Understanding Premera Blue Cross Lifewise Health Insurance Benefits

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Premera Blue Cross Lifewise offers a wide range of health insurance benefits to its members. These benefits include coverage for medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy expenses.

The company's health insurance plans also provide coverage for preventive care services, such as annual physicals, vaccinations, and screenings. This helps members stay healthy and catch any potential health issues early on.

Premera Blue Cross Lifewise has a network of healthcare providers and hospitals that members can access for care. This network includes primary care physicians, specialists, and emergency services.

Members can also take advantage of the company's wellness programs, which offer tools and resources to help them manage their health and well-being.

Health Insurance Plans

LifeWise Health Plan of Washington offers a range of health insurance plans, including individual and family plans on the WA Health Plan Finder exchange.

Their plans are exclusive provider organization (EPO) plans, which cover the cost of care from in-network doctors, pharmacies, hospitals, and other care providers in Washington, Oregon, or Alaska.

LifeWise offers their plans in 33 counties, with Essential plans available in all counties.

Coverage Options

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LifeWise offers a range of coverage options to suit different needs and preferences.

Their individual and family health plans are available on the WA Health Plan Finder exchange, specifically as ACA/Obamacare plans.

LifeWise plans are exclusive provider organization (EPO) plans, which cover care from in-network doctors, pharmacies, hospitals, and other care providers in Washington, Oregon, or Alaska.

You can get covered care from in-network providers without a referral, but these plans only cover care from in-network providers, unless you have a medical emergency.

LifeWise offers their plans in 33 counties, with Essential plans available in all counties.

In 16 counties, they also offer Cascade plans, and in 21 counties, they offer Cascade Select plans.

You can check the Producer website to see the specific counties where all plans are available.

LifeWise also offers an Individual and Family Dental Plan available on the Health Plan Finder exchange.

Cost and Limitations

Health insurance plans can be expensive, with premiums ranging from $300 to $1,000 per month for an individual plan.

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The cost of health insurance is influenced by factors such as age, location, and health status.

Some plans have high deductibles, which can be as high as $5,000 or more per year.

Limited provider networks are a common limitation of many health insurance plans.

These networks can leave patients with limited choices for healthcare providers.

Pre-existing conditions may not be covered by some plans, or may be subject to exclusions or limitations.

Prescription Coverage and Formulary

LifeWise offers prescription coverage on all their health plans. You can find more information on their Pharmacy page.

To search for prescriptions, visit their Rx Search page, where you can see which formulary applies to your specific health plan. The Bronze and Catastrophic plans use formulary M2, while the Silver and Gold plans use formulary M4.

LifeWise plans offer additional benefits beyond the 10 essential health benefits. One of these benefits is lower copays for visits to a designated primary care provider.

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You can also get unlimited primary care and specialist visits, with copay, deductible, and coinsurance applying in some cases. This is a great perk for those who need regular medical attention.

For telehealth services, you'll pay just $15 for video or phone consultations. This is a convenient option for those who can't make it to the doctor's office.

Preferred generic drugs have a low copay and no deductible, making them an affordable option for many prescription medications.

Health Services

With Premera Blue Cross LifeWise, you can access a range of health services to support your well-being.

You can get free, confidential health advice from a registered nurse 24/7 through their 24-Hour NurseLine.

Virtual care options are also available, with video or phone consultations starting as low as a $15 copay.

24-Hour Nurse Line

Having access to a 24-hour nurse line can be a lifesaver, especially during those late-night moments when you're unsure about a health concern. Members can get free, confidential health advice from a registered nurse by phone at any time of day or night.

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You can count on them to provide guidance and support when you need it most. They're available 24/7, so you don't have to worry about waiting until morning to get the help you need.

Save on Fitbit products and other wellness devices, which can be a great way to stay on top of your health and wellness goals.

Virtual Care

Virtual care is a convenient option for medical needs. You can access video or phone consultations at any time for as low as a $15 copay.

This feature is included in every medical plan, making it easy to get the care you need without leaving home.

What We Do

At our health services, we provide comprehensive care to individuals of all ages, from routine check-ups to specialized treatments.

Our team of experienced healthcare professionals work together to ensure patients receive the best possible care, utilizing the latest medical technology and evidence-based practices.

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We offer a wide range of services, including primary care, pediatrics, and specialty care, such as cardiology and oncology.

Our healthcare professionals are trained to handle even the most complex medical conditions, providing patients with peace of mind and reassurance.

From routine vaccinations to chronic disease management, we strive to keep our patients healthy and thriving.

Our dedicated staff is committed to delivering exceptional patient care, with a focus on empathy, compassion, and understanding.

We believe that every patient deserves personalized attention and care, which is why we take the time to listen to their concerns and develop tailored treatment plans.

Company Information

Premera Blue Cross Lifewise is a health insurance company that serves over 2 million members in the Pacific Northwest.

The company was founded in 1957 and has since grown to become one of the largest health insurers in the region.

Premera Blue Cross Lifewise offers a range of health insurance plans, including individual and family plans, Medicare plans, and group plans for employers.

The company has a network of over 21,000 healthcare providers and 80 hospitals in Washington and Oregon.

Premera Blue Cross Lifewise is a subsidiary of Premera Blue Cross, which is a part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

Security and Data

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Premera Blue Cross, the company that owns Lifewise Health Plan, was the victim of a massive cyberattack that could affect 11 million people.

The attack occurred on May 5, 2014, and Premera discovered it on January 29, 2015.

Hackers gained access to Premera's information technology systems, potentially exposing members' information including names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and bank account information.

Premera waited until March to announce the breach, saying they wanted to make sure systems were secure first.

The company claims that they have not found evidence that data was removed from their systems or that customer information has been used inappropriately.

Washington's Insurance Commissioner, Mike Kreidler, didn't buy Premera's explanation for waiting to announce the breach, saying that notifying them would not have compromised their systems.

In response to the breach, Washington's attorney general is proposing legislation requiring companies to inform customers within 45 days of a data breach.

Oregon's Attorney General, Ellen Rosenblum, is also supporting a bill that would require companies to notify the attorney general of a security breach affecting 250 or more consumers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are LifeWise and Premera the same?

No, LifeWise and Premera are not the same, but they are related companies under the Premera family of companies. LifeWise is a subsidiary of Premera, offering health plans in Washington state.

Who owns the LifeWise insurance company?

LifeWise Assurance Company is a member of the Premera family of companies, a leading provider of health insurance solutions. This affiliation enables LifeWise to offer secure and tailored coverage to self-funding organizations.

Is Premera insurance the same as Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Premera Blue Cross is a licensed Blue Cross Blue Shield company, but it's a separate entity with its own health plans. While affiliated, Premera operates independently in Washington state and Alaska.

Is LifeWise of Washington Medicaid?

LifeWise of Washington is not Medicaid, but you may qualify for their plans if you recently lost Medicaid coverage due to a redetermination.

Angie Ernser

Senior Writer

Angie Ernser is a seasoned writer with a deep interest in financial markets. Her expertise lies in municipal bond investments, where she provides clear and insightful analysis to help readers understand the complexities of municipal bond markets. Ernser's articles are known for their clarity and practical advice, making them a valuable resource for both novice and experienced investors.

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