Status of contract talks between LifeWise and MultiCare
The contract between LifeWise Health Plan of Washington and MultiCare Health System ends on May 31, 2024. LifeWise and MultiCare are currently negotiating a new contract. If no agreement is reached, MultiCare clinics, hospitals, and providers will no longer be in-network for certain LifeWise members. This could affect LifeWise members in LifeWise Alpine and LifeWise Preferred (Grandfathered plans) networks. Members of LifeWise Primary networks would not be affected.
LifeWise and MultiCare began negotiations several months ago with a mutual goal of reaching an agreement that balances fair compensation for the healthcare system and continued access to high-quality, affordable care for MultiCare patients and LifeWise members. We believe that these negotiations are not about LifeWise; they are about you, our member. We serve as your advocate during these discussions as we work with provider partners on practical solutions to keep healthcare affordable and accessible.
A history of successful negotiations
Nearly all LifeWise contract renewal negotiations conclude successfully and well before the end of each contract. Typically, our members continue to access affordable and high-quality care with no interruption in service.
However, if talks stretch to within 30 days of the end of the contract, we will notify you, provide transition information, and offer additional support for members with serious or chronic conditions.
The termination-notice tactic
What was once a highly unusual move has now become the norm in health system contract talks. Every health system LifeWise has negotiated with in the past year has issued a termination notice which brings contract negotiations to public attention. We find this attempt at negotiation leverage, and the unnecessary angst it causes for our members, regrettable.
If an agreement isn’t reached, will you need to find a new doctor or pay out-of-network prices?
In most areas, yes. If MultiCare goes out of network, you will need to find a new in-network provider to continue to typically be responsible only for cost shares and deductibles. An out-of-network provider does not have a contract with LifeWise, and you may be responsible for all charges, including cost shares and deductibles.
What if you are currently receiving care and your provider moves out of network?
Some LifeWise members may be able to continue their care with their current MultiCare providers at the current in-network benefit level for up to 90 days if they’re receiving treatment for a covered service or for a complex or chronic medical condition. Such conditions include pregnancy or scheduled nonelective surgery. Contact customer service at the number on the back of your LiferWise ID card for more information about this process.
How to find a new provider
To find a new provider in your network, sign in to your account on LifeWise.com. Under Find Care, search the Find a Doctor tool. Or you can call the support phone number on the back of your LifeWise member ID card.
If you need to find a new, in-network primary care provider, consider Kinwell clinics. Kinwell offers high-quality primary care and other services just for LifeWise members in Washington. Same- or next-day appointments are available in-person or virtual visits. Find out more at kinwellhealth.com.
We will continue to work hard with the team at MultiCare to reach an agreement. We look forward to continuing to partner with MultiCare on solutions that improve access to the innovative, high-quality care for which they are known.
We will continue to share updates on the status of negotiations on this LearnLifeWise site.