U of U Health, Regence insurance warn they may not reach a contract

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s first insurance provider, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, and University of Utah Health are struggling to reach a contract, which could leave tens of thousands of Utahns with more limited health care options after the end of June.

Regence said in a statement on Tuesday that it has had a “long, strong working relationship with University of Utah Health” since the university hospital was established in 1965. The company said it has provided health insurance in Utah for over 78 years.

“Since last year, we have been working in good faith with University of Utah Health on a new contract to keep the health system, including the hospital, in our networks,” the statement said.

Kathey Wilets, senior director of public relations at U. Health, said the system cares for about 70,000 to 80,000 people with Regence health insurance who are not employees of University of Utah, and another 50,000 employees of University of Utah and their families covered by Regence health insurance.

She said leaders at U. Health are confident a resolution can be reached “that prioritizes the health and well-being of our patients, our teams and our community.”

In the meantime, University of Utah has taken steps to allow providers to continue caring for employees and their families as though they were in network if an agreement is not reached.

“For more than 50 years, University of Utah Health has been a trusted partner in health care for our community. We’ve done that by putting our patients and our employees at the forefront of all we do,” Wilets said.

She encouraged Regence members to reach out to their employers to discuss the importance of U. Health’s in-network status for their health care.

Emily Ashcraft’s story continues at KSL.com.