News Summary
Premera Blue Cross has launched the enhanced ‘Premera Cancer Support’ program in partnership with Thyme Care. This initiative offers comprehensive guidance and resources for members facing cancer, available at no additional cost. Starting January 1, 2026, all self-funded plans can access this program, which aims to improve access to care and support for patients and caregivers throughout the cancer journey.
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, Wash. – Premera Blue Cross, a leading not-for-profit health plan in the Pacific Northwest, has significantly expanded its support for members facing a cancer diagnosis by launching Premera Cancer Support. This new, enhanced case management program, developed in partnership with oncology startup Thyme Care, provides eligible members and their caregivers with personalized, comprehensive guidance and resources at no additional cost. The program became available to all self-funded plans starting January 1, 2026, with the official announcement made on January 6, 2026.
The expansion integrates Premera Cancer Support into Premera’s existing Personal Health Support program, which offers individualized assistance for complex health situations. The goal of this initiative is to improve access to high-quality care and provide a robust support system for members navigating the complexities of cancer treatment. Studies have indicated that patient navigation programs similar to Premera Cancer Support can lead to positive impacts on both the quality of cancer treatment and overall patient satisfaction.
Through this program, members receive virtual navigation and support services from a dedicated oncology-trained team. This team includes clinicians, nurses, social workers, and care navigators who are available to offer guidance around the clock.
Comprehensive Support Services
The Premera Cancer Support program is designed to address a wide range of needs for individuals and their families throughout the cancer journey. The services encompass:
Clinical Assistance
Members can obtain clinical support, including answers to questions about symptoms or treatment side effects. The team also assists with addressing mental health needs, providing palliative care and urgent care support, and helping members find specialists for second opinions.
Non-Clinical Barrier Resolution
Beyond medical concerns, the program focuses on identifying and overcoming non-clinical obstacles to care. This involves connecting members to essential local resources that can assist with needs such as food, transportation, in-home care, or financial aid.
Caregiver Empowerment
Recognizing the vital role of caregivers, the program offers specific support including education, coping strategies, and assistance in managing the day-to-day responsibilities of caring for a loved one.
Nationwide and All Cancer Types
This comprehensive support is offered for all types of cancer and is available with nationwide coverage for eligible members and their caregivers, spanning before, during, and after treatment.
Premera Blue Cross operates as an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, providing health benefits and tailored services to approximately 2 million people across Alaska and Washington State, excluding Clark County. The organization has a long-standing commitment to personalized cancer care, which includes supporting members through its case managers working on-site at institutions like the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. The expansion of this program reflects Premera Blue Cross’s ongoing dedication to enhancing healthcare access and providing crucial support to its members when they need it most. The new offering for self-funded groups started on January 1, 2026, or upon group renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Premera Cancer Support?
What is Premera Cancer Support?
Premera Cancer Support is an enhanced case management program for cancer care, launched by Premera Blue Cross in partnership with oncology startup Thyme Care. It provides eligible members and their caregivers with personalized, comprehensive guidance and resources at no additional cost.
When did Premera Cancer Support become available?
When did Premera Cancer Support become available?
The program became available to all self-funded plans starting January 1, 2026, with the official announcement made on January 6, 2026.
Who is eligible for Premera Cancer Support?
Who is eligible for Premera Cancer Support?
Eligible members of Premera Blue Cross with self-funded plans and their caregivers have access to this program.
What types of support does Premera Cancer Support offer?
What types of support does Premera Cancer Support offer?
The program offers comprehensive clinical support, including answers to questions about symptoms or treatment side effects, mental health needs, palliative care, urgent care support, and finding specialists for second opinions. It also helps with non-clinical barriers like food, transportation, in-home care, or financial aid, and provides caregiver support.
Is Premera Cancer Support available nationwide?
Is Premera Cancer Support available nationwide?
Yes, Premera Cancer Support offers nationwide coverage for eligible members and their caregivers.
Key Features of Premera Cancer Support
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Premera Cancer Support |
| Provider | Premera Blue Cross in partnership with Thyme Care |
| Availability | Starting January 1, 2026, for all self-funded plans or upon group renewal. |
| Cost to Members | No additional cost for eligible members. |
| Coverage Scope | Nationwide coverage for eligible members and their caregivers. |
| Types of Cancer Supported | Support for all types of cancer. |
| Support Team | Oncology-trained team including clinicians, nurses, social workers, and care navigators. |
| Clinical Support | Assistance with symptoms, treatment side effects, mental health, palliative care, urgent care, and second opinions. |
| Non-Clinical Support | Connection to resources for food, transportation, in-home care, and financial needs. |
| Caregiver Support | Education, coping strategies, and help with managing caregiving responsibilities. |
| Access | 24/7 connection to the support team. |
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