As part of its negotiation process, Olympia Emergency Services (OES) issued a termination notice to Premera Blue Cross, effective December 15, 2025. Premera is working with OES to renegotiate our contracts, which impact all commercial plans, along with Premera Blue Cross individual plans and LifeWise Health Plan of Washington members. We are required by Washington state mandates to notify you of this change. These negotiations do not impact Premera members with Medicare Supplement coverage.
Our intent with these negotiations is to ensure our members continue to have access to affordable, quality healthcare. As we’ve always said, these negotiations are not about Premera; they are about our customers. We serve as their advocate during these discussions.
Premera Blue Cross has been working in good faith with OES to renegotiate contracts. We’re grateful for the patience of our customers as we work hard with our partners at OES to finalize our contracts.
Will I be charged for getting emergency care at Olympia Emergency Services if they leave the Premera network?
If we do not reach an agreement by December 15, 2025, you will still be able to get emergency care at OES facilities. Emergency care is always covered at the in-network cost under the No Surprises Act. Wherever you receive emergency care, you are protected from surprise (or balance) billing by state or federal law. This means the most the provider or facility may bill 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 happens next?
Through December 15, 2025, regardless of the ongoing negotiations, you may still receive care from OES on an in-network basis. Beginning December 16, 2025, if a new agreement is not reached, you will still be able to get emergency care at OES facilities. We are required by Washington state mandates to notify you of this change.
We will keep you updated as negotiations continue with OES, including with updates to this page as appropriate. If we can’t reach an agreement, or if you want to find another in-network health care professional, we’ll work with you to safely move your care.
If you would like more information on doctors in your area, you can use our Find a Doctor tool or call us at the phone number listed on the back on your ID card.
Click here to learn more about the process behind provider negotiations.
