The exit was driven by “changing market conditions and financial pressures,” according to a Oct. 1 news release from Premera.
The company has 32,000 Medicare Advantage members in Washington, according to the release, a small portion of Premera’s 2.75 million members.
Premera will continue to offer Medicare supplement plans in Washington and Alaska.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision, particularly given our position as the only local commercial health plan in Washington and our commitment to serving our community,” Jeffrey Roe, CEO of Premera Blue Cross, said. “Despite our best efforts, the challenging market and financial constraints have made the long-term success of our Medicare Advantage program unsustainable.”
Premera is the second Blue Cross Blue Shield company planning to exit the Medicare Advantage business in 2025. In May, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City said it would exit the MA market, citing increasing regulatory requirements and financial pressures.
Several other insurers have said they will exit some MA markets in 2025, facing rising medical costs.
At the Becker's 5th Annual Fall Payer Issues Roundtable, taking place November 2–3 in Chicago, payer executives and healthcare leaders will come together to discuss value-based care, regulatory changes, cost management strategies and innovations shaping the future of payer-provider collaboration. Apply for complimentary registration now.