Northern Light Health and Anthem have agreed on a contract.
The deal, announced late Wednesday in a joint statement, ends months of contentious negotiations centered on reimbursement rates.
The agreement means that Northern Light Health hospitals, clinics and providers will be in-network for roughly 30,000 patients covered by Anthem.
"Throughout the negotiations we kept our patients’ needs at the forefront, and we will continue to advocate for them and the communities we serve,” said R. Guy Hudson, president and CEO of Northern Light Health.
“Anthem is deeply committed to ensuring Mainers have broad access to the care they need at prices they can afford,” said Denise McDonough, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine.
During a briefing Thursday before the state's Health Coverage, Insurance, and Financial Services Committee, state Sen. Donna Bailey asked the two organizations what lawmakers can do to avoid a similar situation in the future.
"And what I mean by that is the protracted negotiations that have caused tremendous angst, stress to consumers," she said.
Bailey asked the organizations to bring an answer back to lawmakers later.
Officials said specific details are not being released due to confidentiality agreements.
The contract takes effect retroactively to Nov. 1, when the previous contract expired.
