Update on MultiCare provider network status with Premera

In late April, Premera Blue Cross mailed a legally required notice to approximately 16,410 SEBB members about an upcoming potential provider network disruption. The mailing states that MultiCare may no longer be in the plan’s network starting June 1, 2026.  

This includes all MultiCare clinics, hospitals, and providers statewide, except for Overlake Hospital.

This termination would also impact PEBB and SEBB members enrolled in the Uniform Medical Plan (UMP) because of how BlueCard network access works. Although UMP is administered by Regence BlueShield, the UMP provider network relies on Premera Blue Cross’s provider contracts for most counties in Eastern Washington. The primary impact on UMP would be for MultiCare’s Spokane-area providers.

HCA understands that all parties continue to negotiate in hopes of reaching an agreement before the current contract expires. If a new agreement is reached, affected members will receive another letter from Premera Blue Cross informing them of this result.

What are my coverage options if an agreement isn’t reached?

On or after July 1, 2026, Premera PPO members receiving services from MultiCare may pay the out-of-network rate, which is 50% of the plan’s allowed amount, plus any amount the provider bills that is above the plan’s allowed amount. Premera HMO members have no out-of-network coverage. However, there are some exceptions:

Access to emergency or urgent care

Emergency care received at any hospital emergency room is still covered at the network rate. If you need immediate help, call 911 for a hospital emergency or 988 for a mental health or substance use disorder crisis.

On or after July 1, 2026, for Premera PPO members, MultiCare’s urgent care clinics will be covered at out-of-network rates (deductible applies, then 50% copay). For Premera HMO members, MultiCare’s urgent care clinics will be covered at a $25 copay.

Continuation of services for primary care providers

Unless a new agreement is reached, Premera has confirmed that MultiCare primary care will be covered at the in-network rate through August 29, 2026. Washington state law allows affected Premera members to continue seeing any MultiCare primary care provider for up to 60 days at the in-network rate, even if their provider’s contract with Premera BlueCross has ended. This continuation of services for primary care providers happens automatically, so you don’t need to contact Premera Customer Service to have coverage for this 60-day transition period. If you have questions about accessing primary care during this time, contact Premera Customer Service.

Continuity of Care for members in current treatment

Premera members currently receiving services from MultiCare for certain conditions may have the right to continue treatment at the in-network rate for a period of time under a continuity of care provision. Members must call Premera Customer Service to confirm eligibility.

Eligible conditions include:

• Seeing the provider for a serious or complex condition, including certain chronic conditions
• Undergoing a course of institutional or inpatient care from the provider
• Being scheduled for nonelective surgery from the provider
• Being pregnant and seeing the provider for pregnancy-related care
• Being determined to be terminally ill

Who can I contact for help?

SEBB Premera members should call Premera Customer Service toll-free at 1-800-807-7310 (TRS: 711) or visit Premera's website.