Health

Alaska isn't affected by split between Providence and Premera Blue Cross Washington

A recent announcement that Providence Health Services and Premera Blue Cross are ending their contract agreement in the state of Washington won't affect insured people in Alaska, Premera said Thursday.

In Washington starting in 2017, Providence will no longer be an in-network provider for Premera insurance holders. A news report from KIRO 7 cites disagreements between the companies over payment rates and the development of an incentive program.

Providence provides health care services in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Montana and California, and only the Washington facilities will be affected, spokesperson Mikal Canfield said Thursday.

Alaskans who have insurance coverage with Premera Blue Cross will not be affected if they seek care at a Providence facility in Alaska.  They will be affected only if they seek care in the state of Washington, at Providence and affiliated health care organizations Swedish, Kadlec and Pacific Medical Centers, starting Jan. 1, 2017, wrote Premera spokeswoman Melanie Coon.

"That care would be out of network and the member would have higher out-of pocket costs," Coon wrote.

Premera is the state's largest insurance provider, covering roughly 140,000 Alaska residents.

Laurel Andrews

Laurel Andrews was a reporter for the Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Dispatch News and Alaska Dispatch. She left the ADN in October 2018.

ADVERTISEMENT