Blog

FDA and CDC approve COVID-19 vaccine for children age six months to five years

Older adults play an important role in our communities. They are family members, friends, neighbors, mentors and volunteers. ...

May 20, 2022

FDA and CDC authorize COVID-19 booster shot for children age 5 to 11

By Regence

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have expanded guidance for ...

May 19, 2022

Telehealth for behavioral health care is used more than ever before

By Regence

The U.S. health care system has experienced a rapid increase in the use of telehealth over the past two years for both mental ...

May 18, 2022

Regence celebrates health care heroes during National Nurses Week

By Regence

Nurses play a crucial role in the care and support of patients across a wide range of needs, whether a common procedure or ...

May 12, 2022

Learn about the different mental and behavioral health provider types and how to access care

By Regence

Finding the right behavioral health provider these days is harder than ever as both demand and wait times have increased. In ...

May 11, 2022

Learn the signs of postpartum depression and how to find support

By Regence

The arrival of a new bundle of joy is a time filled with many emotions, ranging from happiness and excitement to fear and ...

May 04, 2022

Bringing light to mental health in 2022: Regence recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month during another unique year

America’s 50+ population is large, and will keep growing as millennials will begin reaching their golden milestone in just a ...

March 10, 2022

We don’t talk about colorectal cancer (enough)

Sea Mar Community Health Centers operates 35 medical clinics in Western Washington and specializes in service to the Hispanic ...

October 15, 2021

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon shows you don’t have to spend a lot to get a lot from its 2022 Medicare plans

By Regence

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon has proudly served Oregonians for 80 years as a local, tax-paying, not-for-profit health ...

October 13, 2021

Regence BlueShield shows you don’t have to spend a lot to get a lot from its 2022 Medicare plans

By Regence

Regence BlueShield has proudly served Washingtonians for 104 years as a local, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan. Regence ...

October 13, 2021

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah shows you don’t have to spend a lot to get a lot from its 2022 Medicare plans

The U.S. hospital system is in crisis again as hospital beds fill up with COVID-19 patients, leaving health care workers ...

August 24, 2021

How to identify, understand and respond to early signs of mental health and substance use issues with Mental Health First Aid

By Regence

Mental health concerns are growing across the country, and mental health and substance use issues are considered a companion ...

August 19, 2021

Now is the time to catch up on immunizations

By Regence

Thousands of people in the U.S. become severely ill and are hospitalized or even die each year because of vaccine-preventable ...

August 17, 2021

360 Degrees Returning to the office - Regence webinar

Best practices for employers reopening offices for onsite work

By Regence

Throughout the pandemic, employers of all sizes have had to adjust how they staff and support their workforces. Wherever your ...

August 12, 2021

Dr. Marion Couch on the importance of preventive care and immunizations

By Regence

Many people are again being cautious about public gatherings and how to stay safe as the highly contagious Delta variant ...

August 11, 2021

Oregonians: Beat the heat with safety tips from a Regence medical expert

Good health is much more than just the number on the scale. In recent years, metabolic health has become a better predicator of ...

June 10, 2021

Get caught up on other routine vaccinations when you get your COVID-19 shot

During the past 15 months, the isolation stemming from physical distancing recommended to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has ...

May 18, 2021

CDC recommends Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for youth ages 12 to 15

By Regence

By Regence

While the opioid epidemic existed well before the pandemic, the events of this last year have escalated the crisis and demand ...

April 22, 2021

Regence employee volunteers COVID-19 vaccine clinic

Reflecting the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor: Regence supports National Volunteer Week

Over the last year, sleep neurologists have reported a surge in sleep disorder diagnoses and sleep medication misuse due to ...

March 26, 2021

COVID vaccines—what you need to know today

By Regence

Getting the COVID vaccine can keep you safe from serious illness and get us all one step closer to normal life. Where can you ...

March 25, 2021

Mental health first aid and more: How schools can soften the pandemic’s emotional toll

By Jillian Cohan Martin

As we pass the one-year mark of the coronavirus pandemic, schools across the West are reopening. Using guidance from the CDC to ...

