Important update for members of Regence BlueShield of Idaho
Updated May 1, 2026
Portneuf Health is committed to ensuring communities across Idaho have continued access to high‑quality care from the caregivers patients know and trust.
We are actively negotiating with Regence BlueShield of Idaho (Regence) to reach a new agreement that would keep Portneuf facilities and employed providers in network for Regence members. While discussions continue, a significant gap remains. Regence currently reimburses Portneuf substantially less than other major insurers in our market and less than it pays many other Idaho health systems. We are seeking a fair agreement that helps narrow this gap and supports the long‑term sustainability of care in our community.
In addition to reimbursement concerns, we continue to experience challenges related to unpaid claims, denials, and reprocessing requirements from Regence. These issues increase administrative burden and can unnecessarily delay patient care.
If a new agreement is not reached by June 15, 2026, Portneuf facilities and employed providers would be out of network for Regence members.
We understand this may be concerning and have provided additional information below to help you understand what this could mean for you and your care.
What you need to know
- Emergency care will not be impacted. Emergency services at Portneuf Medical Center will continue to be covered at in‑network rates, as required by law, even if Portneuf is out of network.
- Some patients may qualify for continued in‑network coverage. Patients who are pregnant or undergoing active treatment may be eligible for continuity‑of‑care coverage. We encourage you to contact Regence using the number on the back of your insurance card to ask about your options.
- This situation is not just about rates. In addition to reimbursement levels, ongoing administrative challenges—such as unpaid or delayed claims, denials, and repeated reprocessing—have created barriers to timely care and increased complexity for patients and providers.
- You have options if you are concerned about your coverage. If maintaining in‑network access to Portneuf Health is important to you, consider speaking with your employer or insurance broker about available plan options that include Portneuf as an in‑network provider.
- Portneuf accepts many major insurance plans. A full list of insurance plans accepted at Portneuf is available at portneuf.org/insurance.
Your health and well‑being are important to us, and we remain committed to working toward a resolution that allows us to continue caring for you and your family close to home.
Frequently asked questions
Why did I receive a letter about this?
You may have a health insurance plan with Regence BlueShield of Idaho. We want to make you aware of a possible change to your coverage at Portneuf Health.
What is changing?
If we are unable to reach a fair agreement with Regence BlueShield of Idaho before the current agreement ends on June 15, 2026, all Portneuf facilities and our employed physicians and providers will no longer be in-network with Regence.
Why is this happening?
Portneuf Health and Regence BlueShield of Idaho are negotiating a new contract to keep Portneuf facilities and providers in network for Regence members. We have not yet reached an agreement that supports sustainable care delivery, as Regence reimburses Portneuf less than other insurers and administrative challenges have delayed care. Portneuf is seeking a fair, sustainable agreement so we can continue providing high‑quality care close to home.
What can I do if I want to keep seeing my Portneuf provider?
If you’re concerned about your current plan, consult your employer or insurance broker about options that include Portneuf as in-network. To review a list of plans that are in-network, please visit portneuf.org/insurance.
What if I stay with Regence BlueShield of Idaho?
You can remain on your current plan, but you may face higher out-of-pocket costs for non-emergency care after the out-of-network dates listed above.
What if I am pregnant, have a chronic condition or am undergoing active treatment?
We encourage you to contact Regence by using the number on the back of your insurance card to ask about:
- Continuity of care for certain conditions or ongoing treatment that you may be eligible for under the No Surprises Act
- Out-of-network benefits.
Will emergency care still be covered?
Yes. Emergency care is not impacted. Regence is required by law to cover emergency services at in-network rates, even if we are no longer in-network.
What if I decide to change my medical provider?
If you choose to change providers, we’ll work with you to make that transition as smooth as possible. Medical records may be requested in MyChart. Once logged in to MyChart, go to Menu > Document Center > Requested Records > Click to send a request for records and complete the form. Click here to sign in to MyChart.
You may also call 208-239-1100 to request your medical records or visit portneuf.org/patients-and-visitors/request-medical-records for more information.