January 1, 2025 - 13:55
After months of stalled negotiations, Regence BlueCross BlueShield has announced that, effective January 1, members will no longer have access to in-network care at Salem Health providers and facilities. This decision comes after the two parties failed to reach a new contract, leaving thousands of Regence members facing significant changes in their healthcare options.
The termination of in-network status means that patients seeking care at Salem Health will be subject to higher out-of-pocket costs, as their services will be billed at out-of-network rates. This shift is expected to create challenges for many individuals who rely on Salem Health for essential medical services, including hospital stays, emergency care, and outpatient treatments.
Regence emphasized that they are committed to providing quality healthcare and will continue to seek partnerships with other providers in the region. Meanwhile, Salem Health expressed disappointment over the breakdown in negotiations, highlighting the importance of accessible healthcare for the community. As the deadline approaches, members are urged to review their healthcare options and consider alternative providers to avoid disruptions in their care.
