Where’s commitment to care by Regence, Everett Clinic owner?

I am a Public Employees Benefit Board retiree in my 80s affected by the Regence insurance plan possibly being pulled from the Everett Clinic due to its dispute with Optum Health Care network (“Contract impasse affects thousands at Regence, Everett Clinic,” The Heralde, Nov. 23). In its letters informing me of these changes, both Optum and Regence say they wish for compassionate and quality care for their subscribers, yet, according to the recent Herald article, they now cut us off with slim hope of finding adequate care within the community.

To me this situation demonstrates the weaknesses in the American system of health care. According to the article, Optum had an income of $17.3 billion — with a b — in 2021, and more than $42 billion in cash and investments. Regence had more than $95 million dollars profit in 2021, with $1.55 billion in surplus. By not coming to an agreement that would best serve their clients, the sentiments of providing compassionate care ring hollow indeed.

Ann Lynch

Mill Creek