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Updated: 3 hours ago

Northern Light continues to tackle insurance and facility issues

orange tinted aerial of building facade and flag FILE PHOTO / COURTESY NORTHERN LIGHT HEALTH Northern Light promised continued care for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield patients while contract talks continue.
By Laurie Schreiber

Northern Light Health had developments underway on two fronts in recent days.

On Saturday, the health care system pledged continued care for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield patients while contract talks continue. 

And the system said the last day of patient care at its Waterville walk-in clinic is scheduled for Nov. 14, in keeping with its statement in early October that the clinic would close “by the end of the year.”

Anthem patients

As of Nov. 1, Northern Light did not have a new contract with Anthem.  

“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,” R. Guy Hudson, the system’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “We are committed to their health and care, which is why we are dedicated to a contract that protects the services they need.”

A person poses for a headshot.
Photo / Courtesy Northern Light Health
Guy Hudson

Contract negotiations broke down in mid-August and would have left Anthem customers without Northern Light coverage for physicians and ancillary services, effective Oct. 1. 

The organizations entered into mediation, which included an agreement to extend their existing contract by 30 days, with Northern Light physicians and medical providers remaining in-network with Anthem employer-sponsored and individual health plans through Oct. 31, rather than Oct. 1 as originally intended.

“We are proud to serve our communities and appreciate your patience and understanding as this process concludes,” said Hudson.

In late October, Hudson told Mainebiz that it’s continuing to work with Anthem “to get to an agreement as quickly as we can,” he said. “I think both organizations have the best intentions.”

Waterville clinic

Northern Light Health said the last day of patient care at its Waterville walk-in clinic is scheduled for Nov. 14, in keeping with its statement in early October that the clinic would close “by the end of the year.”

When Northern Light Inland Hospital in Waterville closed earlier this year, the Waterville walk-in care location, at 174 Kennedy Memorial Drive, “was kept open to serve as an important bridge for area patients," Maine’s second largest health care system, based in Brewer, said a statement on its website.

The statement continued, “This ensured continued access to care while people transitioned to new providers and services.”

The transition has been successful, as patient volumes at the Waterville walk-in care clinic have steadily declined as individuals and families have established relationships with other providers in the community, the system said.

“At the same time, other local organizations are well-positioned to meet same-day care needs, ensuring there is sufficient access to care for the community moving forward,” the system said.

A Northern Light care team will be available to assist area patients with medication management, primary care connections and other follow-up needs as the clinic winds down operations.

Northern Light closed Inland Hospital in Waterville in late May, citing operating losses of $1 million to $1.5 million per month, unsustainably low reimbursement rates and a tight labor market as the reasons for the closure. 

In September, the organization closed its Bangor walk-in clinic and reduced its workforce by approximately 3%, with more than two-thirds of the reduction made up of attrition, including retirements.

The changes come amid a trend of deeper financial losses and federal Medicaid funding cuts across the health care industry.

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