Regence BlueShield of Washington and Optum-owned Polyclinic and Everett Clinic have extended their current contract through Dec. 23 as the two sides attempt to work out a deal to keep 19,000 patients in-network, The Seattle Times reported Dec. 19.
The contract between the payer and the Seattle-based clinics was set to expire Dec. 19. A representative for the two clinics told the newspaper they had reached an "agreement in principle" with Regence BlueShield.
Representatives for the payer declined to comment to The Seattle Times as to if an informal agreement had been reached.
The Polyclinic and the Everett Clinic's agreement with traditional Medicare has expired this month and is yet to be extended.
The clinic also plans to let its contract with Aetna Medicare Advantage plans expire on Jan. 1, the newspaper reported.