Regence BlueShield of Idaho

08/27/2026

Just going to the pharmacy was difficult.

Regence member Sherry M. manages psoriatic arthritis, diabetes, asthma and a weakened immune system. She takes 10-12 medications at a time.

That meant twice-weekly pharmacy trips, often while feeling unwell. Risking her health from additional exposure.

Then she connected with Cody, a Regence nurse care manager. Cody helped Sherry:
• Switch to mail-order prescriptions delivered to her door
• Re-enroll in a co-pay assistance program she didn't know had expired
• Find in-network specialists and resolve billing errors

Now Sherry and her husband are planning their first airline trip since 2019 to celebrate their anniversary.

Sherry calls Cody the “Regence answer man.” She adds, "He's the person in my corner.”

Read Sherry's full story to learn more about Regence Care Management and how it can help you: https://news.regence.com/news/how-regence-member-sherry-m-simplified-prescription-pickups-lowered-costs-with-help-from-a-care-manager/

08/25/2026

Dr. Mike Franz, executive medical director for behavioral health at Regence, tells Becker’s that behavioral health costs are growing even faster than other areas of healthcare. “The challenge is not to reduce behavioral health investment across the board,” he says. “The challenge is to distinguish high-value behavioral healthcare from low-value or wasteful utilization and ensure that every dollar spent improves clinical outcomes and reduces total cost of care.”

Learn more: https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/behavioral-health/whats-keeping-9-behavioral-health-leaders-up-at-night/

08/24/2026

We shouldn’t avoid fresh fruits and vegetables because of the cyclosporiasis outbreaks around the country, but “we can be a little bit smarter about how we consume those things. I think of it as minimizing our risk as much as possible,” says Dr. Mike Woodruff of Regence on the latest episode of the HealthChangers podcast.

Listen to the full episode: https://news.regence.com/news/podcast/with-cyclosporiasis-outbreaks-use-caution-but-keep-eating-fresh-produce/

08/21/2026

When you need medical care, knowing where to go can make a big difference — for your health, your time and your wallet. Experts note that the emergency room is the right place for immediate, life-threatening concerns like trouble breathing, chest pain or severe bleeding. But for many non-emergency needs, a primary care provider, clinic, urgent care center or telehealth visit may be a faster and more affordable option.

Before you head to the ER, take a moment to consider the level of care you need — and check your health plan so you understand your benefits and potential out-of-pocket costs for each care option. Choosing the right care at the right time matters. https://bit.ly/4qpOHSy

ER physicians say avoid the ER unless you're facing a life threatening injury because the cost is so high. For everything else they say consider your primary physician, a local clinic or telehealth.

08/20/2026

Back-to-school season comes with a lot to keep track of. One small way to help protect your student—and your family—is to check in with your child’s doctor about recommended routine vaccines. For Regence members, covered routine vaccines remain available at no additional cost through 2027. Have questions? Learn more about vaccine coverage:

You might be unsure if your Regence insurance still covers certain vaccines for people ages 6 months and older because of recent news coverage. The answer is yes. Coverage for vaccinations remains unchanged through the end of 2027.

08/19/2026

Health doesn't begin and end in the exam room. For many people, the biggest barriers to feeling well aren't physical—it’s unstable housing, food insecurity or untreated addiction.

We’re proud of our corporate foundation for investing in Bingham Healthcare, a rural Idaho organization running a primary care clinic inside Bingham County Jail. Grant funding will embed a social worker in their Pathways to Recovery program, providing integrated addiction treatment and social services to individuals with opioid or substance use disorder, both before and after release.

With up to 60% of jail residents estimated to struggle with addiction, this kind of whole-person support doesn't just change individual lives—it strengthens entire communities.

Learn more: https://news.regence.com/news/breaking-the-cycle-of-addiction-in-rural-idaho/

08/17/2026

Good news for Regence BlueShield of Idaho members in Southeast Idaho: Portneuf Medical Center and its providers are back in network under a new multiyear agreement.

The agreement restores in-network access to Portneuf Health facilities, physicians and advanced practice providers. The agreement goes back to June 15, 2026, so eligible claims from the time Portneuf was out of network will be covered at in-network rates.

We are grateful to the Pocatello community for its patience as we advocated for affordability on behalf of our members and customers.

Members with questions about their coverage should contact Regence or visit regence.com for information specific to their health plan.

08/13/2026

As a new class of freshmen heads off to college, emotional well-being deserves a spot on every back-to-school checklist. After years of pandemic-related disruption, many students are navigating new independence, academic pressure and social change all at once.

Health experts encourage students to learn about campus counseling, wellness and peer-support resources before they arrive — and to make a plan for any medications or ongoing care they may need. Parents can help by staying connected and reminding students they don’t have to manage the transition alone. Learn more about how students and families can prioritize mental health this fall here. https://bit.ly/3Uh22R7

From Independence to Isolation Risks, Experts Offer Mental Health Tips for Incoming College Freshmen

08/05/2026

Wildfire smoke is making its way across Idaho, leading to air quality conditions that are unsafe for sensitive groups, including the elderly, children, pregnant people and people living with respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD.

In unhealthy air quality conditions, take steps to protect your lungs.

If you’re impacted by wildfires, we’re here to help. Call the number on the back of your member ID card or 1 (888) 279‑1445.

07/30/2026

At Regence, we have a team of medical professionals ready to help you, including our care managers. Jen Adkins, a Regence nurse and care manager, talks on the new episode of HealthChangers about her unique role supporting Regence members by bridging the gap between healthcare insurer and healthcare provider.

🎧 Listen to the full episode: https://news.regence.com/news/podcast/regence-care-manager-serves-members-by-bridging-the-gap-between-insurer-and-provider/