Negotiations between U of U Health and Regence are ongoing. We are hopeful that a new network provider agreement will be reached before July 1, 2023. In the meantime, we have created this FAQ to address questions and concerns that may arise.
For Patients of U of U Health
University of Utah Health’s (“U of U Health”) physician and hospital services contract with Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield (“Regence”) expires on June 30, 2023. We have not been able to reach a new agreement with Regence yet. If no agreement is reached before July 1, 2023, Regence health plans will no longer consider U of U Health “in network.”
Patients with some conditions can continue “in-network” treatment for a limited time. Eligible conditions include select chronic diseases, patients currently scheduled for non-elective surgery, patients who are pregnant, and patients with terminal illness. (Please contact Regence for more information about qualifying conditions and coverage).
If the contract lapses, Regence may ask you to pay higher out-of-pocket costs to continue receiving care at U of U Health.
We understand this news is frustrating and potentially confusing. We regret the disruption it may cause for you and your family. We will work closely with you to ensure that your health care is appropriately transitioned if that becomes necessary.
We are committed to your health and well-being, and we are dedicated to working with Regence on finding a solution that enables us to maintain our high standards of excellence in patient care. For nearly 60 years, U of U Health has been a leader in health care both nationally and in our community and we’ve done that by putting our patients and employees at the forefront of all we do.
Patients with questions or concerns should contact Regence for more information about qualifying conditions and coverage. We will continue to work with Regence to negotiate a contract that will enable you and your family to continue to receive “in-network” services at U of U Health. If you have additional questions or concerns, please call the number on the back of your Regence member ID card.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does out-of-network mean?
Being out-of-network on a health insurance plan means you may pay more out-of-pocket compared to seeing a provider who is in- network.
2. What if I’m seeing a specialist for a chronic condition?
If you’re currently receiving specialty care from University of Utah Health, or care for a serious ongoing condition, you may have access to in-network treatment for a period of time. Some eligible conditions may include:
• Complex, chronic, or serious medical conditions
• Ongoing inpatient care
• Non-elective surgery scheduled after June 30th, 2023
• Terminal illnesses such as cancer
• Being pregnant
Please contact Regence for clarification about which conditions may be covered at in-network rates.
3. What if I have an emergency and I’m taken to University of Utah Hospital?
If you are experiencing an emergency you should go to the nearest emergency room. Your care will be covered as though you are in-network regardless of which hospital you visit.
4. I’m pregnant and my baby is due after June 30th. Do I need to switch to another physician? Will I be able to deliver my child at University Hospital?
Your care with a U of U Health provider will continue uninterrupted. You do not need to change to another provider outside of the U of U Health system.
5. I have cancer and I’m seeing a specialist at Huntsman Cancer Institute. Is my care still covered?
Yes, in many cases, your care is still covered if you are being seen by a provider at Huntsman Cancer Institute. You should contact Regence for specific information about your coverage and the length of time you can continue your care at U of U Health’s Huntsman Cancer Institute.
6. I have a child who sees specialists at Primary Children’s Hospital. Will this affect the care my child receives or change it in any way?
No. Care at Primary Children’s Hospital is unchanged.
7. Who do I talk to at Regence to find new providers?
For information about transitioning to new providers, you can contact Regence by calling the number on the back of your Regence member ID card.
8. Should I contact my provider at U of U Health to see if I can continue seeing him/her?
Please call the number on the back of your Regence member ID for more information about continuing your care at U of U Health or transitioning to new providers.
9. I have a surgery scheduled after June 30th. Will I need to pay higher out-of-pocket costs?
Certain services scheduled after June 30th may still be covered. Please call the number on the back of your Regence member ID card to confirm.
10. I will be in the hospital before June 30th and after July 1st. Will I need to pay more out-of-pocket costs?
If your elective (not urgent) surgical care begins before June 30th and extends beyond July 1st, your hospital stay will be covered as though it’s in-network. Non-elective (urgent) surgeries are covered, but you should contact Regence for specific information about your coverage.
If you are in a course of treatment at U of U Health, please contact Regence for specific information about your care and the cost of your care.