Washington patients who rely on MultiCare hospitals and clinics are staring down a potential insurance shakeup after the health system signaled it may leave parts of two major insurers’ networks, a move that could spike out-of-pocket costs for thousands. Premera Blue Cross has a May 31, 2026 deadline tied to a formal termination notice, and Regence-related mailings warn that coverage in parts of the state could change on or after May 10, 2026. The warnings have already rattled care plans for patients with scheduled surgeries, chronic conditions and pregnancies, who are now trying to figure out whether they can keep their current doctors if negotiations collapse.
In an online update, Premera Blue Cross reported that MultiCare issued a termination notice effective May 31, 2026. The notice applies to MultiCare clinics, hospitals and providers across Premera’s networks and affects commercial and individual plans. According to Premera, Medicare supplement coverage is not part of the dispute, and emergency care at MultiCare would still be covered at in-network cost sharing while talks continue. The insurer also outlined continuity-of-care reviews for patients who are pregnant, have scheduled procedures or live with chronic conditions, offering short-term protections if a deal ultimately falls through.
Regence, UMP And The May 10 Deadline
The Washington State Health Care Authority says Regence sent legally required notices to about 17,000 Uniform Medical Plan (UMP) members, warning that MultiCare facilities in Grays Harbor, Thurston and Yakima counties could be out of network beginning May 10, 2026 if a new contract is not finalized. The HCA notes that members with care scheduled through May 9 will remain in network, and some patients already in ongoing treatment may qualify for continuity protections through Aug. 9, 2026. UMP members received phone numbers and plan-specific instructions on the HCA site to help them navigate potential transitions.
How Many Patients Could Be Affected
Premera representatives told The News Tribune that about 163,000 Premera members received care at MultiCare sites in 2025, including more than 61,000 in Pierce County. That, the outlet reported, leaves roughly 80,000 Premera members in that county potentially affected if the network relationship ends. MultiCare has argued that Premera’s reimbursement rates are among the lowest it receives and have not kept up with inflation and workforce costs. Standoffs like this have popped up before and often settle in the final days before a deadline, but even short-lived uncertainty can disrupt patients’ lives and employers’ planning.
Patients' Stories
Tacoma resident Craig Barthuly, who is undergoing cancer treatment at MultiCare Tacoma General, told The News Tribune that a notice about the dispute left him scrambling to confirm his care would continue. "It's like they dumped this on me and a lot of others," he said, describing hours spent on the phone with his hospital and insurer. Both hospitals and insurers say customer service teams and continuity-of-care processes are in place to limit treatment interruptions for patients already in active care.
Coverage Protections And What To Do
Insurers and state officials alike emphasize that certain safeguards exist for people already in treatment. Emergency care is generally covered at the in-network cost share, and Premera says patients receiving pregnancy care or long-term or complex treatment may qualify for continuity-of-care benefits for up to 90 days. Premera members are urged to use the insurer’s Find a Doctor tool or call the number on the back of their ID card to verify their options. UMP members are advised to follow the HCA guidance and call the customer service lines listed on the HCA page to confirm how their care would be covered if contracts change.
Why The Fight Matters
Premera's vice president for commercial business, David Condon, has told reporters that affordability and rising health care costs are central to the standoff, arguing that statewide rate requests can overlook lower local wages outside the Puget Sound region. That position was relayed in regional coverage. MultiCare contends that higher reimbursement is necessary to offset inflation and workforce investments and to preserve local services. Regional outlets note that similar contract battles have emerged in past years and often resolved before providers were formally removed from insurance networks.
Where To Watch For Updates
MultiCare, Regence and other insurers have published FAQs and contact numbers for affected members, and they are updating those pages as negotiations continue. Patients can check MultiCare and Regence for the latest notices and phone numbers.
