Idaho State University is committed to providing employees with timely updates regarding the ongoing discussions between Portneuf Medical Center and Regence BlueShield of Idaho. In coordination with the Idaho Office of Group Insurance (OGI), we are sharing the most current information available about Portneuf Medical Center's network status and what it may mean for members covered under the state health plan. Please review the following update from OGI to better understand potential impacts on you and your covered dependents:
Dear Pocatello-area plan members,
Effective July 15, 2026, the 30-day in-network transition period has passed. Portneuf Health/Ardent Health and Regence have not been able to come to an agreement. The Portneuf Health system is out of network, and claims for services will be processed as such. Please remember:
Emergency care is always covered at the in-network level. Members should seek care at the nearest location in the event of an emergency.
Discussions continue between Regence and Portneuf/Ardent regarding network contracting, but no agreement has been reached at this time.
Members can still receive care at Portneuf; however, the cost for out-of-network care is higher. Please refer to your plan documents for specific amounts (https://ogi.idaho.gov/medical/).
We remain hopeful that an agreement will be reached. Regence and Portneuf/Ardent are in near constant communication regarding this matter.
Until an agreement is reached, members are encouraged to search for other in-network providers using the find a provider tool in the Regence member portal or contact Regence customer service at 1-800-854-5585.
The Office of Group Insurance (OGI) has been and will continue to monitor this situation closely. OGI will provide an update as soon as something changes in the negotiations.
Regards,
The Office of Group Insurance
Patients receiving ongoing treatment for certain conditions may qualify for continuity of care. This coverage allows you to continue receiving in-network care from Portneuf Medical Center providers and facilities for a limited time. For eligibility details, please call Regence at the number on the back of your insurance card (or 1-800-854-5585).
This content is sourced from
Idaho State University Twin Falls
. It reflects the author's views and has not been edited by our newsroom. It may have been generated using AI assistance.
