BOISE, Idaho – Regence BlueShield of Idaho paid $347 million in medical care for its fully insured members in 2018, or $2,013 per member, according to unaudited figures filed March 1 with the Idaho Department of Insurance.
Regence spent nearly 78 cents of every premium dollar received from members for doctor visits, hospital care, medications and other health care goods and services. The nonprofit health insurer saw strong enrollment growth in 2018 by increasing membership, including self-funded membership, by nearly 20,000 members.
On total revenue of $448 million, Regence Idaho had a net gain of 7.4 percent, or around seven cents per premium dollar. This net income was driven by lower than expected claims, operational efficiencies, and responsible cost stewardship. The company’s 2018 performance helps offset previously challenging financial years and ensures we can pay our members’ claims today and in the future. Over the past 10 years, Regence’s net gain has averaged 1.9 percent.
Net income is placed in the company’s capital reserves to ensure stable health care coverage for its total membership, including self-funded enrollment, of nearly 162,000 members. Capital reserves serve as a critical safety net for members, so Regence can always pay member claims, today and in the years to come. As a nonprofit, this is Regence’s only source of funds for improvements, investments and paying for higher than expected medical costs such as high-cost specialty drugs.
“Regence’s stable financial results ensure that we can continue to serve our members and communities while investing in health care innovation,” said Sean Robbins president of Regence BlueShield of Idaho. “Our results in 2018 demonstrate our growth in the marketplace. We remain well-positioned to continue offering high-quality coverage for Idahoans for years to come.”
Regence incurred $30.8 million in taxes and fees in 2018, which includes a $8.9 million health insurer fee, as well as federal and state income tax. We do not anticipate any medical loss ratio (MLR) payments based on the specific MLR calculations set by the Affordable Care Act.
Community impact
Founded in 1946 in north-central Idaho, Regence employs more than 600 people in Boise, Lewiston, Pocatello and Coeur d’Alene, driving more than $68 million in economic activity throughout the state every year, according to ECONorthwest. Additionally, Regence and its Idaho employees contributed more than $700,000 to benefit 132 different nonprofit organizations in 2018
About Regence BlueShield of Idaho
Regence BlueShield of Idaho, based in Lewiston, has been serving Idahoans for 73 years and now provides nearly 162,000 members with comprehensive health insurance solutions. As a nonprofit mutual insurance company and independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Regence is part of a family of companies dedicated to transforming health care by delivering innovative products and services that change the way consumers in Idaho and nationwide experience health care. For more information, please visit regence.com, facebook.com/regenceblueshieldofidaho or twitter.com/regenceidaho.