Premera Blue Cross is a prominent health insurance provider serving the Pacific Northwest, particularly Washington and Alaska. With a history spanning over 79 years, Premera has established itself as a key player in the region’s healthcare landscape.
Health Insurance Plans Offered
Premera offers a diverse range of health insurance plans tailored to meet the varying needs of individuals, families, and small businesses.
Individual and Family Plans: These plans are designed to provide comprehensive coverage, including services such as emergency care, pregnancy, mental health support, and prescription medications. Members can access a broad network of doctors and hospitals, ensuring flexibility and choice in their healthcare decisions.
Small Business Plans: Aimed at organizations with 1-50 employees, Premera’s small business health plans offer medical, dental, and vision benefits. These plans emphasize quality care, cost-effectiveness, and ease of access, featuring extensive provider networks, wellness programs, and 24-hour care options.
Coverage Areas
Premera’s coverage is primarily concentrated in Washington and Alaska. Premera offers coverage in several counties for individual and family plans, including King, Pierce, Spokane, and Yakima.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Customer feedback for Premera Blue Cross presents a mixed picture. Some users have expressed dissatisfaction on platforms like WalletHub, citing claims denials and high out-of-pocket expenses. One reviewer mentioned paying over $10,000 out of pocket and high monthly premiums. Similarly, reviews on Yelp highlight concerns about prescription coverage denials and overall customer service experiences. A reviewer described Premera as “the worst insurance company to deal with,” emphasizing challenges with prescription coverage.
Conversely, some reviews offer a more positive perspective. BestCompany.com regards Premera as an excellent choice for residents in Washington and Alaska, noting the company’s credible history and affiliation with BlueCross BlueShield. The review also commends Premera’s plan selection and member resources, which aim to make healthcare more understandable and accessible.
Accreditation and Ratings
As of March 2025, Premera Blue Cross is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and holds a BBB rating of B-. The BBB cites reasons for this rating, including the company’s failure to respond to six complaints against the business.
Conclusion
Premera Blue Cross offers a variety of health insurance plans with extensive coverage options suitable for individuals, families, and small businesses in Washington and Alaska. While the company has a longstanding presence and provides various benefits, potential customers should be aware of the mixed reviews concerning customer service and claims processing. It’s advisable to thoroughly research and consider positive and negative feedback when evaluating Premera as a health insurance provider.