Anthem, Central Maine Healthcare renew contract

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Central Maine Healthcare said Thursday they have renewed a multiyear coverage agreement between the insurer and the health care system, including its three major hospitals, Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. But it means that Maine’s third-largest health care provider will continue to participate in the Anthem network and that patients will continue to receive Anthem coverage for their care.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement that continues to make quality health care accessible for our members in central Maine,” said Denise McDonough, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine.

“We value our relationship with Central Maine Healthcare as we work together to tackle health care affordability and improve lives and communities for the thousands of Mainers we mutually serve.”

Steve Littleson, president and CEO of Central Maine Healthcare, said, “Patients covered by Anthem can continue to depend on Central Maine Healthcare for their health care needs,” said. “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Anthem on arrangements that support our ability to provide high quality and affordable services to the communities we serve together.”

The new agreement applies to Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield members enrolled in commercial and Medicare Advantage plans.

Announcement of the deal comes as the state’s largest health care system, MaineHealth, remains locked in a contract dispute with Anthem over claims each says the other hasn’t fully paid. MaineHealth has pledged that its flagship hospital, Maine Medical Center, will exit the Anthem insurance network if millions of dollars are not received from the insurer.

Indianapolis-based Anthem Inc. (NYSE: ANTM) is one of the nation’s largest health insurance companies. A member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, it provides coverage to people in Maine and 13 other states.