(The Center Square) – Washington state’s Premera Blue Cross members have two weeks until a contract with MultiCare Health Systems expires, removing their access to around 1,000 health care providers statewide.
While the two not-for-profit healthcare organizations have negotiated for months, Premera’s website says MultiCare entered the process with a termination notice.
The Center Square reached out to MultiCare for an interview, but Kevin Maloney, media relations manager for MultiCare’s Inland Northwest region, responded with an email stating that the organization is participating in negotiations but that Premera needs to pay its fair share.
“Since 2019, Premera has reimbursed MultiCare well below the rate of inflation,” Maloney wrote in the email. “This is not sustainable and jeopardizes access to 1,000 health care providers and multiple hospitals, urgent cares, and health clinics across the state.”
David Condon, Premera Blue Cross’ vice president of Eastern Washington, said the rate being paid is what MultiCare agreed to
Read more…
