Clark County is in a medical care crisis. As the population has grown, the availability of medical providers has not grown. As it is, PeaceHealth, Vancouver Clinic and Legacy hold the vast majority of medical providers. A looming crisis is now in our midst as Regence Blue Cross Medicare Advantage is in negotiations with Legacy Medical System. If they do not reach an agreement by March 31, all patients will be without coverage if they have Legacy providers.
It is clear that Clark County does not have the bandwidth to absorb more patients. I, for one, with difficult care needs and a preponderance of my care through Legacy, would have to seek care in Portland. As a disabled person, this is not tenable. I have been with my providers for years. How am I supposed to start over?
The ripple effect will be felt throughout the medical system as patients will have to wait longer to get the care they need. So, this situation with Legacy does not only affect the current patients but everyone in Clark County.
Contact the Legacy and Regence corporations to reach an agreement lest they cause a medical crisis for you and your loved ones.
