CIS and Regence’s 44-year collaboration: A legacy of service to Oregon’s public sector
At left, Patrick Priest, CIS executive director. Klamath County Government Center.
Since 1981, CIS has insured Oregon’s cities and counties, providing comprehensive property, liability, workers’ compensation and employee benefits coverage to keep Oregon’s public sector running smoothly.
Regence has been there from the start as its longest-serving partner.
For more than four decades, this relationship has evolved from a simple vendor arrangement into what CIS describes as a true extension of their family—one built on collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to serving Oregon's cities and counties.
“Regence is flexible with us in administering health plan programs that our members value,” says Patrick Priest, CIS executive director. “Our governing board of public officials appreciates the ability to design programs that meet the needs of Oregon’s cities and counties.”
Addressing health care costs
At the heart of this enduring relationship is a deeply collaborative approach to managing health care costs. Regence demonstrates its commitment to making business easy through its ability to customize and configure CIS plan designs while continuously identifying additional opportunities for savings.
The financial pressures facing Oregon's cities and counties are well-documented. According to the League of Oregon Cities' 2025 State of the Cities Report, employee medical costs are one of the top cost drivers creating financial strain for municipalities.
In this challenging environment, the CIS-Regence partnership serves as a stabilizing force, helping public entities navigate rising medical expenses while maintaining quality coverage for their employees.
Priest cites digital-forward health care programs such as MD Live and Hinge Health as particularly valuable, providing accessible, cost-effective care options that work for both CIS members and their employees.
Proven value + innovative solutions
“CIS takes its role as stewards of public funds seriously,” says Priest.
Rather than relying on the comfort of a long-standing relationship, CIS put Regence to the test through a rigorous competitive process. In 2024, CIS completed a comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) to evaluate their options for the 2026-2028 period.
“We went out to bid to ensure that Regence continues to offer the best value for our members,” says Priest.
The results speak volumes: Regence not only retained CIS business for another three years but also earned their pharmacy business beginning last May.
For the 2027 renewal, Regence brought forward creative solutions to help decrease CIS overall spending. These included implementing prior authorization programs already in place for fully insured customers.
After 44 years, the CIS-Regence partnership continues to evolve and strengthen. For Oregon's cities and counties facing unprecedented financial pressures, having a health insurance carrier in their corner with decades of experience and a drive to innovate isn't just valuable—it's essential.
