DCBS Media ReleaseAugust 13, 2001 Regulators Set Public Meeting on Health Plans' Proposed Affiliation(Portland) Oregon and Washington insurance regulators will hold a joint public informational meeting in Portland August 21 regarding the proposed affiliation of The Regence Group with Chicago-based Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC). The Portland meeting will give the public an opportunity to comment on the proposal as it relates to Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon and Regence BlueShield in Washington. The Regence Group also includes health plans in Idaho and Utah. Insurance regulators in the affected states must approve the affiliation. Oregon and Washington regulators will use the comments provided at this meeting to help them evaluate the insurers' proposal. Company officials say the affiliation will result in cost savings by allowing The Regence Group and HCSC to consolidate such functions as information technology, human resources, and legal and financial services. The companies will present information on the proposed affiliation at the August 21 meeting, which will be held from 6-8 p.m. in Salon F of the Portland Marriott Hotel, 1401 S.W. Naito Parkway. Written information also will be available at the meeting, or may be obtained in advance by contacting Russell Latham, chief financial analyst for the Oregon Insurance Division, at 503-947-7982. |
