Update: Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) Reporting

February 12, 2026

A quick look at what producers need to know for RxDC reporting—plus a critical April 24 deadline you can’t miss.

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Designated PCPs Can Save Members More

January 9, 2025

Members who designate a primary care provider have a lower office visit cost share.

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2025 reports available for Medicare Part D creditable coverage

December 18, 2024

Help your group clients understand their responsibilities about disclosing prescription drug coverage and creditable coverage status information.

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New Payment Integrity Program: Social Security Disability Insurance

November 14, 2024

Premera Payment Integrity is partnering with a vendor to implement a pilot program related to Social Security Disability Insurance.

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What Do You Want to Know in 2025

November 14, 2024

Premera wants to provide information to our producers that they find useful and relevant. Here’s your chance to tell us what we should cover in 2025.

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Enhancing Personal Health Support for Fully Insured and OptiFlex Funded Plans

October 10, 2024

New enhancements coming to Personal Health Support on January 1, 2025.

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2025 Small Group Renewal Documents Now Available

October 10, 2024

Visit Premera.com to access renewal documents for your fully insured groups.

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2025 Small Group Benefit Highlights Now Available

October 10, 2024

Producers can sign in to the secure producer portal to check out 2025 small group benefit highlights.

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Members Save on Prescriptions with Rx Savings Solutions

October 10, 2024

Alerts from Rx Savings Solutions can help members save on their prescriptions.

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Host an Onsite Immunization Clinic

October 10, 2024

Your clients can host an on-site immunization clinic at their workplace this fall.

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Diabetes Management Plus for Fully Insured and OptiFlex in 2025

October 10, 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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2025 Product Launch Recording Now Available

October 10, 2024

Did you miss the 2025 Product Launch last month? View the recording today.

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Premera Sunsets myCare Alaska Virtual Care Offering

October 10, 2024

Premera is streamlining its virtual care offerings for Alaska members.

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Medicare Part D Notification and Creditable Coverage Reports

September 12, 2024

Federal law also requires employer groups to notify CMS if their prescription drug coverage for Medicare beneficiaries is creditable.

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Responding to Producer Feedback: Small Group Renewals Released Earlier

August 7, 2024

Thanks to producer feedback, we’re releasing renewals sooner.

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Navigating the Healthcare Landscape to Access Quality Care

August 7, 2024

Following the doctor’s recommendation for a procedure or elective surgery is already a big deal, finding and accessing high-quality, affordable care shouldn’t be.

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Register for the 2025 Product Launch Today

August 7, 2024

Join us September 17 to learn everything you need to know for the 2025 plan year.

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New Issuer of Personal Funding Account Checks

July 11, 2024

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

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Complete Your Group Size Attestation Form

July 11, 2024

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

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ICYMI Joint Session on 80th Percentile and Premium Setting

March 13, 2024

If you couldn’t join us last week, the recording is now available on the secure producer portal.

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Two Rx Savings Solutions Campaigns launch the week of March 18

March 13, 2024

Campaigns will encourage members to sign up and start saving on their prescriptions with Rx Savings Solutions.

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First Use Plan Emails for 2024 Launch This Month

March 13, 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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Update: Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) Reporting

February 7, 2024

Get the latest information on Prescription Drug Data Collection Reporting under the Consolidated Appropriations Act.

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

February 7, 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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Save the Date! Joint Session for Producers and Employers Coming in March

February 7, 2024

Next month’s joint 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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2024 Reports Available for Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage

January 11, 2024

Help your group clients understand their responsibilities about disclosing prescription drug coverage and creditable coverage status information.

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80th Percentile Repeal Endorsement for Employers and Members

January 11, 2024

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

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Planning For Tax Season: Form 1095-B

December 14, 2023

What you need to know about form 1095-B

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Complete Your Open Enrollment To-Do List

December 14, 2023

Here’s how to help your groups complete their pending tasks in Enrollment Center.

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We Want to Hear From You

December 14, 2023

What do you want to learn more about from Premera this year?

