Live in the Vancouver, WA area? If you have Premera Blue Cross or LifeWise Health Plan of Oregon, take note: a recent network change could impact the cost of your emergency care.
Effective September 1, 2016, Emergency Medicine Associates has terminated their contract with Premera and LifeWise. The group supplies emergency room staff to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, WA and will no longer be in-network to members.
Keep in mind:
- The facility (Peacehealth Southwest Medical Center) is still contracted with Premera and LifeWise.
- Members may still receive care by Emergency Medicine Associates, however they will pay more – the group will bill separately for their services and can set their own rates.
- This affects emergency room care only.
Plan members who live in Clark County should receive a letter from their insurance carrier notifying them of this change.
Though we are currently in a lock-in period for these Individual and Medicare plans, you will be able to explore your options soon: Medicare Annual Election Period is October 15 – December 7, and Individual Open Enrollment runs November 1 – January 31. VibrantUSA is eager to answer your questions and assist you in making your healthcare insurance decisions for 2017 and beyond.
