Salem, OR – Starting Wednesday, thousands of Regence health insurance policyholders will see a significant increase in out-of-pocket costs when seeking care at Salem Health hospitals and clinics. Regence announced the change, revealing that patients insured through the company will no longer receive in-network rates for services provided by the healthcare provider.
The price hike stems from a shift in the relationship between Regence and Salem Health, likely due to changes in the terms of their contract. As a result, those covered by Regence will now be subject to higher copays, deductibles, and coinsurance when accessing care at Salem Health’s facilities.
Regence, one of the leading health insurers in the region, notified its members of the impending changes, urging them to consider alternative options for care or to seek out information regarding the new out-of-pocket expenses. With Salem Health being one of the area’s primary providers, the cost increase is expected to impact many patients in the region who rely on these hospitals and clinics for their medical needs.
As of now, it remains unclear what led to the breakdown in negotiations between the two entities. Industry experts suggest that disagreements over reimbursement rates and other contractual terms are often at the root of such disputes, though neither Regence nor Salem Health have provided specific details on the matter.
Patients insured through Regence are encouraged to reach out to both their insurer and Salem Health for further clarification regarding the changes and to explore options for mitigating the impact of the increased costs. Local healthcare advocates are already calling for increased transparency and urging both parties to come to a resolution that ensures patients can continue to access necessary care without facing financial hardship.
This development comes as many healthcare systems across the country navigate increasingly complex insurance arrangements, leaving patients to cope with the consequences of changing policies and contract disputes.
