MultiCare is asking for significant increases from Regence. Both are working together to reach an agreement. We support Regence during their negotiations to maintain affordable health care.
The leaders of MultiCare have notified Regence BlueShield and Asuris Northwest Health (Regence/Asuris) of their intent to leave their network on March 1, 2024. MultiCare is asking for significant double-digit price increases that are not reasonable or sustainable. We support Regence/Asuris during these negotiations, as we work to maintain affordable health care. We are hopeful that an agreement will be reached and will keep members updated.
Potential Trust premium impacts
While MultiCare and Regence are working together to come to an agreement, the outcome of these negotiations will have an impact on Trust premiums. If Regence were to agree to the requested double-digit rate increases, in addition to the already agreed upon rate increases within the existing contract, Trust member premiums WILL increase to make up for the additional monies that would be paid for services. And while the Trust will not increase premiums mid-year, this will impact 2025 premiums, potentially by several percentage points, above expected increases.
Additional resources
Here are some resources that may be helpful to employers to share with employees concerned about these negotiations and potential network status change.
Trust email communication to employers in impacted counties, sent 1/25/24 – This link includes a list of MultiCare facilities and coverage implications if they do leave the Regence network.
MultiCare statement, posted 1/26/24
Regence statement, posted1/23/24
Additional Regence provider negotiations information
Communications to your employee’s homes – Regence/Asuris sent this letter to the homes of all members who have accessed care at a MultiCare facility over the last year.