Groups With 1 to 2 Employees Have Updated Underwriting Requirements

There are important changes coming to the Premera Blue Cross and Premera Blue Cross HMO small group underwriting requirements for groups size 1-2 enrolled employees.

Premera Blue Cross and Premera Blue Cross HMO are required to meet state and federal requirements as it relates to the Affordable Care Act. To maintain compliance and align with industry standards, we’re making changes to the underwriting requirements for groups with 1-2 enrolled employees.

This change will take effect for new and renewing employer groups on May 1, 2026 and will require groups of 1-2 enrolled employees to provide a Group Size Attestation and additional tax documentation 60 days prior to the requested effective date of the plan. These documents can be easily uploaded into the MarketPlace platform any time following the release of the employer group renewal package.

Providing these documents 60 days prior to the plan effective date allows ample time for underwriting review to establish eligibility in the small group market and to communicate to those groups who may not qualify for small group coverage. This also gives you and your customer the opportunity to explore options for continued coverage through other sources including the individual market.

May 1, 2026 renewals will be released February 9, 2026, will be available on the MarketPlace platform, and will include information on this change and the new Group Size Attestation and instructions. The Group Size Attestation and required tax documentation must be uploaded to the MarketPlace platform by March 2, 2026.

Employer groups with 1-2 enrolled employees will be notified directly by mail approximately 90 days prior to their renewal date of these changes through their Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner mandated renewal letter. A special edition Employer News Bulletin is also being sent to all employers with 1-2 enrolled employees prior to the release of the March 2, 2026 renewals packages.

We recognize this is a significant change for our Washington customers. If you have questions about this requirement or need assistance in accessing the MarketPlace platform, please contact your General Agency Partner.

Premera Blue Cross group size attestation form

Premera Blue Cross HMO group size attestation form