March 18, 2021

Journi® wellness consultant shares healthy snacking tips with KPTV Fox 12 viewers

By Regence

For many, snacking during the day has become the norm over traditional mealtimes, as families continue to spend more time at ...

March 17, 2021

AHA volunteers share heart attack and stroke stories

Survivors of heart attack and stroke share how to recognize the signs

By Emily E. Smith

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., but its early warnings signs often go undetected. And sometimes, ...

March 16, 2021

In-home care during a COVID-19 scare: Regence employee shares his experience

By Aaron Cooper

On a Saturday morning a few months ago, I woke up with a fever, body aches and felt exhausted. My first thought was that I ...

March 15, 2021

Oregon, Idaho, Washington

Regence pilot program sends no-cost blood pressure cuffs to select Medicare members’ homes, partners with health care providers

By Regence

The data was clear in late 2020—we had an opportunity to help our more vulnerable members with in-home care support as we all ...

March 08, 2021

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Rally for Recovery Commitment

Regence health plans join national Rally for Recovery Commitment to combat COVID-19 pandemic

By Regence

This week the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Rally for Recovery ...

March 05, 2021

BCBSA HPV child vaccination rates Health of America report

Less than one third of children are fully vaccinated against HPV, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association study finds

By Regence

Vaccines play a critical role in preventing the spread of serious viruses and diseases, and yet few children are fully ...

February 25, 2021

Achieving and maintaining realistic health goals in 2021

Regence works hard to protect you from those who might try to take advantage of the uncertainty, fear and confusion surrounding ...

January 26, 2021

Offering certainty in uncertain times: Regence releases COVID-19 Impact Report

By Regence

The year 2020 will go down in history as one of the most challenging in generations, especially for our most vulnerable ...

January 25, 2021

Honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. in a year like no other

By Hanna Herrin

Across the nation, communities will gather this month to celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Many ...

January 15, 2021

Technology and COVID-19 are center stage at State of Reform

Imagine waking up one morning unable to move your toes due to an unexpected health condition. Overnight your life has changed ...

November 04, 2020

What makes your workplace healthy? Intuitive Digital, Xenium HR and other Oregon companies share what works for them

COVID fatigue is real. Months of working from home, navigating online school, physical distancing and more to stay safe and ...

October 23, 2020

With COVID-19 on the rise, staying safe is a team sport

By Regence

Experts remind us we are still in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as communities loosen restrictions, infections ...

October 22, 2020

Don’t be the dealer – dispose of unwanted medications

By Regence

Pain medications are the single most frequent cause of accidental poisoning fatalities in children younger than 6 years old, ...

October 21, 2020

42,000 women and 500 men estimated to die in 2020 due to breast cancer; preventative care and early detection key for all of us

By Regence

Chances are you know someone who’s faced breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), women in the U.S. have ...

October 21, 2020

5 common flu shot myths, debunked

By Regence

Trick or treat? Many people still get tricked by flu shot myths and skip the vaccination altogether—but our medical directors ...

October 14, 2020

Scott Seymour named vice president of network management and provider partnership innovation at Regence

By Regence

Scott Seymour has joined Regence health plans as vice president of network management and provider partnership innovation. ...

October 13, 2020

Halloween isn’t canceled; expert tips for celebrating during COVID-19

By Jillian Cohan Martin

Halloween is full of traditions — costume creation, pumpkin carving, spooky decorations, candy collecting, harvest festivals ...

October 12, 2020

Regence BlueShield offers 2021 Medicare plans to meet diverse care needs, budgets and lifestyles

By Regence

Regence BlueShield has proudly served Washingtonians for 103 years as a local, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan. For 2021 ...

October 08, 2020

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah offers 2021 Medicare plans to meet diverse care needs, budgets and lifestyles

By Regence

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah has proudly Utahns for 75 years as a local, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan. For ...

October 08, 2020

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon offers 2021 Medicare plans to meet diverse care needs, budgets and lifestyles

August 04, 2020

Untangling COVID-19 testing: What you need to know

By Regence

***Updated Aug. 3, 2020*** The topic of COVID-19 testing is all over the news lately. It's easy to get confused. Here’s what ...

