Northern Light Health and Anthem agree to 30-day extension while talks continue

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine (WAGM) - Northern Light Health and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield say they have extended their existing contract by 30 days as negotiations continue toward a longer-term agreement focused on affordability, access, and quality of care.

In a joint statement, the organizations outlined what the temporary extension means for patients and employers across Maine:

• Physicians & medical providers (primary care and specialists) will remain in-network for Anthem employer-sponsored and individual plans through October 31, 2025.
• Inpatient hospital care and hospital outpatient department services will stay in-network for Anthem employer-sponsored and individual plans through December 31, 2025.
• All Northern Light hospitals and physicians will remain in-network for Anthem Medicare Advantage plans through December 31, 2025.

Both parties also said they will explore aligning future contract start and end dates “to help ensure clarity for our patients and members.”

For questions about coverage or continuity of care, visit Anthem’s website or call the number on the back of your Anthem member ID card.

For questions about appointments or billing, visit Northern Light’s website or call Northern Light Health’s dedicated community information line at 1-888-616-0039.

This extension follows weeks of tense public statements from both sides about the status of negotiations. With today’s move, Northern Light and Anthem say they’ll continue working toward a long-term agreement while preserving in-network access for patients during the interim.