Northern Light vows to treat Anthem patients in-network as contract negotiations continue

By Wendy Watkins, Bangor Daily News Staff

Negotiations between Northern Light Health and Anthem continue, despite the deadline for reaching an agreement expiring early Saturday, Nov. 1.

“As of this morning, we do not have a new contract with Anthem,” Northern Light Health President and CEO R. Guy Hudson said in a statement. “I personally want to reassure our patients who are Anthem customers that they can continue to receive care with Northern Light Health, without disruption while these negotiations continue – they will not be treated as out of network. We are committed to their health and care, which is why we are dedicated to a contract that protects the services they need.”

Anthem is Maine’s largest health insurer. 

Negotiations over the contract have gone on for months. If no agreement is reached, Northern Light would become out of network for more than 30,000 patients. 

For residents of many communities across northern and eastern Maine, Northern Light is their primary caregiver, and the decision could mean that many Mainers will have to travel farther for health services.

Anthem wants Northern Light to lower proposed rate increases, the insurer has said. Northern Light, meanwhile, has argued that higher reimbursement rates are necessary for a fair contract.