NEWS RELEASES
Legacy Health reaches new contract with Regence BlueCross BlueShield
Portland, Ore., May 6, 2026 - Legacy Health is pleased to announce today that it has reached a new contract with Regence, effective retroactively to April 1, 2026. Any Legacy services provided since that date and going forward will be processed as in-network.
Under the agreement, Legacy’s hospitals, clinics, physicians and providers will remain in-network for Regence and other BlueCross BlueShield members, ensuring continued access to high-quality care at in-network rates.
"We realize this situation has been stressful and concerning for our patients who are Regence’s members, and we are happy to share this news today. Reaching this agreement ensures that patients can access the care they need and not pay more money out of pocket for services they receive.” said Merrin Permut, Vice President, Chief Population Health Officer.
"We are grateful to our people, patients and communities for their patience and understanding while we worked with Regence on a new agreement. I’m also deeply grateful for the hard work that our caregivers and staff have put in to support our patients throughout this situation."
Hospitals nationwide continue to face significant financial pressure from rising costs and historically low reimbursement rates. At Legacy, costs have increased 47% over the past five years. Legacy has taken meaningful steps to address these challenges, including improving efficiency, reducing expenses by nearly $40 million and making difficult but necessary workforce and service adjustments. This new contract recognizes the high-quality care Legacy delivers within our communities and while this does not completely close our financial gap, it more effectively responds to the increased operating costs and reflects our shared commitment and responsibility to our patients.
Legacy will be working with patients who are Regence members to minimize any disruption to care, including helping patients reschedule appointments or procedures that may have been delayed.
Legacy Health has created a website at LegacyHealth.org/RegenceContract to provide more information.
About Legacy Health
Legacy Health is a large, nonprofit, integrated health system with seven hospital campuses serving Oregon and Southwest Washington, including a full-service children’s hospital and a behavioral health emergency services facility. Legacy also operates an extensive ambulatory services network that includes 70 clinic locations and offers a broad continuum of care. The organization is a $3 billion + community system of care with over 14,000 employees in two states. Known for its commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care, Legacy Health has earned a strong reputation for clinical excellence, community partnership, and mission-driven service in the Pacific Northwest. For more information, visit www.legacyhealth.org.
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