Did
you know that Lifewise and Premera are the same company? They are both housed and located in the same
complex on 220th in Mountlake Terrace, and they are both Blue Cross. In fact Premera created Lifewise.
In
2014, and 2015 Lifewise and Premera offered identical products. But in 2016
Blue Cross is encouraging it’s Lifewise members to switch to Premera during the
2016 Open Enrollment period.
Lifewise
has always been a PPO (Preferred Provider Option) plan. PPO plans give you a broad provider network,
but more important, they do not require referrals or pre-approvals for many procedures, but beginning in 2016, Lifewise will only offer the Gold PPO. The rest of the plans will change to an EPO (Exclusive
Provider Option), which is similar to an HMO’s in design.
This
means that you will not be able to go out of network, and for some you will
have to change your doctor. You will
also need to get referrals to see specalist.
This
is the first stage, but the plan is to get rid of Lifewise all together.
If
you are enrolled on Wahealthplanfinder.org, when you renew just switch to
Premera, this way your coverage will continue without incident. You will have
to select a plan after you restate your income for 2016, so it’s pretty straight forward.
If
you are enrolled directly with Lifewise, then you can fill out the attached
Short Form application and return to me,
Lifewise or Premera.
Premera
will provide you with the same coverage and service you have become accustomed
to. Like I said, they are the same company.
Please
review the Premera Plan Brochure and rate sheets. This information can also be seen on my
website effective 11/01/2015.
Please visit my website www.ALLSTARFinancialInsurance.com.
God bless you and have a great day
