Premera Removes a Review Step for Massage Therapy in 2027

Starting January 1, 2027, Premera Blue Cross will stop requiring EviCore utilization review for massage therapy. For employees with a covered massage therapy benefit through work, that means one fewer approval step.

The background

EviCore is an outside company Premera uses to review treatment plans and check whether care is medically necessary. Your provider submits the information for that review. Under Premera’s current process, providers generally request this review after the first six treatment visits in an episode of care. Premera says removing the requirement for massage therapy will reduce paperwork and help members access care faster.

What changes for employees?

• Fewer review-related delays. Your massage therapist won’t need EviCore’s review for massage therapy services beginning January 1.
• Your plan’s rules still apply. This update doesn’t change deductibles, copays, coinsurance or benefit limits. It doesn’t add massage coverage to plans that don’t offer it.
• Other therapy reviews continue. EviCore will still review services such as physical and occupational therapy.

Have Premera coverage through Business Health Trust? Check your plan booklet or call the number on your member ID card to confirm your massage therapy coverage before scheduling.

Read Premera’s full update.