Premera Blue Cross Expands Cancer Care Support with New Case Management Program
In a significant development for cancer care, Premera Blue Cross has announced the expansion of its Personal Health Support program to incorporate Premera Cancer Support, in collaboration with Thyme Care. This innovative service aims to assist members as they navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis, thereby reflecting the organization's dedication to improving access to high-quality medical care.
The expanded program builds upon Premera's integrated case management model, which connects members with specialized clinicians who provide one-on-one assistance without additional costs. Premera Cancer Support enhances this framework by utilizing Thyme Care’s evidence-based, virtual navigation and support services tailored specifically for cancer patients. Members now have access to a trained team comprising oncologists, nurses, social workers, and navigators who can guide them through various phases of their healthcare journey anytime they need help.
The support services include:
Dr. Romilla Batra, the Chief Medical Officer at Premera Blue Cross, emphasizes the importance of such navigation programs, noting that they can significantly enhance both the quality of cancer treatment and patient satisfaction. This initiative ensures that members benefit from a robust, personalized support network during a time that can often be daunting, allowing them to concentrate on healing rather than logistics.
Premera's commitment to enhancing cancer care goes beyond just the member programs. The organization has made substantial investments in personalized cancer support, including having on-site case managers at notable institutions like the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. These case managers work closely with cancer patients to facilitate smoother communication with their healthcare teams, expedite appointment scheduling, handle pre-approvals, provide well-being resources, and clarify coverage inquiries.
Beyond direct member assistance, Premera collaborates with various organizations to improve cancer care outcomes across communities. Their long-standing partnerships include contributions to the Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research (HICOR), where they have been instrumental in generating community reports focused on cancer care quality improvements and cost reductions.
Moreover, Premera’s partnership with the American Cancer Society, which spans over two decades, plays a crucial role in research, prevention efforts, and advancements in cancer care. Employees have actively participated in significant events such as Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, reinforcing Premera's commitment to the cause.
Additional initiatives like The Goodtimes Project, which benefits families affected by pediatric cancer, the Community Cancer Fund providing essential resources in the Inland Northwest, and Cancer Pathways, which extends services beyond medical needs, further illustrate their holistic approach to cancer care.
Importantly, Premera Cancer Support is equipped to assist members facing all types of cancer and offers nationwide coverage, ensuring that members and their caregivers have access to necessary support before, during, and after treatment. This expanded service will be accessible to all self-funded plans starting January 1, 2026. To learn more about Personal Health Support and its offerings, you can visit Premera's official website.
About Premera Blue Cross
Established as a not-for-profit independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and headquartered in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, Premera Blue Cross stands as a leading health plan in the Pacific Northwest, serving more than 2.5 million individuals ranging from single members to Fortune 100 companies. The organization's commitment extends to providing comprehensive health benefits and tailored services, making it a trusted health partner in the community.
The expanded program builds upon Premera's integrated case management model, which connects members with specialized clinicians who provide one-on-one assistance without additional costs. Premera Cancer Support enhances this framework by utilizing Thyme Care’s evidence-based, virtual navigation and support services tailored specifically for cancer patients. Members now have access to a trained team comprising oncologists, nurses, social workers, and navigators who can guide them through various phases of their healthcare journey anytime they need help.
The support services include:
- - Clinical assistance: Members can receive answers to questions about symptoms, treatment side effects, and mental health support, along with palliative and urgent care services, and advice on finding specialists for second opinions.
- - Resource connectivity: The program helps identify barriers to care and connects patients to local resources addressing needs such as food security, transportation aid, in-home care, or financial assistance.
- - Caregiver support: Family members caring for cancer patients are not left behind; they receive education, coping strategies, and assistance in managing daily responsibilities.
Dr. Romilla Batra, the Chief Medical Officer at Premera Blue Cross, emphasizes the importance of such navigation programs, noting that they can significantly enhance both the quality of cancer treatment and patient satisfaction. This initiative ensures that members benefit from a robust, personalized support network during a time that can often be daunting, allowing them to concentrate on healing rather than logistics.
Premera's commitment to enhancing cancer care goes beyond just the member programs. The organization has made substantial investments in personalized cancer support, including having on-site case managers at notable institutions like the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. These case managers work closely with cancer patients to facilitate smoother communication with their healthcare teams, expedite appointment scheduling, handle pre-approvals, provide well-being resources, and clarify coverage inquiries.
Beyond direct member assistance, Premera collaborates with various organizations to improve cancer care outcomes across communities. Their long-standing partnerships include contributions to the Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research (HICOR), where they have been instrumental in generating community reports focused on cancer care quality improvements and cost reductions.
Moreover, Premera’s partnership with the American Cancer Society, which spans over two decades, plays a crucial role in research, prevention efforts, and advancements in cancer care. Employees have actively participated in significant events such as Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, reinforcing Premera's commitment to the cause.
Additional initiatives like The Goodtimes Project, which benefits families affected by pediatric cancer, the Community Cancer Fund providing essential resources in the Inland Northwest, and Cancer Pathways, which extends services beyond medical needs, further illustrate their holistic approach to cancer care.
Importantly, Premera Cancer Support is equipped to assist members facing all types of cancer and offers nationwide coverage, ensuring that members and their caregivers have access to necessary support before, during, and after treatment. This expanded service will be accessible to all self-funded plans starting January 1, 2026. To learn more about Personal Health Support and its offerings, you can visit Premera's official website.
About Premera Blue Cross
Established as a not-for-profit independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and headquartered in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, Premera Blue Cross stands as a leading health plan in the Pacific Northwest, serving more than 2.5 million individuals ranging from single members to Fortune 100 companies. The organization's commitment extends to providing comprehensive health benefits and tailored services, making it a trusted health partner in the community.
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