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About Regence BlueShield

Regence BlueShield of Washington and Regence BlueShield of Idaho are part of The Regence Group. This is a conglomerate of four Blue Cross and Blue Shield affiliates in the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Utah. As a whole, it is the largest such health care provider in the Pacific Northwest. The Group is supported by a base of more than 3 million members. It acts under an independent license of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. In some cases, the BlueShield name indicates it operates independent of Blue Cross.

The original BlueShield office was begun in Tacoma, Washington, in 1917. Known as the Pierce County Medical group, it catered to miners and lumberjacks. Blue Shield merged with Blue Cross in 1982 to form the well-known nationwide organization of affiliates, some of which are for-profit while others are not-for-profit.

The extensive provider network is available to both individuals and employer-based operations of all sizes. As a not-for-profit group, Regence BlueShield features a consumer-centric focus with twenty-four hour phone and on-line access for all members. The group focuses on providing unity among the four affiliates and simplifying the challenges of health care and preventive medicine. RegenceRx is the prescription arm of Regence BlueShield.

Regence Plans

Basic offerings through specific BlueShield affiliates are: Breakthru 50, 70, and 80. The numbers refer to the percentage of coverage (starting at 50 percent) within the preferred provider network. Each plan offers the option of visiting out-of-network physicians for a higher percentage payment. Other benefits include no limit to office visits, generic prescription options, and fitness club discounts. All participants are also eligible for the RegenceRx discount program as well as reduced fees for eye surgery and vision products. The BlueCard program provides services worldwide for any member.

The 70 and 80 plans cover vision and preventive care. Referrals are not required within the preferred provider network. Rates for each plan are determined by the age of adults and number of children in a household. Breakthru 70/80 prescription plans offer additional benefits. The Breakthru 70 plan is offered at either $1,000 or $3,000 in deductible; coinsurance is 70 percent in the preferred network and 50 percent in a participating network, with copays set at $30 for the former and $40 for the latter. At Breakthru 80, deductibles are $500 or $1,500; coinsurance is 80 percent within the preferred network and 50 percent for a participating network visit, with copay rates for visits within the preferred network at $20 and $40 for a participating network visit.

In general, a Breakthru 50 plan provides two levels of deductibles: $2,500 and $5,000. Coinsurance rates are 50 percent, regardless of whether the consultation is within the preferred network or in a participating network. Physician visits require both satisfaction of the deductible and a copay amount.

Breakthru plans also feature pricing levels for independent college students (over age 18) and individual coverage for any other children under the age of 24.

Regence BlueShield also operates the MedAdvantage Plan that includes basic Medicare supplemental insurance along with Part D drug coverage through Asuris Medicare Script.

Regence Headquarters

Regence BlueShield of Washington is headquartered in Seattle and maintains 10 statewide satellite sites. Regence BlueShield of Idaho, formed in 1946, has headquarters in Lewiston with six statewide offices. Some account segments extend worldwide.