EVERETT — Some 69,000 patients of The Everett Clinic would have to find a new insurance plan, a new doctor or end up paying out-of-network fees if a contract dispute with Regence BlueShield is not resolved.
Although the clinic’s contract with Regence doesn’t end until Jan. 25, the dispute could complicate the choices for patients who are now shopping for health insurance. This includes those who are buying individual health insurance plans, signing up for health insurance at their jobs and Medicare Advantage patients facing a Dec. 7 signup deadline.
The Everett Clinic notified its patients in a letter, which also was posted on the website of Vibrant USA, which provides guidance on various Medicare health plan options.
The Everett Clinic informed Regence on Oct. 26 of its plans to terminate the contract, said clinic spokeswoman Michele Graves. “We will continue to keep communication open and hope for a satisfactory resolution,” she said in an email.
Jennifer Morgan, a spokeswoman for Regence, said the organization is continuing to negotiate and is optimistic that an agreement can be reached. That would allow patients with Regence insurance to continue to be covered for their treatments at The Everett Clinic.
“It’s really unfortunate timing, especially with open enrollment and people being confused as to whether (The Everett Clinic) will remain a provider,” Morgan said.
Regence has contracted with The Everett Clinic for more than 20 years, she said.
“We’re hoping this negotiation can move forward so people aren’t having to deal with any confusion or not being sure if their doctor is covered” through their insurance plan, Morgan said.
This is the latest contract dispute between a health care organization and an insurance company.
In July, Providence Health &Services announced that it would not renew its contract with Premera Blue Cross effective Jan. 1. That would have left an estimated 7,000 Premera patients in Snohomish County scrambling for doctors, hospitals and perhaps other insurance.
In September the two sides came to a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract. The agreement covers almost all Premera patients except those covered through Prime, a health insurance plan for group businesses, said Paul Hollie, a Premera spokesman.
Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486; salyer@heraldnet.com.
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