Maine’s largest insurer leveled new accusations against one of the state’s largest health care systems just a week before their contract is set to expire.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Northern Light Health have been feuding publicly for months over terms for a new contract.
With the current contract set to expire at the end of September for commercial customers and at the end of 2025 for Medicare recipients, patients have been left in limbo or scrambling for alternatives.
Northern Light said in mid-August that it was ending negotiations. But the Brewer-based health care system came back to the table later that month seeking mediation, to which Anthem apparently agreed.
After a quiet September, Anthem on Wednesday released a statement accusing Northern Light of making unreasonable demands and walking away from negotiations. A Northern Light spokesperson immediately called Anthem’s claims “false” and suggested that the insurer might be the one walking away from the table.
Anthem said Northern Light had abandoned the mediation process despite the insurer doubling its offer to a 5% increase for commercial business. The insurer also claimed that Northern Light is asking Anthem to make changes to its contract, including preventing audits of claims, which Anthem says it uses to protect customers from overpaying.
“We are disappointed but remain open to further discussions and compromise. However, because Northern Light Health has decided not to continue with mediation, we are now continuing to help our members navigate care options,” Anthem said in a statement.
In a response, Suzanne Spruce, senior vice president and chief marketing and communications officer for Northern Light Health said the health care system is “disappointed to hear that Anthem publicly disseminated egregious misrepresentations” of the mediation talks.
“We have made no indication that we are walking away from negotiations and their statements are not constructive to the mediation process,” Spruce said. “Anthem refuses to address our requests for contract language that protects Northern Light Health and the patients we serve. We remain available for the scheduled mediations if Anthem changes its mind and wishes to provide language to address Northern Light Health’s concerns.”