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Premera dominates in new insurance exchange [WA]
The Seattle Times ^ | 1/24/2014 | Lisa Stiffler

Posted on 01/24/2014 8:19:56 PM PST by steve86

Premera Blue Cross and its subsidiary LifeWise are capturing the majority of folks enrolling in Washington’s new health insurance marketplace, according to data released Thursday by state officials. Nearly 43,000 people — almost two-thirds of the total enrollees — signed up for coverage from the two insurance companies through the end of December. Group Health Cooperative was the next most popular company, selling plans to more than 18 percent of enrollees.

The insurance marketplace — called Washington Healthplanfinder — launched in October as part of the Affordable Care Act and sells individual and family health insurance plans. Plans are also sold outside of the exchange through brokers and directly from insurance companies.

Eight insurance companies are selling plans through Healthplanfinder, though most are available only in certain counties. LifeWise is the only company selling a statewide plan.

(Excerpt) Read more at blogs.seattletimes.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Government; News/Current Events; US: Washington
KEYWORDS: aca; exchanges; healthplanfinder; lifewise; obamacare; obamacareanecdotes; obamacareinsurers; premera; washington
I'm with the little tiny Community Health Plan -- been with them for 10+ years and had no reason to change.


1 posted on 01/24/2014 8:19:56 PM PST by steve86
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To: steve86

BTW, the numbers shown here are all completed, paid enrollments.


2 posted on 01/24/2014 8:24:44 PM PST by steve86 (Some things aren't really true but you wouldn't be half surprised if they were.)
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To: steve86

I did a quick check of Premera-Blue Cross’ offerings and, although their premiums are competitive, their provider selection is not so great, especially in the Seattle area, excluding several major hospital groups.


3 posted on 01/24/2014 8:53:59 PM PST by steve86 (Some things aren't really true but you wouldn't be half surprised if they were.)
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To: steve86

I am so f#@%@#$^ pissed off that I have to think about this s#$@.


4 posted on 01/24/2014 9:34:52 PM PST by Psycho_Bunny (Thought Puzzle: Describe Islam without using the phrase "mental disorder" more than four times.)
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To: steve86

i think the premera indiv plans exclude the polyclinic and swedish hosp.


5 posted on 01/24/2014 10:02:23 PM PST by RitchieAprile
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To: steve86
My two cent(s) for what it's worth.

As someone who got obamarized, (was on the wife's policy at her work, for 12 plus years, @ approx $650.00 per month / through a MAJOR CASINO in Western Washington State, north of Seattle, south of Skagit County) I went with Premera Blue Cross, simply because of the Federal Government subsidy, of $400.00 per month, thank you tax payers.

Did have a TOP NOTCH / Top shelf insurance policy.

In February will be going to the doctor, generally a week before the visit I have my lab(s) {blood work} done, no charges before with the old policy. Called Premera Blue Cross, lets just say , their answer was chilling, if preventive it's covered, if diagnostic not covered.

Asked the representative about one of the tests (liver function) ref. medications, I take; not covered.

For those who may not know, with certain medications, you check to make sure that medication(s) prescribed by your Doctor, is not hurting / destroying your liver, so if a change is noted, your Doctor will change your medication(s).

6 posted on 01/25/2014 1:03:12 AM PST by Stanwood_Dave ("Testilying." Cop's don't lie, they just Testily{ing} as taught in their respected Police Academy.)
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To: Psycho_Bunny

It’s been a real pain in the arse for me. I’ve spent easily 50 hours dealing with this crap.


7 posted on 01/25/2014 1:05:12 AM PST by Gene Eric (Don't be a statist!)
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To: Stanwood_Dave
If it wasn't for people like you signing up for Obamacare it would fail, keep up the good work
8 posted on 01/25/2014 6:32:34 AM PST by globoreally
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To: globoreally

As though many of us with multiple chronic conditions have any choice but to sign up. Grow up.


9 posted on 01/25/2014 9:21:34 AM PST by steve86 (Some things aren't really true but you wouldn't be half surprised if they were.)
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To: Gene Eric

Sorry to hear that. What types of problems have you encountered? In WA State?


10 posted on 01/25/2014 9:23:05 AM PST by steve86 (Some things aren't really true but you wouldn't be half surprised if they were.)
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