Portneuf Hospital Goes Out of Network With Regence — 5,700 Patients Affected

Idaho's largest southeast hospital just went out of network with Regence BlueShield — and 5,700 patients are caught in the middle. Here's exactly what it means for your coverage and what to do right now. As of June 15, 2026, Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello and all its affiliated facilities are out of network for every Regence BlueShield of Idaho plan — HMO, PPO, and the state employee health plan. Of the 5,700 patients affected, 3,600 are on Idaho's state employee health plan. This goes deeper than a typical rate fight. Here's what each side is saying. 🔹 What Portneuf alleges: Regence denies 75.9% of claims it submits for medically necessary care, and Regence's parent company owes more than $30 million in unpaid claims. 🔹 What Regence says: The real party at the table is Ardent Health, the Tennessee-based, for-profit owner of Portneuf — and it's demanding double-digit rate hikes, more than twice the rate of inflation. What's still covered: ✅ Emergency care at Portneuf stays at in-network rates — federal law requires it. ✅ Continuity-of-care protections may apply if you're in active treatment (chemo, pregnancy care, post-surgery follow-up). But it is NOT automatic — you must call Regence using the number on your card to request it. Both sides say talks continue. But the contract has already expired, so don't wait to find out where you stand. 👉 Have you gotten a notice from Regence yet? Drop a comment below and share this with someone who counts on Portneuf. Like and subscribe for more insurance news that affects your wallet. Are you ready for anything🤔 Download our FREE Family Emergency Organizer PDF and keep your loved ones safe and prepared when it matters most! 🧠👉Don't forget to connect with us across our various social media platforms: 😊Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveinsurancenews/ 📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biginsurancenews/