Updated 11/27/2023
Providence Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) in eastern Washington and Premera have come to an agreement on a contract, providing no disruption to Premera patients receiving care at Providence ASCs in eastern Washington. This contract is effective beginning January 1, 2024.
The new contract allows members across all Premera lines of business (commercial, individual, and Medicare Advantage) to retain in-network access to healthcare services in 2024.
Premera and Providence entered negotiations with the goal of continuing to provide access to local high-quality care for those ensured by Premera, as well as fair reimbursement for services provided. The new contract represents collaboration between two organizations that aims to provide stability and access to care for patients throughout eastern Washington.
We appreciate the patience and understanding of our community members as we’ve worked through this. Premera remains committed to reaching a multi-year agreement that ensures there is no disruption for Providence patients and our members.
Original post
The following Providence Washington Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) in eastern Washington have contract end dates of December 31, 2023:
o Providence Surgery and Procedure Center ASC (Spokane Valley)
o Kadlec Ambulatory Surgery Center, Spaulding Campus ASC (Richland)
o Kadlec Ambulatory Endoscopy Center, Lee Campus ASC (Richland)
o Tri-City Regional Surgery Center, LLC ASC (Richland)
We are working in good faith to reach a new agreement that provides quality care for our members and fairly compensates the health system.
We understand we are in unprecedented economic times, and we want to do our part to help. Rate increases, untethered to improvements in quality or access to care, work against our objective of making healthcare work better. It’s important to note that 80 cents of every premium dollar that Premera receives is mandated by state law to be spent directly on the care of members. That’s why our focus has been – and continues to be – quickly reaching a new contract that benefits these Providence ASCs groups and our members.
We value the care our partners at these Providence ASCs provide for our region. That’s why as we continue to work with them, we are committed to working long term with them on realistic, practical solutions that drive down costs. Premera’s role is to be good stewards of your clients’ dollars, while also helping set them up for long-term financial success.
Check back on our Healthsource blog for the latest information. Letters to affected members will be mailed on November 27, 2023, to meet our contractually obligated 30-day notification. If you have questions, contact Customer Service at the number on the back of your healthcare insurance card.
