Regence Insurance: Private Or Public? Understanding The Difference

Regence Blue Shield Health Plan of Washington, commonly known as Regence, is a health insurance company that offers health and dental coverage to its members. It is part of the Cambia Health Solutions family of companies and serves over 1 million members in select counties in Washington State. Regence provides individual, family, and small group plans, including ACA/Obamacare-compliant options. The company also offers Medicare plans with lower out-of-pocket costs and enhanced coverage for prescription medications, vision, hearing, and dental care. With a focus on accessibility, Regence allows members to meet with doctors and mental health providers virtually and provides a secure online account and mobile app for easy access to health plan information.

Regence Blue Shield of WA

Regence BlueShield of Washington is a health insurance provider serving individuals and families, as well as employers. Regence BlueShield is a part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, a federation of 36 separate health insurance companies in the United States. Regence BlueShield offers a range of health insurance plans, including individual and family plans, Medicare plans, and employer-sponsored plans.

One of the key features of Regence BlueShield of WA is its focus on providing access to quality healthcare at discounted prices. They offer a broad network of providers in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Utah, who offer their services at discounted rates. Regence BlueShield also has a coordinated, quality-focused network where providers work together to save members money. Members can see any in-network provider without referrals.

Regence BlueShield of WA also emphasizes the importance of behavioural and mental health support. Their plans include coverage for mental health visits, with some plans offering no-cost counselling sessions during difficult life events. Members can also take advantage of virtual or in-person therapy and explore various mental and behavioural health resources through their Regence account.

In addition to behavioural health, Regence BlueShield of WA aims to make healthcare more accessible and convenient. They offer a secure online account and a mobile app that allows members to easily manage their healthcare needs. Through their account, members can access personalized benefits, claims, and account information, as well as find in-network doctors and dentists, and track deductibles. Regence BlueShield also provides support for major life changes, helping members navigate special enrollment periods and find the right health plan for their needs.

Regence BlueShield of WA is committed to improving healthcare for all. They address health literacy and disparities, invest in communities, and embrace diversity and inclusion within their workforce. With their innovative solutions, award-winning customer service, and focus on supporting members through life's challenges, Regence BlueShield strives to be a trusted partner in health insurance.

Regence's Medicare plans

Regence is a trusted name in health insurance, offering a range of Medicare plans to meet the diverse needs of individuals. With Regence, you can rest assured that you're getting dependable coverage and protection for your health and finances, all backed by a nationally recognised brand.

Regence Medicare Advantage Plans

Regence offers Medicare Advantage plans, which provide comprehensive coverage options. These plans often include prescription drug coverage, an important consideration for individuals currently taking medications. Additionally, if you're planning to travel frequently, especially across different states, it's worth noting that some Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for out-of-network providers, making it more convenient to access healthcare services while on the move.

Regence Medicare Supplement Plans

For those who value the freedom to choose their healthcare providers, Regence's Medicare Supplement plans offer flexibility. With these plans, you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare, giving you a wider range of options. This is particularly beneficial if you have specific healthcare providers you wish to continue seeing.

Prescription Drug Coverage

Regence understands the importance of affordable prescription medications. Their plans are designed to help lower out-of-pocket costs, providing more coverage for prescription medications. This means you can access the medicines you need without breaking the bank.

Extra Benefits

Regence Medicare plans also come with extra benefits, such as vision, hearing, and dental coverage. These additional perks give you peace of mind, knowing that aspects of your health often not covered by Original Medicare are taken care of.

Customer Support

Regence is committed to providing reliable customer support. Their local customer service team is always ready to help, offering empathetic and tenacious assistance until any issues are resolved. Additionally, their Medicare plan advisors are available to guide you in exploring the different Medicare plans and finding the one that best suits your needs.

With Regence, you're not just a number; you're part of a team dedicated to your health and well-being.

Regence's mental health benefits

Regence is a health insurance company that offers a range of mental health benefits to its members. The company prioritises behavioural health and provides support for members with substance use disorders or mental health needs. Regence also works to address mental health stigma and improve health care for all.

