Premera Blue Cross Joins the Benefitfocus Cloud

CHARLESTON, S.C., Jan. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Benefitfocus, the nation's leading healthcare and benefits technology provider, today announced that Premera Blue Cross has selected the BENEFITFOCUS® Platform for integrated decision support and online enrollment for new and existing employer customers. As a leading health plan provider in the Pacific Northwest and independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Premera adopted Benefitfocus cloud-based technology for an end-to-end solution that allows customers to shop and compare benefits in an online marketplace setting. Premera will also leverage Benefitfocus claims analysis tools to help consumers explore plan options while providing more visibility into out-of-pocket costs.

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The Platform will assist Premera in meeting 2014 healthcare reform requirements and position the organization to successfully handle expected shifts in the group market, support defined contribution models and remain competitive across multiple brands and states. Benefitfocus delivers sophisticated data exchange technology that fully automates the enrollment process for real-time pricing and validation of eligibility, allowing Premera to offer a more convenient and personalized way to shop for benefits.

Shoppers will be presented with the most relevant plans based on consumer purchasing patterns and tools to estimate costs based on expected plan usage. The Platform's integrated decision support tools, questionnaires and educational videos will provide a unique shopping and enrollment experience for employers and consumers with an increased focus on self-service.

"We were looking for a retail platform that provided a robust online consumer experience," said David Young, Premera Vice President, Wellness and Consumerism. "We chose Benefitfocus for the comprehensive solutions that allow us to offer our customers a cost-effective and consumer-driven marketplace."

"As the healthcare market continues to evolve, defined contribution programs and private exchanges will play key roles in helping employers better manage costs and give consumers the type of online shopping experience they expect," stated Shawn Jenkins, Benefitfocus President and CEO. "Premera is truly focused on innovation and staying ahead of this new wave of healthcare consumerism. We are excited to work with them to provide their customers a completely new experience based on personalization, social tools, mobility and most importantly, choice."

Premera went live on the Benefitfocus Platform January 15, 2013.

About Premera Blue Cross
Premera Blue Cross is a leading health plan in the Pacific Northwest, providing comprehensive health benefits and tailored services to more than 1.5 million people, from individuals to Fortune 100 companies. Premera is committed to providing its members peace of mind about their healthcare coverage. The company offers innovative health and wellness solutions focused on quality outcomes for patients and controlling costs. Premera Blue Cross, which has operated in Washington since 1933, is a not-for-profit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

About Benefitfocus
Benefitfocus is the largest benefits technology provider in the U.S. More than 18 million members, 300,000 employers and 60,000 brokers use our cloud-based platform to shop, enroll, manage and exchange all their benefits in one place. From consumer engagement and education to enrollment, communication and billing, Benefitfocus is helping companies find a better way to manage their benefits. For more information, visit www.benefitfocus.com. Benefitfocus – All Your Benefits. One Place.                     

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SOURCE Benefitfocus