Lewiston hospital, insurance carrier continue to work towards agreement

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Lewiston’s St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and Regence BlueShield of Idaho continue to work towards an agreement that would keep the hospital’s participation in the provider’s insurance plans.

The two sides are at odds over the amount St. Joe’s charges Regence for the medical care provided to subscribers. The hospital contends Regence reimburses the facility below market average for the care provided, while Regence says St. Joe’s current proposal would result in significant increases to annual premiums.

If a compromise isn’t reached in the next two months, St. Joe’s will no longer participate in the Idaho insurance plans of Regence as of January 15th. Should that happen, Regence would continue to provide in-network reimbursement for emergency treatment at St. Joe’s for conditions such as heart attacks or injuries sustained in serious automobile accidents.

Generally, other care including obstetrics, chemotherapy, and office visits to hospital-employed physicians would be considered out of network.

St. Joe’s and Regence are encouraging patients to contact Regence’s customer service department to get information about continuity of care benefits.

Meanwhile, those enrolled in Regence’s version of Medicare Advantage would receive still in-network benefits at St. Joe’s through 2020 even if an agreement isn’t reached. (Lewiston Tribune)

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