With Halloween just a few days away, the latest deadline for Anthem and Northern Light to negotiate a new contract or again extend their current agreement is fast approaching.
It was announced on October 1, as the expiration date for their existing contract came and went, the health care provider and insurance company extended their agreement for another month while talks continued.
Despite the lack of updates, Northern Light’s new president and CEO, Dr. Guy Hudson, expressed hope this past Wednesday in an interview with WGME that they would be able to work out a deal with Anthem in time.
He also indicated that in the absence of a deal, he expects that another extension may be on the table.
“Well, right now, we’re anticipating getting a deal done, or if we do not, or if there is an extension or whatnot, we will make sure our patients know first,” said Dr. Hudson. “I think, again, we have every intention of moving forth with Anthem. We are working on that everyday because, you know, patients come first for us.”
[RELATED: Northern Light and Anthem Extend Contract by 30 Days as Negotiations Continue]
At the beginning of October, Northern Light and Anthem issued a joint statement explaining that the extension was intended to ensure continuity of care for patients as the two keep working toward a long-term agreement.
It was also noted in this statement that the two are looking to embed consistent start and end dates in their new contracts to improve clarity for patients.
As a result of this extension, Mainers insured through Anthem’s commercial plans — including both those that are employer-sponsored and individually purchased — will be able to access in-network care at Northern Light facilities through October 31.
For these patients, all hospital care will remain in-network through the end of the year.
All services will continue to be in-network for Medicare Advantage patients until December 31.
Medicare Advantage patients will have until December 7 to choose a new plan or return to original Medicare during the open enrollment period, which begins on October 15.
Regardless of how these negotiations play out, Mainers with Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, plans will be unaffected, as these types of plans do not have network requirements in Maine. Despite the uncertainty about the future relationship between these companies, the University of Maine recently inked a deal with Anthem.
