Northern Light ends Medicare contract with Humana

By Kathleen O’Brien, Bangor Daily News Staff

Northern Light Health, one of Maine’s largest health care providers, ended its Medicare Advantage network contract with Humana, which could lead some patients to pay more for care. 

Northern Light made the decision after trying to resolve “numerous ongoing administrative issues” over the past year, according to a statement Northern Light issued on Aug. 21.

The change, effective Sept. 30, will not apply to Humana Military patients, the Brewer-headquartered health organization said. 

The decision is the latest in a series of cuts or scaling back of services Northern Light has made, most of which have been in an attempt to chip away at a substantial financial deficit inflicted by the pandemic. Those losses came in tandem with supply chain disruptions and staffing shortages that forced the system to fill gaps with expensive travel providers. 

Patients covered by Humana can still receive care at Northern Light facilities, but they’ll be considered out-of-network, which could lead to higher out-of-pocket costs for the same services. 

Patients with Aetna Medicare Advantage, Anthem Medicare Advantage, Martin’s Point Generations Advantage, United Healthcare Medicare Advantage or WellCare Medicare Advantage remain in-network at Northern Light.