An East Idaho hospital and a major health insurer are struggling to agree to terms on a contract that would keep the hospital in network for the insurer of Idaho’s state government employees.
Earlier this month, state officials told human resource staff for state agencies that the private company that owns the Pocatello hospital, Portneuf Medical Center, and the insurer, Regence BlueShield of Idaho, are still in good faith negotiations and “remain hopeful that a fair agreement can be reached.”
In a statement on Friday, a spokesperson speaking on behalf of Portneuf said Regence has “not engaged in good faith negotiations.” Regence BlueShield of Idaho said in an interview Friday that the hospital has gone public with allegations that are “sensational” and “unsubstantiated.”
The current contract is scheduled to expire on June 14, 2026.
Source: Idaho Capital-Sun