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December Home Test Kit Member Outreach

December 14, 2023

Home test kit program launches for eligible members

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Help Your Employer Groups Promote Their Plan

December 14, 20235 minute read

Share these communication timelines to support employer groups of every size no matter when their plan starts.

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2027 small group benefit highlights are now available

Digital producer payments are coming in November

Removing prior authorization from massage therapy streamlines member experience

Virtual Care and Telehealth Resources for Your Employer Clients

Annual Reminder: Complete your group size attestation form

Premera and MultiCare reach an agreement to remain in network

Premera and Alaska Regional Hospital contract negotiations update

Registration is now open for the 2027 Product Launch

Save the Date! The 2027 Product Launch is just around the corner

Matchmaker for Behavioral Health Launches Digital Intake

Premera and MultiCare extend negotiations 30 days to finalize new agreement

Premera Premier Provider program expands to help members find high-quality, affordable care nationwide

More ways to save: Price Assure pharmacy program can help lower costs in 2027

MultiCare remains in-network through June 30, 2026

Action needed: Confirm your agency finance contact by July 1

Here’s what you missed last month

Direct-to-consumer drug programs: What producers should know

New 6-tier formulary redesign gives clients flexibility and value

Expanded HSA Investment Options Means More Ways to Grow Savings in 2026

Latest Recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

Matchmaker fulfills 10,000 behavioral health care requests

RxDC Reporting Reminder: What Groups Need to do by April 24

Registration Open: The Q2 Producer Education Series is Next Month

Enhanced Case Management helps members overcome barriers—and helps employers lower total cost of care

What is Health Coverage That Counts?

ICYMI: Q1 Producer Education Series Recording Now Available

Premera to Present at Alaska SHRM Conference in April

More Ways to Grow HSA Savings in 2026

Coming Soon: Find Care Refresh

Payment Integrity Programs to Launch Throughout 2026

Accessing Spring Health for Virtual Mental Health

Pharmacy Formulary and Medical Policy Changes for January 2026

2026 Reports Available for Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage

Reminder to be Ready for January 2026

Premera Mailer Reminds Members to Set Up Online Account

'Talk to your doctor': How primary care lowers costs, improves outcomes

2026 Small Group Health Plan Guide Now Available

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

Subrogation Vendor Changes Name to Machinify

Alaska Members Will Receive New ID Cards for 2026

2026 Alaska Product Launch Recording Now Available

Advanced Imaging Prior Authorization Incorporates Site of Care Review

What We’re Communicating to Members in October

2026 Benefit Highlights for Small Group, Preferred Choice Now Available

Medicare Part D Notification and Creditable Coverage Reports

Register Today for the 2026 Product Launch

Stay Informed: Updates to Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings

Site of Service Expansion Means Groups and Members Save

Changes Coming to Optum Financial PFA Employer Portal

Member Communications and Outreach in June and July

Spokane Obstetrics and Gynecology Contract Termination

Blue365 a Free Health and Wellness Discount Program Coming in October

Changes Coming to Optum PFA Employer Portal

Changes Coming to Premera Maternity Program

Evernorth Announces GLP-1 Changes

The Q2 Producer Education Series Recording is Now Available

Prescription Drug Data Submitted to CMS

Fully Insured Members Transition to Electronic EOBs in July

Premera Promotes Colorectal and Cervical Cancer Screening

Member Communications and Outreach in April and May

Dental Choice Network Significantly Expands with National Dental GRID

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 Improves Member Website on Personal Funding Accounts

Updates to Security Platforms Requires Member Action

Your Next Producer Education Series is Coming Up

Important Update: 1095-B Form Distribution Changes

Updates to Benefit Highlights

Update: Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) Reporting

Designated PCPs Can Save Members More

2025 reports available for Medicare Part D creditable coverage

New Payment Integrity Program: Social Security Disability Insurance

What Do You Want to Know in 2025

Enhancing Personal Health Support for Fully Insured and OptiFlex Funded Plans

2025 Small Group Renewal Documents Now Available

2025 Small Group Benefit Highlights Now Available

Members Save on Prescriptions with Rx Savings Solutions

Host an Onsite Immunization Clinic

Medicare Part D Notification and Creditable Coverage Reports