8/12/16 UPDATE: Premera Blue Cross sent email communications to employers (including small groups) regarding the contract dispute with Providence Health and Services that includes the message that they remain hopeful they can reach an agreement.

You may have heard that in Washington state, Premera Blue Cross  and Providence (including Swedish, Pacific Medical Centers and Kadlec) were in negotiations on their provider contracts.

At this point, Providence has decided not to renew their provider network contracts, effective 1/1/2017.

Statement by Providence.                            Statement by Premera Blue Cross.

It is important to note that for the remainder of 2016 it is “business as usual” with the existing provider network contracts.

At GHB, we are watching the situation closely. We are hopeful that it will be resolved well before the end of the year. If there is no resolution, we will work with each of our clients to recommend replacement coverage that would include the networks their employees and dependents need.

(Note: This will not affect Premera’s Medicare products, and Medicare patients will not be impacted.)

Please do not hesitate to call us with your questions on this or any other insurance need. We are here to help!

Just call at (360) 943-4500