06/09/2026
Good News for Washington: MultiCare & Regence Are Back Together!
MultiCare facilities and providers in Grays Harbor, Thurston, and Yakima counties are back in-network for Regence members. This update follows the recent contract dispute that created uncertainty beginning in May. Regence and MultiCare have now reached an agreement, which means affected members can continue using covered MultiCare doctors, clinics, and facilities under their plan's standard in-network terms.
What this means for Regence members
In-network rates continue: Care received from participating MultiCare providers and facilities in the affected Washington counties will be processed at standard in-network cost-sharing levels under the member's plan.
No need to change providers solely because of the dispute: Individuals who were concerned about out-of-network costs may no longer need to make a provider change based on this issue alone.
Member notices are being sent: Regence has indicated that letters are being mailed to impacted members, although current network status may already be confirmed before the notice arrives.
Why this matters
Provider network changes can affect access to routine care, specialist appointments, and facility-based services. When a health system and an insurance carrier are in a contract dispute, members may face uncertainty about whether current providers will remain covered at in-network rates. In this case, the new agreement restores network participation for the affected MultiCare locations and providers, which helps reduce disruption for Regence members in these counties.
A practical next step
If your coverage is through Regence and you use MultiCare in Grays Harbor, Thurston, or Yakima counties, it may be helpful to review your upcoming appointments and check your provider directory or member portal for the most current network listing. If you are receiving care outside these counties or under a different plan arrangement, it's important to check whether the same network status applies to your specific situation.
For individuals reviewing broader coverage choices, network access remains an important part of comparing health insurance or Medicare-related options in Washington. Provider participation can change over time, and local access may differ by plan type and county.
If you need help understanding how provider networks fit into your Medicare decisions in Washington, Brian Johnson Solutions can help you review the logistics and available options.
This is an educational resource and not a government document or plan-specific marketing material.
https://brianjohnson.solutions/
