HEALTH

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

May 30, 2023, 10:00 AM | Updated: Oct 26, 2023, 12:55 pm

Data breach at University of Utah Health Plans...

Data breach at University of Utah Health Plans (Kristen Murphy, Deseret News)

(Kristen Murphy, Deseret News)

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.

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Health

Cancers, once considered to be part of the aging process, are now showing up in much younger people...

Don Brinkerhoff

Early-Onset cancer rates rising for people ages 18 to 45

Early-onset cancer is showing up earlier and earlier in patients aged 18 to 49, and researchers aren't quite sure why.

3 hours ago

tooele health department sign, the department is investigating counterfeit car seat cases...

Alex Cabrero, KSL TV

Four ways to figure out if you have a counterfeit car seat

The Tooele County Health Department says the registration card is one of the four most important things you can do to check for a counterfeit car seat.

9 hours ago

FILE: The ponds at Heber Valley Special Service District in Heber, For Midway residents, the sewage...

Collin Leonard

Midway residents say stink from sewage ponds is making them sick, prompting state health study

Midway residents say the bad smell from Heber Valley's wastewater lagoons is getting stronger, and sticking around longer.

13 hours ago

Orem man Chris Avery is aiming to run around the United States, training by running nearly 800 days...

Heather Peterson

Orem man training for year-long run around United States

Chris Avery, a coach from Orem, is training to spend 365 days running around America in 2027. If he does, he will set the Guinness World Record for most consecutive ultra-marathons.

16 hours ago

(Canva)...

Michelle Lee

Make healthier food choices every day

Let’s Get Moving Host Maria Shilaos spoke with Brent Franson, Founder and CEO of Most Days, to learn how to make healthier food choices.

2 days ago

The Delta Center and the Utah Jazz are making Mother's Rooms at the arena....

Ben Anderson

Utah Jazz open mother’s rooms at Delta Center

The Jazz mother’s rooms are designed to accommodate mothers and infants at Jazz games, concerts, and other events.

4 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

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