August 03, 2020

Virtual resources, tablets and other technology help fight loneliness for communities in need

By Regence

The effects of prolonged self-isolation to help slow the spread of COVID-19 have been felt by many. This is especially true for ...

July 29, 2020

Grandparents and grandchildren meeting in park during COVID-19 pandemic

Make summer get-togethers fun and safe during COVID-19

Most people know that eating right and exercising are essential for staying fit and a healthy lifestyle. The challenge for many ...

June 18, 2020

By Regence

Regence stands with our community as we share the grief and outrage so many feel after the brutal killing of George Floyd in ...

June 08, 2020

What to ask your provider when you go back for the medical and dental treatment you need

By Regence

When COVID-19 cases stabilize or decline to the point that communities and businesses are able to safely reopen, it’s also the ...

June 08, 2020

Masks help slow COVID-19 spread. Here's how to use them correctly.

By Regence

Businesses, restaurants, parks and more are beginning to ease their restrictions and allow people to resume normal activities ...

June 03, 2020

Community, connection and Mental Health Month in May

By Regence

Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, according to the National Institute of Mental ...

May 29, 2020

Dr. Laura McLafferty from Doctor on Demand

Main photo: Regence employees show their support for Idaho Gives last year. Due to COVID-19, the two-week campaign will be ...

April 23, 2020

Regence celebrates National Volunteer Week: Supporting our friends and neighbors in the COVID-19 fight

In 2020, Regence made naloxone – a medication that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose – more accessible to ...

February 21, 2020

Health care conversations from Southern Oregon

It’s not too late to get a flu shot, and with reports that this flu season could be one of the worst in decades, it’s a good ...

January 06, 2020

Four ways to jumpstart your New Year’s resolutions

By Regence

The program – which inspires young girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident – impacts the small town of Notus in a big way.

October 31, 2019

Employee Spotlight: A personal journey of surviving breast cancer, raising awareness, and helping others

By Regence

According to the nonprofit Breastcancer.org, about one in eight women (and one in 883 men) in the United States will develop ...

October 28, 2019

Regence BlueShield of Idaho offers new 2020 Medicare Advantage plans in partnership with St. Luke’s Health Partners, expands benefits to meet diverse health care needs and budgets

By Regence

During Medicare’s annual election period, occurring now through Dec. 7*, people shopping for Medicare coverage options will ...

October 25, 2019

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah’s 2020 Medicare Advantage plans provide high-quality options and benefits to meet diverse health care needs and budgets

By Regence

During Medicare’s annual election period, occurring now through Dec. 7*, people shopping for Medicare coverage options will ...

October 25, 2019

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon expands availability of 2020 Medicare Advantage plans, offers more high-quality options and benefits to meet diverse health care needs and budgets

As an Idaho-native company serving the health care needs of our neighbors for generations, it's an honor to sponsor the 136th ...

October 01, 2019

Washington health plan members will get direct communications in 2020

June 28, 2019

Helping members in difficult times: An interview with Regence nurse Darcie Teats

By Regence

Darcie Teats’ passion to help others began in high school. While volunteering at a local hospital, she remembers being inspired ...

June 27, 2019

New Regence report reveals industry trends in deductibles, co-pays, other benefits

By Aaron Cooper

Regence recently compiled its employer benefits data for the first time in a new report, comparing data between 2015 and 2019 ...

June 21, 2019

Regence invests in the health of our communities: What’s next in 2019 and beyond

By Alison Arella, Corporate Social Responsibility

Regence is committed to giving back. Born out of the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor, our commitment to stewardship ...

June 19, 2019

Fighting food insecurity with the Oregon Food Bank

By Regence

Food insecurity–defined as lacking reliable access to nutritious food–is a nationwide epidemic. Across the U.S., 40 million ...

June 18, 2019

Regence and The Portland Clinic partner to support pain management education

Skagit Vets Connect is part of Community Action’s mission to help individuals and families find the tools and support they need ...

May 29, 2019

Regence Customer Service 'first aid' training supports mental health, addresses stigma

On Thursday, May 2, the Idaho community came together in a BIG way to support nonprofits across the state through Idaho ...

