Healthcare is often so much more than annual routine visits to the doctor, dentist, or optometrist. Situations, conditions, or illnesses may arise that require additional care and support. Premera Blue Cross plans with WTIA offer enrolled members, their spouses or domestic partners, and their dependents a variety of care resources, including personal health support; specialized healthcare services for LGBTQIA+ individuals, including transgender and medically necessary gender reassignment surgeries; and mental health and substance use care resources. 

Midway through the year can be a good time to remind employees that these additional health benefits are available through their Premera health plan so they can get access to the resources and services they need to stay healthy, feel fulfilled, and thrive. 

Personal Health Support with CareCompass 360

If an employee or a family member is diagnosed with a serious illness or condition or suffers a severe injury, it can be overwhelming for them or their caregivers to navigate their health insurance and access the care they need. Premera offers CareCompass 360, which includes a team of registered nurses, certified dietitians, and licensed mental health professionals with expertise in chronic condition management who can help navigate the complex healthcare system, and find resources to help optimize health and recovery, and coordinate care and services for the best treatment. 

Personalized health support through CareCompass 360 is available to members, their spouses or domestic partners, and their dependents who are enrolled in a Premera plan at no additional cost. Caregivers can also access this resource, members may be referred by their doctor or provider, or the Premera team may reach out directly if a member’s claim history demonstrates that they may need additional support for ongoing care or chronic conditions such as:

• asthma, 
• coronary artery disease, 
• heart failure, 
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 
• diabetes, and 
• depression. 

Members should reach out to the CareCompass 360 team, even if they aren’t sure their condition qualifies for personal healthcare support. The program educates and encourages healthy lifestyle changes and self-management strategies for better health. It’s voluntary, and members can leave the program at any time. 

Comprehensive LGBTQIA+ Health Resources

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex and asexual people have a right to safe, affordable healthcare. WTIA in partnership with Premera offers a wide range of benefits to help LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families get the care they need from providers they can trust. Everyone can use additional support from time to time, especially a group that often faces discrimination as they pursue their true selves. 

Premera health plans provide safe, nonjudgmental care that includes preventive care, HIV PReP therapy, drug coverage, mental health support, and transgender services (including coverage to treat gender dysphoria, formerly called gender identity disorder. Benefits are provided for medically necessary surgical services.). All care and services are delivered by gender-affirming treatment providers. As with all WTIA member offerings, these align with our core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.     

Mental Health Resources and Support

Mental health has come into the spotlight, especially within the last two years. It’s more important than ever for employees to feel seen and heard, and feel like they are able to have resources and outlets they can turn to when they’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed, and just need help and a compassionate ear when it comes to addressing mental health challenges.

WTIA offers a variety of resources and support, including access to:

• mental health therapists and psychiatric professionals
• crisis resources, helplines, and Lifeline Connections
• virtual care for mental health needs, such as Talkspace for virtual access to licensed therapists and WorkIt Health for video-based substance abuse and addiction treatment
• Wellspring Family Services

Plans may also cover:

• Inpatient or residential treatment for mental health or substance use
• Outpatient treatment for mental health or substance use
• Partial hospitalization
• Intensive outpatient treatment
• Treatment for eating disorders
• and more 

24-Hour Nurseline for Round-the-Clock Healthcare Advice

Because it’s impossible to plan when illness or injury occurs, having access to trained medical professionals can give employees and their families peace of mind that they can get access to the care they need when they need it.

With the 24-Hour NurseLine, advice is just a phone call away—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

When employees call the 24-Hour NurseLine at 800-841-8343 (Tip: This number is listed on the back of their Premera ID card):

• Their call is answered quickly by a registered nurse.
• The nurse asks relevant questions and helps patients decide what to do.
• The nurse stays on the line as long as it takes to assist with a decision.
• The call is free and confidential.

Healthcare is a deeply personal experience, and it’s important for your employees to have access to a variety of additional options, support, and resources that fit their unique needs. Premera members, their spouses or domestic partners, and their dependents have the ability to utilize these resources and get support when and where they need it most. 

For more information about the resources and support available through Premera health plans with WTIA, contact your broker, or Raven Mencias at rmencias@washingtontechnology.org.