Updated 9/2/26
In January 2026, Premera began negotiations with HCA Healthcare (HCA), the hospital system that owns Alaska Regional Hospital (ARH). We entered these negotiations with the intent of reaching an agreement that compensates providers fairly while supporting the long-term affordability of healthcare for employers and families in Alaska.
After no initial response, HCA sent a counterproposal in late July. Premera responded in early August and received an updated counterproposal from HCA that asked for an increase. The delays in responding and lack of meaningful progress has limited our ability to move forward with negotiations.
If we are unable to reach an agreement with HCA, ARH will leave the Premera network as of October 1, 2026. We are committed to continuing discussions with HCA and hope to reach a fair and sustainable agreement before that date. We will update this blog as we have more information on these negotiations to share with members.
In keeping with relevant requirements, notices containing further detail will be mailed to Premera members who may be impacted on September 1. If you currently receive care at ARH and have questions, please contact the phone number on the back of your Premera health plan ID card and our customer service team will be happy to support you.
Please watch this space for further updates.
Will I be charged for getting emergency care at Alaska Regional Hospital (ARH) if they leave the Premera network?
You are still able to get emergency care at ARH facilities. Emergency care is always covered at the in-network cost under the federal No Surprises Act. Wherever you receive emergency care, you are protected from surprise (or balance) billing by state and federal law. This means the most the provider or facility may bill you is the plan’s in-network cost-sharing amount (such as copays and coinsurance), and you cannot be billed for any costs above the in-network rate.
What if I’m admitted to ARH after receiving emergency care?
If you are admitted to ARH and they are out of network, you may pay more and could be balance billed. Our Care Management team will be coordinating care in this event and will work to move you to an in-network facility when possible.
What if I have a long-term treatment plan, am scheduled to deliver a baby, or have a chronic medical condition being treated ARH?
If you are receiving treatment for a covered serious, complex, or chronic medical condition at any ARH facility, you may qualify for continuity of care benefits. This includes pregnancy, long-term or chronic illness, or a scheduled nonelective surgery. If approved, you can continue your care at ARH at the current in-network benefit level for up to 90 days. Contact our customer service team at the number on the back of your Premera health plan ID card for more information about this process.
If you have a scheduled elective surgery scheduled at ARH after October 1, 2026, you may need to reschedule. Contact our customer service for assistance in finding options for your care.
My doctor scheduled me for surgery at ARH. Will it be covered?
The services provided by your doctor will be covered. However, after October 1, the services you receive at the hospital (operating room charges, nursing services, etc.) will be out of network. This means you will pay more for those services and may be billed by the hospital for the amount not covered by insurance.
You can let your doctor know you would prefer another facility as you will be charged more at ARH for the same services. An ambulatory surgical center or Providence Hospital may be better options for your surgery.
What other healthcare options are available in my area?
For primary care and urgent care, consider options such as:
- Virtual care providers – 98point6 and virtual behavioral health options are included with your Premera health plan
- Urgent care clinics – Refer to the Find a Doctor tool on premera.com or use the mobile app to find the clinic nearest you
What happens next?
Beginning October 1, 2026, if a new agreement has not been reached, non-emergency care may not be covered or will cost more out of pocket if you receive care at ARH facilities.
For more information
If you need more information about doctors in your area, sign into your Premera account and use our Find a Doctor tool or call customer service at the phone number listed on the back of your Premera health plan ID card.
Regardless of where you live, to get the best results when searching for an in-network provider, create an account and sign in on premera.com.
We will keep you updated on the status of negotiations here. If we are unable to reach an agreement with ARH, or if you want to find another in-network doctor or healthcare professional, we will work with you to safely move your care with as little disruption as possible.
