As we reported earlier, Regence BlueShield and Harrison Medical Center temporarily extended their existing contract while the two sides continue to hammer out a new agreement.
A spokesman for Franciscan Health System, which is negotiating on behalf of Harrison, confirmed the temporary pact will be in place through Aug. 21:
Franciscan Health System and Regence BlueShield of Washington have agreed to extend their negotiations on a new contract for Harrison Medical Center and Harrison HealthPartners through August 21, 2014.
We understand that this is a difficult and confusing time for Harrison patients who are Regence of BlueShield of Washington members. We are working diligently to try to reach a new agreement with Regence.
In a recent interview, Harrison board Chair Jim Civilla said the hospital recognizes patients are “caught in the middle” of the negotiations.
“We and the insurance companies have got to figure this out,” he said.
So… How are we coming?
No word yet this week. I’ll try to get an update today.