May 07, 2019

Community, connection, and Idaho Gives Day

Interested in learning about Regence's plan performance, financial stewardship, member engagement solutions and community ...

April 16, 2019

Utah Food Bank_Mobile Food Pantry 4_Salt Lake City March 5 2019_cropped

Regence celebrates National Volunteer Week

This year marks Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon’s 16th year sponsoring the KGW Great Toy Drive! Over the years, the ...

November 26, 2018

David Robertson-01-cropped-v2_201811201850

By Regence

What does it mean to “be well”? From free health screenings to interactive wellness displays, on-field activities and healthy ...

August 09, 2018

Tee off your Labor Day weekend with the LPGA Portland Classic

Regence employee Jennifer Cram knows what it’s like to undertake a fitness journey, which is why she spent her recent Saturday ...

May 09, 2018

Combatting abuse in drug testing

By Regence

For Kathy Jones, director of employer implementation at Regence BlueShield, Camp Fire helped develop her leadership skills.

February 01, 2018

Regence palliative care featured by AARP

July 31, 2015

One sport. One tradition. One community.

By Scott Burton, Director of Community and Business Relations

The Cascade Cycling Classic is Bend’s race. Homeowners open their doors to host riders. Volunteers forego their final hours of ...

July 29, 2015

3 health policy items to know this summer

By Julie Barnes, Director of Health Policy

Here are three major health policy developments you should know about to keep you up to date this summer.

July 27, 2015

Skin in the game is good. Skipping care is not.

By Csaba Mera, M.D., Deputy Chief Medical Officer

Regence quality programs aim to connect employees to preventive care.

July 24, 2015

Statement on the Supreme Court Ruling in King v. Burwell

By Regence

Read our statement on the Supreme Court's ruling in King v. Burwell.

June 25, 2015

Regence_Habitat-for-Humanity_June2015-03

Why we encourage our employees to volunteer in the community

By Hannah Lime, Strategic Communications

Cutting baseboards. Painting walls. Laying gravel. June 19 wasn’t a typical day in the office for the 13 Regence employees who ...

June 22, 2015

Supreme Court rules in favor of Administration in King v. Burwell

By Julie Barnes, Director of Health Policy

Experts believe that this case should put to rest the endless pipeline of ACA litigation.

June 19, 2015

Encouraging well-being

By Scott Kreiling, President

June is National Employee Well-being Month and it’s a great time to step back and assess whether our businesses are doing ...

June 19, 2015

Transforming-Health-Care_Share_BCBSA_2015

Creating value for health care consumers

By Regence

Read why Blue plans across the country are leading a successful transformation of America’s health care system.

June 17, 2015

Why we're addressing the growth in medication spending

By Regence

Prescription drug costs are making headlines nationwide, from the Wall Street Journal to your local business journal. ...

June 16, 2015

Celebrating Seattle’s nonprofits at Generocity event

By Regence

Seattle’s second annual Generocity event showcased 40+ local nonprofits that are making a difference locally and abroad.

June 11, 2015

5 simple ways to engage employees in a wellness program

By Michael Cochran, Director of Wellness and Productivity

While most large employers offer wellness programs, studies show that employee engagement in these programs remains low. Read ...

June 10, 2015

Cost-sharing (out-of-pocket maximum) federal rule explained

By Julie Barnes, Director of Health Policy

Immediately after Memorial Day, three federal agencies released a guidance document that explains health plan cost-sharing ...

June 09, 2015

Rainier Club panel discussion Don Antonucci

The importance of transparency and quality: a conversation with health care leaders

By Don Antonucci, President

On June 4th, Don Antonucci was invited to participate in a panel discussion hosted by The Rainier Club entitled “The Business ...

June 04, 2015

Regence employees to participate in 2015 Pride Parades

By Regence

June marks Pride Month, an annual month-long celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) history. But June ...

June 02, 2015

Premera cyber attack

By Regence

Premera, a health plan in the Pacific Northwest, announced a cyber attack earlier this year resulting in unauthorized access to ...

May 21, 2015

Stronger together: Regence BlueShield kicks off accountable care roadshow

By Regence

Regence kicked off the first of its ActiveCare accountable care network roadshows yesterday with an onsite visit to ...