Regence offers a variety of mental health resources to its members, including:

• Virtual therapy options: Regence members can access virtual therapy, which can be more comfortable and convenient than in-person therapy. Members can connect with a licensed mental health care provider over the phone or video chat, making it easier and more flexible to access care.
• No-cost counselling sessions: Many Regence plans include no-cost counselling sessions through individual or employee assistance programs. This includes the Individual Assistance Program, which offers four free counselling sessions each time a member experiences a difficult life event.
• Mental health providers: Regence members can find the right mental health provider for their needs, whether it be a virtual or in-person therapist. Regence also has a dedicated team of Customer Service Professionals to help members find providers for specialised care.
• Substance misuse resources: Regence offers resources and treatment services for members struggling with substance use issues, including partnerships with companies that provide substance abuse treatment services.
• Mental health articles and tools: Regence members have access to a library of articles and decision-making tools to help them understand mental and behavioural health issues. This includes content from partners like Healthwise, which provides free and confidential treatment referrals and information.
• Support for life's challenges: Regence's health plans aim to support members through life's ups and downs. This includes helping members save money on medications and providing access to affordable prescription medications.
• Mental health first aid: Regence has a team of Mental Health First Aid-certified Customer Service Professionals dedicated to providing mental health resources and support to members.

Regence's prescription coverage

Regence is a health insurance company that offers prescription coverage as part of its health plans. The company provides tools and resources to help its members save money on their prescription medications. For example, Regence offers lower-cost network pharmacies, online cost-comparison tools, and convenient fill options. Members can also take advantage of home delivery for their medications, with free standard shipping.

To understand their prescription coverage, Regence members can sign in to their Regence accounts and select "Pharmacy" to view their pharmacy benefits. From there, they can use the "Find a Drug" feature under "Check Costs and Coverage" to see the estimated price of a specific medication. The Regence account also provides tools to research medications and message a pharmacist with any questions.

Additionally, Regence offers a real-time pharmacy benefit check tool through its partnership with Arrive Health. This tool integrates with the member's electronic medical record (EMR) system, providing quick access to pharmacy benefit checks. It displays coverage status, alerts, out-of-pocket costs, and formulary-driven medication alternatives.

Regence also recommends using in-network pharmacies to save money on prescription medications, as medication prices can vary among different pharmacies. Members can find in-network pharmacies and compare medication prices through their Regence accounts. They can also ask their pharmacists about discount programs offered by nonprofit organizations and the government, which can provide additional savings on medications.

Overall, Regence provides comprehensive prescription coverage and offers various tools and resources to help its members manage their medication costs effectively.

Regence's virtual care options

Regence is a health insurance company that offers a range of virtual care options to its members. These virtual care services are a convenient and cost-effective way to access healthcare services from the comfort of your own home.

One of the key advantages of Regence's virtual care is its accessibility. Members can connect with a doctor or behavioural health specialist 24/7, 365 days a year, via phone or video call. This means that you can get the care you need whenever it fits your schedule, without having to travel or wait in a potentially germ-filled waiting room.

Regence's virtual care services cover a wide range of non-emergency conditions, including common physical ailments such as rashes, ear infections, pink eye, colds, and flu, as well as mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and workplace stress. During a virtual appointment, you can receive a diagnosis, treatment plan, and even have a prescription sent directly to your pharmacy.

For those seeking mental and behavioural health support, Regence offers virtual therapy sessions, either in-network or out-of-network, depending on your preference and coverage. Additionally, Regence's Individual Assistance Program provides members with four free counselling sessions following a difficult life event, as well as immediate coverage for mental health visits.

Regence also understands that prescription costs can vary by pharmacy. With your Regence account, you can easily compare medication options and find the best in-network choice for your health and financial situation. This feature ensures that you can make informed decisions about your health while also saving money.

Overall, Regence's virtual care options provide members with convenient, flexible, and affordable healthcare solutions. By utilising virtual appointments, members can save time, stay safe, and easily access the care they need without having to leave their homes.

Frequently asked questions