Premera customer service number — complete practical guide

Primary customer service contacts and channels

If you need to reach Premera Blue Cross for membership, claims, billing, ID cards or benefit questions, the primary member services line is 1-800-722-1471 (TTY 711). This number connects you to the centralized member-service operation that supports individual, group, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid customers who live in Premera’s service area (Washington and Alaska). Keep the number handy: it is the single most direct route to live assistance for common account issues.

In addition to telephone service, Premera offers a secure member portal and a mobile app at www.premera.com. The portal—often called Blue Access for Members—lets you view claims, download ID cards, check eligibility and send secure messages to member services. Using the portal for document uploads (explanations of benefits, receipts, provider statements) typically shortens resolution times because it places information directly in the claims file.

When to call and what to have ready

Calling the customer service number is most efficient when you have a specific outcome in mind: verify coverage, request preauthorization, dispute a claim, arrange retroactive coverage adjustments, or update billing information. Before you call, gather three key items: your Premera member ID number (on the ID card), the provider’s name and date(s) of service, and any claim or invoice numbers. If you’re calling about a denied claim, have the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) in front of you—EOBs include claim IDs and procedure codes that speed up the lookup.

Expect the representative to verify identity (full name, date of birth, address on file) and then place the claim on hold for research. Typical hold-and-research time ranges from 5–20 minutes for routine inquiries; complex appeals or network-pricing questions can take two to five business days for a complete resolution. If you need a written confirmation, ask for a case or reference number and the representative’s name; follow up within 48–72 hours if you do not receive promised documentation.

Call checklist (use before you dial)

• Member ID number and group number (from the card)
• Date(s) of service, provider name, claim/EOB numbers
• Billing amount and CPT/ICD codes (if disputing a charge)
• Your requested outcome (refund, appeal initiation, preauth ID)
• Penultimate step: ask for a case/reference number and expected resolution timeline

Escalations, appeals and complaint process

If the front-line representative cannot resolve your issue, request escalation to a supervisor or the specialized unit (claims appeals, provider relations, or billing resolution team). Premera’s internal appeals process generally involves a written review and a formal first-level appeal; members should submit supporting documentation (medical records, letters from the treating clinician, itemized bills). For internal appeals, typical insurers allow 30–60 days for a decision on urgent vs. standard reviews—ask the representative to place your case in the appropriate urgency category if immediate care or immediate financial hardship is at stake.

If you exhaust Premera’s internal appeals and the decision is still adverse, you have external review options. For external oversight, visit the National Association of Insurance Commissioners at www.naic.org to find your state insurance commissioner’s complaint portal (Washington or Alaska). When escalating externally, cite the Premera internal appeal reference number and include copies of all EOBs, appeal letters, and provider notes. External reviews and state complaints can add weeks to the timeline—plan accordingly and keep copies of everything.

Online alternatives and response expectations

Using the online member portal and the mobile app often gets faster, documented outcomes. Common tasks you can complete online: view claims (within 24–48 hours of processing), update demographic and billing information, submit secure messages to member services, and download/copy ID cards. Premera typically posts claims updates to the portal faster than mailed statements and secure message responses are often handled within 1–3 business days depending on complexity.

For prescription or specialty pharmacy issues, check the plan documents and the drug benefit manager listed on your ID card; calling member services will connect you to the correct pharmacy help line. For provider and network questions (e.g., if a provider says they are “out of network”), asking member services to run a provider search in real time and provide the network status code is the fastest way to obtain written proof for billing disputes.

Practical tips to speed resolution

• Record the date/time of your call, representative name and case number. This makes any subsequent escalation clean and traceable.
• Use secure portal uploads for receipts and records: electronic attachments are added to the claim file immediately, which usually reduces rework by the representative.
• If you have frequent claims or complex chronic-care needs, request a care-management or case manager assignment—this provides a single point of contact for ongoing coordination.

What is the 800 number for Premera?

Pharmacy (Express Scripts): 800-922-1557 • Member Support: 833-743-3224 • Member Support Espanol: 833-440-1635 • EAP: 888-881-5462 • Premera NurseLine: 800-242-2178 • Provider Recognition Program/GoldCard – Programs where Premera collaborates with contracted providers to manage utilization of selected medical services.

Is Premera insurance leaving Washington state?

Even though we will no longer offer Medicare Advantage plans in 2025, Premera isn’t leaving the senior market entirely. We’ll continue to offer Medicare Supplement plans, serving more than 58,000 members in Washington and Alaska.

How long does Premera take to reimburse?

Receive Reimbursement
This entire process may take 15-30 business days. For the most accurate and specific instructions, you may want to visit the Premera website or contact their customer service directly, as procedures may vary slightly depending on your plan.

Is BCBS 24 hour customer service?

Customer Care Representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How do I contact Premera Washington?

Contact Us: Members of Premera Blue Cross in Washington

1. Premera Blue Cross. P.O. Box 91059.
2. Phone: Sales: 800-PLAN-ONE (800-752-6663)
3. TYY/TDD for the hearing impaired: 800-842-5357.
4. Mailing address: PO Box 327.
5. Street address: 7001 – 220th St.
6. Hours:
7. Premera Blue Cross.
8. Premera Blue Cross.

How do I cancel my Premera insurance?

To cancel a life insurance policy, the Policy Owner may either call Client Services at 1-800-257-4725 or send a written request. Written requests must be signed, dated and include the policy number.