MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, Wash., June 26, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Premera Blue Cross today announced plans to acquire Federal Way-based Soundpath Health’s Medicare Advantage contract, which provides health care benefits to more than 22,000 Medicare-eligible customers in Washington.
The acquisition from Catholic Health Initiatives includes only the purchase of Soundpath Health’s contract allowing it to provide Medicare Advantage benefits. The acquisition is expected to be effective January 1, 2019 and is contingent on approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare Advantage plans are sold through contracts with the federal government. Often referred to as “Part C” plans, they often provide additional benefits not offered under original Medicare Parts A and B. Many Part C plans also include Medicare Part D prescription drug benefits.
“We are looking forward to providing current Soundpath Health customers with access to Premera’s broad Medicare Advantage network of doctors and hospitals under the stability and security of the Blue Cross brand which has served Washington residents for more than 80 years,” said Jim Havens, SVP Senior and Individual Markets for Premera Blue Cross.
Soundpath Health customers will continue to receive their current benefits through the end of the year. Premera and Soundpath Health will work closely with CMS to ensure all seniors who receive benefits through Soundpath Health are properly notified.
Premera’s 2018 Medicare Advantage health plans earned 4 out of 5 stars from CMS. CMS created the Star Rating system to allow Medicare consumers to assess the overall quality of Medicare Advantage plans in various health, wellness and consumer satisfaction categories. Star Ratings are calculated each year and may change from one year to the next.
About Premera Blue Cross
Premera Blue Cross, a not-for-profit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association based in Mountlake Terrace, Wash., is a leading health plan in the Pacific Northwest, providing comprehensive health benefits and tailored services to approximately 2 million people, from individuals to Fortune 100 companies.
About Catholic Health Initiatives
Catholic Health Initiatives, a nonprofit, faith-based health system formed in 1996 through the consolidation of four Catholic health systems, expresses its mission each day by creating and nurturing healthy communities in the hundreds of sites across the nation where we provide care. One of the nation’s largest nonprofit health systems, Englewood, Colo.-based CHI operates in 18 states and comprises 99 hospitals, including two academic health centers, major teaching hospitals and 29 critical-access facilities.
Attachment