This heart-felt message is a "thank-you" for the decades-long partnership we've had with Regence. It's also a tribute to the thousands of lives they've touched. They understand the uncertainty our members will face in changing health care providers -- and pledge their help in this transition.

This letter will also appear as a large advertisement in these Sunday (May 11, 2008) newspapers: Oregonian, Statesman Journal, Medford Mail-Tribune, Bend Bulletin, Corvallis Gazette-Times, Tillamook Headlight-Herald, Daily Astorian and the Newport News Times. 

As Regence thanks the employees and families its served over 35 years, OSBA takes this opportunity to thank Regence for an outstanding partnership.

Dear Member,

On April 24, 2008 the Oregon Educators Benefit Board (OEBB) voted to complete final negotiations with three insurance carriers to provide medical, prescription drug, dental and vision benefits to school district employees throughout the state of Oregon. Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon was not one of the three selected.

Many of you have contacted us directly to express concern and disappointment over this decision. Needless to say, we are disappointed as well. After all, it has been our privilege to serve the majority of you - and your family members - for almost four decades. Many of you have had Regence coverage for your entire working careers.

We know that change of this magnitude can be difficult and we understand your concerns. We are writing to you today to assure you that just as we have stood by you in the past, we will be there with you throughout this transition. At Regence, we work very hard to build life-long relationships. We will do everything we can to insure that this transition goes well for you, your families and for OEBB.

Whether your school district will join OEBB on October 1, 2008 or at a later date, we stand ready to assist you in any way possible. Our customer service staff will receive special training to help better assist you with questions and transition of care issues. If you have questions during this time, please call Customer Service at 1-800-365-3155. During this transition, those of you receiving special assistance from our nurse case managers and other health professionals will continue to have access to the same people who have been serving your needs.

In addition, we know that many of you have incorporated the variety of valuable tools and resources available through www.myRegence.com into the day-to-day management of your health and your health care. In the spirit of our "members for life" approach we want you to know that you will continue to have access to this resource.

It has been an honor to serve the men and women in Oregon who shape the lives and futures of our children. Regence will continue to be there for you in any way we can. Please call on us when you need us.


Sincerely,

J. Bart McMullan, Jr. M.D. 
President