Breaking News: Legacy Health has announced the closure of multiple clinics throughout Clark County, starting November 15, 2025. This significant healthcare access change will impact thousands of residents, particularly Medicare beneficiaries who rely on these facilities for urgent care and specialized services.
🚨 Key Facts About Legacy Health Closures
- Urgent Care Closures: All Washington Legacy-GoHealth Urgent Care clinics close November 15
- Affected Locations: Camas, Cascade Park, Hazel Dell, and Salmon Creek
- Pain Clinic Closure: Legacy Salmon Creek Pain Clinic closes March 20, 2026
- Financial Impact: Legacy projects $38 million loss this fiscal year
- Main Hospital: Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center remains open
What's Closing in Clark County
🚨 Urgent Care Clinics (Closing Nov. 15)
- • Camas Legacy-GoHealth Urgent Care
- • Cascade Park Legacy-GoHealth Urgent Care
- • Hazel Dell Legacy-GoHealth Urgent Care
- • Salmon Creek Legacy-GoHealth Urgent Care
- • Hazel Dell Marketplace (already closed)
🏥 Pain Clinic (Closing March 20)
- • Legacy Salmon Creek Pain Clinic
- • Address: 2101 N.E. 139th St., Suite 265
- • All pain management services ending
✅ What Remains Open
Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center - All other services at the main hospital location will continue operating normally. This includes emergency services, primary care, specialty services, and inpatient care.
Why Legacy Health is Closing These Clinics
According to Legacy Health's official statement, these closures are necessary due to several financial challenges facing healthcare providers nationwide:
Financial Pressures
- • Rising labor costs
- • Increased supply costs
- • Stagnant reimbursement rates
- • $38 million projected loss this fiscal year
Regulatory Challenges
- • Recent Medicaid cuts
- • State nurse-to-patient ratio requirements
- • Presumptive eligibility for financial assistance
- • Medicare/Medicaid rates not covering care costs
Key Point: Legacy Health reports that Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates are not currently covering the cost of care for two-thirds of their patients who are covered by these programs.
Impact on Medicare Patients in Clark County
🏥 Urgent Care Access Concerns
With all Legacy-GoHealth urgent care locations closing, Medicare patients will need to find alternative urgent care providers that accept Medicare. This is particularly important for those with Medicare Advantage plans that may have specific network requirements.
😣 Pain Management Challenges
Patients currently receiving pain management services at Legacy Salmon Creek Pain Clinic will need to find new providers before March 20, 2026. This transition is critical for patients with chronic pain conditions who require ongoing specialized care.
✅ Emergency Services Remain Available
The good news is that Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center's emergency department remains open, so Medicare patients can still access emergency care at this location. All other hospital services also continue to operate normally.
Alternative Healthcare Options for Medicare Patients
🏥 Urgent Care Alternatives
- • Providence Urgent Care locations
- • PeaceHealth urgent care centers
- • Kaiser Permanente urgent care (for Kaiser members)
- • Indigo Health urgent care
- • ZoomCare locations
Important: Verify Medicare acceptance before visiting any urgent care facility.
😣 Pain Management Alternatives
- • Providence Pain Management
- • PeaceHealth Pain Center
- • Vancouver Clinic Pain Management
- • Kaiser Permanente Pain Management
- • Independent pain specialists
Tip: Start researching new pain management providers now to ensure continuity of care.
Medicare Plan Considerations During AEP 2025
With these healthcare access changes, the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) 2025 becomes even more important for Clark County Medicare beneficiaries. Here's what to consider:
🔍 Network Verification
- • Verify your Medicare Advantage plan's urgent care network
- • Check if your preferred pain management providers are in-network
- • Confirm hospital coverage remains adequate
- • Review prescription drug coverage for pain medications
📋 Plan Comparison Factors
- • Urgent care copays and coverage
- • Specialist visit costs
- • Prescription drug coverage
- • Out-of-pocket maximums
- • Network adequacy in your area
Immediate Action Steps for Medicare Patients
Verify Your Current Coverage
Check which urgent care and pain management providers are in your current Medicare plan's network.
Research Alternative Providers
Start identifying new urgent care and pain management providers that accept your Medicare plan.
Schedule AEP Consultation
Use the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 - Dec 7) to review and potentially change your Medicare plan.
Update Your Medical Records
Ensure your new providers have access to your medical history and current medications.
Need Help Navigating These Changes?
As a licensed Medicare broker serving Clark County, I can help you understand how these healthcare access changes affect your Medicare coverage and find the best plan for your needs.
Sources
Information in this article is based on the official announcement from Legacy Health and reporting from The Columbian. For the most current information, please visit: