Uncertainty for Patients in Maine as Negotiations Continue

Bangor, Maine – Over 30,000 patients in Maine are facing uncertainty as the deadline for contract negotiations between Northern Light Health and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield approaches.

The two companies need to finalize their agreements by the end of Tuesday. If they do not reach a deal, patients covered by Anthem will find themselves out of the network for both physician and non-hospital services starting October 1st.

This situation will also result in Northern Light providers exiting Anthem’s Medicare network, which will affect access to hospital services, including emergency room visits, after 2025.

Earlier this month, Anthem stated that Northern Light had walked away from negotiations, marking the second time this has happened in two months. In response, Northern Light labeled Anthem’s claims as a “bad misrepresentation,” stating they had not abandoned discussions and were still available for negotiations.

Northern Light confirmed they are scheduled for mediation with Anthem on Tuesday. Anthem has expressed their intention to continue negotiations, requesting an extension of the current contract past September 30 to prevent confusion among members.

Northern Light responded by stating, “Anthem didn’t give us any reason to believe that extensions of the contract at this point would benefit patients or Northern Light Health.” This statement was issued Tuesday evening.

In a full statement from Anthem, they noted: “The discussion with Northern Light Health is ongoing. We have sought to extend our current contract beyond September 30th to avoid disruption in member care. We are currently waiting for their response.” They also outlined the implications of failing to reach an agreement:

• If Northern Light disagrees with the extension, starting October 1st, non-hospital facilities, doctors, and specialists from Northern Light will no longer be available for Anthem-insured patients.
• Northern Light Health Hospital will stay in-network for Anthem members until December 31st.
• All Northern Light hospitals and care providers will continue to serve Anthem Medicare Advantage members through December 31st.

Anthem emphasized their commitment to reaching a fair deal to ensure affordable access to care in Maine, highlighting that their members and patients are counting on both parties to come to an agreement swiftly.

In a statement shared by Suzanne Spruce, Chief Communications Officer at Northern Light, she remarked, “We regret the anxiety this situation is causing for Maine’s healthcare services, but Northern Light Health is committed to the mediation process. Our goal is to find a resolution that serves both patients and the community. Time is of the essence for everyone involved.”