History
Premera was founded as Washington Hospital Service on May 5, 1945, and began operating in Alaska in 1957. On March 14, 1969, the company's name was changed to Blue Cross of Washington and Alaska.
In 1994, Blue Cross of Washington and Alaska affiliated with Spokane's Medical Service Corporation, which had been founded in November 1933. In June 1998, the two organizations merged under the name Premera Blue Cross.
In 2002, Premera's executives first informed Washington commissioner Mike Kreidler of their intent to convert from a non-profit to a for-profit joint-stock company. After five years, the request was officially ended on March 5, 2007.
In October 2009, Premera waived deductible or co-pay for 2009-H1N1 vaccine fees for its fully insured members.
Read more about this topic: Premera Blue Cross
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