May 20, 2015

May 19 round-up: King v. Burwell; Medicare payment reform

By Julie Barnes, Director of Health Policy

What does the Supreme Court decision portend for health care reform? How will the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act ...

May 19, 2015

Hosting a deep discussion: my experience

By Scott Kreiling, President

I recently took a bit of a personal risk – by inviting a number of community leaders to come together to discuss what most ...

May 12, 2015

Is breaking the cycle of childhood poverty really possible?

By Scott Burton, Director of Community and Business Relations

I ask the question because I wonder it myself. It’s a noble goal, to break the cycle that leaves children without a stable home ...

May 11, 2015

5 ways to engage your employees in bike commuting

By Hannah Lime, Strategic Communications

New research shows that bike commuting strategies could save American commuters and cities $27.6 billion annually and reduce ...

May 07, 2015

Employer wellness programs get new guidance

By Julie Barnes, Director of Health Policy

Employers seeking guidance on their workplace wellness programs have plenty to consider. In April, several federal agencies ...

May 06, 2015

Helping to dance our way to a cure through the Seattle Urban Trek

By Regence

This weekend, Regence had the honor and pleasure of sponsoring the Seattle Urban Trek, hosted by the Seattle Sports Commission. ...

April 28, 2015

Nothing is more important than serving our members

By Scott Powers, Senior Vice President of Operations

We are honored and humbled that our four Regence health plans ranked among the top ten of all Blue Plans across the nation in ...

April 28, 2015

Race-for-the-Roses_Regence_Albertina-Kerr

‘Racing for the roses’ to support Albertina Kerr

By Scott Burton, Director of Community and Business Relations

Race for the Roses is much more than just an event. It’s an opportunity to support thousands of children and adults with ...

April 21, 2015

Regence applauds Medicare payment changes

By Richard Popiel, Executive Vice President, Health Care Services and Chief Medical Officer

The passage of legislation changing how Medicare pays doctors is a historic milestone that will further drive momentum around ...

April 15, 2015

Angela-Dowling_Bizwomen-Mentoring-Monday-2015

3 lessons shared at Bizwomen Mentoring Monday

By Regence

Regence recently had the pleasure of sponsoring Bizwomen Mentoring Monday, an annual event that gives business women the ...

April 15, 2015

The need for a culture of health and productivity in the workplace

By Michael Cochran, Director of Wellness and Productivity

Back in February, we posted news here about the rollout of our new health and productivity solution: Regence 360Me. We’re ...

April 14, 2015

Colorectal cancer: Our commitment to help reach 80% by 2018

By Don Antonucci, President

Colorectal cancer (colon cancer) is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer and second most common cause of cancer death for ...

April 10, 2015

Premera cyber attack update

By Regence

Premera, a health plan in the Pacific Northwest, announced a cyber attack resulting in unauthorized access to Premera’s ...

April 08, 2015

Personalized Care Support

By Torrie Fields

January 27, 2015

Providing high quality, affordable care with ActiveCare

By Don Antonucci, President

Based on the learnings and successes of nearly 50 collaborative care agreements across our four-state footprint, Regence has ...

January 22, 2015

Politics in 2015: The crystal ball is cloudy

By Julie Barnes, Director of Health Policy

With Congress firmly led by the Republican Party, a slim majority in the U.S. Senate and a Democrat in the White House, it is ...

January 19, 2015

Anthem cyber attack update

By Regence

Anthem, one of the nation’s largest health insurers, recently experienced a sophisticated cyber attack. This resulted in ...

January 10, 2015

The lasting influence of the economic recession on employee benefits

By David Lemperle, Vice President of Sales

The economic recession over the past six years had a significant impact on nearly every employer, regardless of industry, size ...

January 06, 2015

Season of Giving

By Alison Arella, Community Investment

Regence has a long tradition of giving back to the communities we serve. This philanthropic spirit can be seen throughout the ...

December 23, 2014

The doctor will see you now – on your computer or mobile device

By Csaba Mera, M.D., Deputy Chief Medical Officer

Have you ever awakened in the middle of the night feeling ill and wished you could avoid dragging yourself out to see a doctor? ...

December 19, 2014