Premera Blue Cross

During Mental Health Awareness Month, we’ve encouraged folks to take a breath or share a kind word. Those are useful habits, but they’re not always enough. Sometimes, we need the support of a mental health professional. But that support isn’t always easy to get. Premera is working to make it easier for the people we serve. Broadening our network of mental health care providers. Expanding options for digital access to care. Helping members connect with the right provider through our Matchmaker service. All of these efforts have one goal in mind – getting our members access to mental health care that fits their needs without introducing more stress to their lives. To learn more about how your Premera plan can support your mental health, visit our site today: https://lnkd.in/e2qeFkaM

When people have fewer hospitals to choose from, they pay more for healthcare. It’s that simple. Consolidation is part of why hospital prices have been on the rise for years, driving much of the unsustainable healthcare cost increases we are all seeing. Any serious conversation about controlling those costs has to address hospital price increases. Learn more at Hospital Watch: https://lnkd.in/e3d78aUP

In the Spokane Spokesman-Review, Premera’s chief medical officer Dr. Romilla Batra shares how Premera is working to get to yes with our hospital system partners, while also working to prepare our members if a system chooses to leave our network. We know situations like these are stressful for our members, and we’re doing everything in our power to limit the impact and duration of these negotiations and arrive at a reasonable contract. But we have a duty to advocate for affordable care for our members, especially as hospital systems demand cost increases that the people we serve tell us are not sustainable. Read more in the Spokesman-Review: https://lnkd.in/eKmCuHTu

Rising healthcare costs are putting pressure on families across Washington, including firefighters and law enforcement officers. Access to affordable care matters for the people who serve our communities every day. That's why we’re focused on working with providers to find solutions that help keep care within reach and costs more sustainable. Appreciate the LEOFF Health and Welfare Trust sharing their perspective: https://lnkd.in/e6KZmdHp

Let’s hear it for Fiona Zwiesler (better known as Coach Z)! A health & fitness teacher from Linwood Elementary, Coach Z was honored by Premera Blue Cross and the Spokane Velocity at a recent match for her positive impact on student well-being. Thanks to all the educators who show up for our students every day! And thanks also to the many Velocity fans who supported The Summer Assist, a community drive collecting school supplies and wellness items to help students stay engaged over summer break.

It's always a privilege to host our community partners, and this week's Cocoon House event was a great example of why. We know Cocoon House makes a huge difference in the lives of youths all over Snohomish County. But hearing directly from the people whose lives have been changed by their work feels like something else entirely. Thanks to everyone who turned out for this gathering, and especially to the young people who shared their stories. https://lnkd.in/gBtxBXxz

A moment of gratitude. A word of encouragement. A deep breath. A moment of reflection. Prioritizing your mental health doesn't have to mean major changes to your life. Just making a little bit of time and space in the course of your day can help you to refresh, reset, and reframe your state of mind. Give it a try! #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

Knowing how your health plan works can help you get the most out of it. We're here to make sure every Premera member has what they need to navigate the healthcare system with confidence, and that starts with an understanding of your health plan, what it covers, and how it works. Visit our blog today for a full video explainer! https://lnkd.in/gqqd2ahP

It can be tough to get the support need for your mental health. Or even to ask for it. When our members need assistance to get the mental health care they need, Premera is there. Whether you're experiencing a crisis or looking to find someone to talk to about ongoing issues, our team is here to help. To find out more about what that help looks like in action, read our latest member story today. https://lnkd.in/gEJnZd4V

We enter every negotiation aiming to get to yes so that we can provide our members with access to a broad network of quality healthcare providers. But it's also our responsibility to act as advocates for the people we serve in making healthcare affordable. We are doing everything we can to reach agreements that compensate providers fairly while controlling the price increases that are making healthcare feel more out of reach for families across Washington. Learn more about our ongoing negotiations in the Washington State Standard: https://lnkd.in/gs7s88PP