PacificSource Medicare Advantage customers learn that St. Charles may leave network Jan. 1, as talks continue
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — One week after St. Charles Health System said it reached contract agreements with two insurance providers, Aetna and Cigna, comes word that talks with several other insurers are still ongoing. One company, PacificSource, just warned their Medicare Advantage patients they could become out of network on Jan. 1.
A PacificSource Medicare Advantage customer passed along an email to KTVZ News on Tuesday that’s headlined: “St. Charles Health System may leave our network January 1, 2026.”
It continued, “Earlier this year, St. Charles Health System terminated its Medicare contract with PacificSource in order to negotiate a new contract for 2026. We’re working diligently to reach an agreement that allows St. Charles to continue participating in our network. If we’re unable able to do so, they will be out-of-network beginning January 1, 2026.”
Under a heading of “What’s next,” the insurer said: “We remain committed to finding a resolution and will continue working hard to reach an agreement with St. Charles. If we are unable to reach an agreement, our top priority will be to support our members through the transition.”
“We will keep you informed with any updates as this situation develops,” the company added.
KTVZ News reached out to St. Charles Public Information Officer Alandra Johnson, who shared this statement:
“We are continuing to negotiate with PacficSource and several other insurance companies. No final decisions have been made at this time. Please consult our website for the latest information on which plans are currently in network for St. Charles providers and facilities.”
Johnson was unable to share specifics of what other insurers they are negotiating with. But she stressed that the PacificSource notice only involves Medicare Advantage supplemental plans – not traditional Medicare, which is always covered. Negotiations are also underway between St. Charles and PacificSource, as well as others, for their commercial and/or Medicare Advantage contracts.
“St. Charles is always in network for traditional Medicare” patients, Johnson said.
She also said “each contract is different” in terms of timing.
KTVZ News has reached out to PacificSource for any additional statement or details.