June 22, 2026
Portneuf Medical Center went out-of-network with Regence BlueShield on June 15, 2026.
Many of those who no longer have in-network coverage at Portneuf health care facilities are employees of the state of Idaho. In fact, a statement from Idaho’s Office of Group Insurance says approximately 3,600 state employees on the state employee health plan have been impacted.
More broadly, Regence estimates that approximately 5,700 people have been affected by the contract expiration.
Representatives from both Portneuf and Regence say that negotiations are ongoing.
Both Regence and Portneuf have issued statements on their web sites.
Sources: East Idaho News, Idaho State Journal
May 27, 2026
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
May 5, 2026
The contract between Portneuf Medical Center and Regence BlueShield is scheduled to expire on June 14, 2026. If the two sides are unable to reach an agreement, the following facilities would become out-of-network:
- PHS Ambulatory Services
- Pocatello Health Services
- Portneuf Ambulatory Surgical Center
- Portneuf Medical Center
Both sides have gone public with their positions — and their accounts of what is driving the dispute differ significantly. PMC contends that Regence reimburses the health system at unfairly low rates compared to other insurers and has created mounting administrative barriers that delay patient care. Regence counters that PMC’s parent company — Tennessee-based Ardent Health — is demanding double-digit rate increases that would ultimately drive up costs for local businesses and health plan members.
Alternate options for Regence BlueShield members include Bingham Memorial Hospital, Caribou Medical Center, Mountain View Hospital, and Idaho Falls Community Hospital.
Both Regence and PMC say they remain committed to reaching an agreement.
Source: Idaho State Journal via InsuranceNewsNet