Legacy Health and Regence Standoff Could Raise Patient Bills

A new contract dispute between Legacy Health and Regence BlueCross could push costs higher for people who use Legacy’s hospitals. The two companies are in talks, but their current deal ends on March 31 and a fresh agreement has not yet been signed. If no compromise is reached, patients will still be able to stay in Legacy hospitals as in‑network, but many visits to doctors and clinics may cost more. The problem mainly affects employees who get health insurance through their jobs and use Legacy’s services. Regence has already warned about 29, 000 customers that could see changes in their coverage. Legacy says it needs a bigger share of rising costs from staff, supplies and new rules, and is asking for a 22 % increase over two years. That hike would translate into higher premiums and out‑of‑pocket expenses for local businesses and the people who rely on Legacy. Regence points out that it spends almost 90 % of each premium dollar on patient care and wants to keep costs down. Even if negotiations stall, most Legacy hospitals will stay in Regence’s network for another year because of a clause in the current contract. However, patients who see doctors or use clinics that belong to Legacy could face higher bills starting April 1, even if they are treated inside a Legacy hospital.Some workers who belong to other BlueCross plans may still see Legacy doctors through shared networks, but coverage details can vary. Certain clinics in Silverton and nearby towns are under a separate agreement that protects them from the dispute, as do patients who bought Regence plans on the marketplace. Patients undergoing serious treatments such as cancer or pregnancy care might qualify for short‑term “continuity of care” protections, but those are not guaranteed. Legacy’s chief population health officer warned that a break in the deal could force patients to change doctors, lose familiar relationships, and travel farther for care. Legacy operates six hospitals and more than 80 clinics in the area, including unique services such as burn treatment and pediatric care that may not be available elsewhere. Access to nearby quality care is essential for many residents. This conflict reflects a national trend where hospitals seek more money to cover rising expenses, while insurers worry that higher payments will end up on patients and employers. Both sides say they are still negotiating, and neither has left the table. Patients are encouraged to talk with Regence about their coverage options and consider alternative in‑network providers if a new contract is not signed soon.