Samaritan, Premera reach one-year agreement [Columbia Basin Herald, Moses Lake, Wash.]

Nov. 18—MOSES LAKE — Negotiations between Samaritan Healthcare and Premera Blue Cross have resulted in a one-year contract, in effect through Dec. 31, 2024. People who have health insurance through Premera won't have any lapses in their coverage for services at Samaritan Hospital or the Samaritan clinics.

"The new contract allows across all Premera lines of business (commercial, individual and Medicare Advantage) to retain in-network access to healthcare services in 2024," according to a Samaritan press release.

The two sides have been in negotiations since 2021 for a longer-term contract. The last contract between Samaritan and Premera was signed in 2017. The press release said that negotiations will continue for a long-term deal.

Hospital district officials had previously indicated that a contract was proving difficult to solidify with Premera being unwilling to increase compensation for services. With Premera being one of the most common coverage plans for area residents, not having the agreement in place would have put Samaritan out of network for many in Moses Lake and the surrounding area. The new agreement alleviates that concern for at least the next year.

Patients who have questions about their coverage can contact Samaritan at [email protected] or at 509-764-3336.

___