PORTLAND, Ore. – Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon announced today that it will be the new benefit program administrator for Special Districts Association of Oregon (SDAO) as part of an agreement with the Special Districts Insurance Services.

SDAO credited its decision by citing Regence’s ability to offer deep discounts and access to providers across the state of Oregon as well as nationally through the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Expertise and counsel for the agreement was provided by The Partners Group, a leading Northwest based employee benefits, insurance, and financial consulting firm.

“Regence is honored to stand behind the firefighters, water and irrigation specialists, and countless other Special Districts members who provide crucial services that we depend on day in and day out in the various communities throughout Oregon,” said Angela Dowling, President of Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon. “Having served the Pacific Northwest for nearly a century, Regence’s expertise and financial stability makes us uniquely positioned to help local businesses navigate the complex landscape of today’s health insurance marketplace.” 

“It is our pleasure that our new partner for health insurance will be Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon,” said Frank Stratton, Executive Director of Special Districts Association of Oregon. “This partnership will begin with our renewal on June 1, 2015. Regence combines extensive experience in support of self-funded plans, association expertise, and a broad statewide and national provider network, with a platform that will enable SDIS to offer attractive and competitively priced plans for our member groups.”

Founded in 1941, Regence has grown into the state’s largest health insurance carrier on the virtues of its broad networks, depth of product choice, award-winning customer service and unparalleled national access through the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Regence and affiliated companies employ more than 3,200 people in Portland, Salem, Medford, Bend and Pendleton, driving more than $700 million in economic activity throughout the state, according to ECONorthwest.