Legacy and Regence contract negotiations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is happening between Legacy Health and Regence?  

I have never had Regence insurance.  Why am I receiving this letter? 

How does this currently affect me as a Regence member and Legacy patient?  

Why did Legacy ask for a rate increase now? 

What happens if an agreement can’t be reached? 

What are my options if Legacy Health becomes out-of-network for Regence? 

Where can I get more information?  

I expect to be in ongoing treatment past March 31. Will Legacy continue to be covered as in-network by Regence insurance?

What can I do to help? 

Which hospitals and clinics are included in the Silverton contract? 

I have an individual/family or small group Regence Legacy or Regence Alliance plan, am I affected by the contract negotiations?

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Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

What is happening between Legacy Health and Regence?  

Legacy and Regence are negotiating a new contract that will determine how much Regence pays Legacy for the care we provide to their members. Legacy requested a fair, reasonable increase to address ongoing financial challenges due to rising costs from labor, supplies and regulatory demands. However, Regence has indicated so far that they do not support our request to fairly raise reimbursement.

I have never had Regence insurance.  Why am I receiving this letter? 

You may have insurance through another BlueCross BlueShield insurer (such as Premera) that uses the Regence network for access to Legacy services. If there is no contract between Regence and Legacy, Legacy will be out of network for all members in the BlueCross BlueShield Association. 

How does this currently affect me as a Regence member and Legacy patient?  

• There are no changes to your insurance coverage right now.  

• Legacy wants to reach an agreement with Regence before our current contract expires on March 31. If we do, there will be no disruption in your access to Legacy as a Regence member.   

Why did Legacy ask for a rate increase now? 

• From 2021 to 2025, Legacy's expenses rose 47% due to inflation, higher supply costs, and a national healthcare workforce shortage.

• Legacy continues to provide high-quality, evidence-based care, deliver strong outcomes, and invest in ongoing workforce stability, patient safety, and community access. The reimbursement increase we have proposed to Regence is market competitive and reflects the rising cost and consistent value Legacy delivers to Regence members every day.

• Sustainable reimbursement rates are necessary to ensure continued access to high-quality care for the communities we serve. 

• While Regence has made meaningful contributions over the past two years to help narrow the gap between reimbursement rates and operating expenses, their reimbursement increases have not kept pace with health care’s rising cost structure.  

• Regence continues to pay Legacy the lowest reimbursement rates of any major health system in the region.  

What happens if an agreement can’t be reached? 

• If an agreement is not reached, Legacy will no longer be in-network for Regence members, except for emergency care.  

• Out-of-network means that you may have to pay more money out of pocket for services at Legacy.   

• If you have any questions about whether services will be in-network or out-of- network, you should contact Regence using the phone number found on the back of your member ID.  

What are my options if Legacy Health becomes out-of-network for Regence? 

• Check your plan benefits to see if you have out-of-network coverage. Some Regence plans may cover some or all out-of-network care costs, depending on your deductible,coinsuranceand out-of-pocket maximum. Call the phone number on the back of your member ID insurance card to learn more.  

• Explore other health insurance options that include Legacy Health as an in-network provider. You may be able to switch to a different insurance plan during open enrollment, or if you have a qualifying life event, such as moving, getting married or losing your job. Visit oregonhealthcare.gov to compare plans and see what works best for you.   

• Apply for financial assistance from Legacy. We have financial assistance programs for patients who qualify based on their income and family size. To learn more visit legacyhealth.org/financialassistance.  

Where can I get more information?  

Legacy commits to regular updates on the status of our negotiations with Regence and will post new information at LegacyHealth.org/RegenceContract.

I expect to be in ongoing treatment past March 31. Will Legacy continue to be covered as in-network by Regence insurance?

• In order to obtain continuity of care, you must request continuity of care from the insurer.    

• If you are being treated for any condition that requires ongoing care and you have questions about your insurance coverage, please contact Regence directly. As your insurance company, Regence is responsible for making decisions about your insurance coverage in the case of a contract termination.   

• You can call the phone number on your member ID card.    

What can I do to help? 

• Contact Regence using the phone number on the back of your member ID card and ask them to support Legacy’s request for a fair and reasonable rate increase.   

• Tell Regence how important Legacy Health is to you and your family and urge them to reach an agreement with us before March 31.   

• Share your feedback and concerns with your employer, who may have influence over your health plan choices. 

Which hospitals and clinics are included in the Silverton contract? 

The contract being negotiated does not include Silverton, which are under a separate agreement with Regence. The following facilities are included in the Silverton contract and not affected:   

• Legacy Silverton Medical Center   

• Legacy Medical Group–Molalla Family Medicine   

• Legacy Medical Group–Mt. Angel 

• Legacy Medical Group–Silverton 

• Legacy Medical Group–Silverton Family Medicine   

• Legacy Medical Group–Woodburn Health Center

• Legacy Imaging—Woodburn Diagnostics 

I have an individual/family or small group Regence Legacy or Regence Alliance plan, am I affected by the contract negotiations?

No. All Regence Legacy and Regence Alliance plans have a separate contract. Legacy will continue to be in-network for members in these plans. Most Regence Alliance and Regence Legacy plans are purchased through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace or Washington Health Benefit Exchange. Note they are distinct from Regence’s Individual and Family Network plans. If your plan has the word “Legacy” in the name, you will still be in-network for Legacy services.