By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief
“Post Falls ER and Hospital is not a victim of unfair reimbursement rates; rather, the numbers clearly show they are a statistical outlier using the (arbitration) process as a primary revenue strategy, not a last resort to obtain a fair and reasonable payment.” - Blue Cross of Idaho’s Chief Strategy Officer Drew Hobby, in a May letter to the Idaho Department of Insurance
Blue Cross of Idaho held Idaho’s contract for government employee health insurance since 2004. (Photo courtesy of Blue Cross of Idaho)
HEALTH
In Idaho, an insurer says health care costs may rise after hospital taps Congress’s billing tool
By Kyle Pfannenstiel
Months after one of Idaho’s largest health insurers asked the state for help with unusual billing practices by a North Idaho hospital, the insurer is still waiting for assistance.
Blue Cross argues that Post Falls ER & Hospital is out-of-network for health insurers and instead relies heavily on a new arbitration process created by Congress. And the insurer argues the hospital’s methods are driving up the cost of health care — with the hospital being paid more than usual for services — that will trickle back to patients through premium hikes.
Implementing the energy infrastructure plan will cost the Pacific Northwest approximately $2.3 billion. And the rate of building will need to quicken to make it happen by 2032. (Photo by Clinton Carpenter/Bonneville Power Administration)
GROWTH + AFFORDIBILITY
With PNW electricity demand surging, planners map out major grid upgrades
By Aspen Ford
The Pacific Northwest will need a massive buildout of new energy infrastructure over the next six years to meet rising electricity demand, according to a draft regional power plan released Thursday.
Last year, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council forecast regional electricity demand to increase anywhere from 50% to 100% over the next 20 years. That’s largely due to data centers, the electrification of vehicles and buildings, and population growth.
MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US
Majority of Nevadans support tobacco tax hike, survey says | April Corbin Girnus
ICYMI
Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting
Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall
Lewiston Tribune: A-run steelhead trending below average return
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