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…..