Important Updates About Our Discussions with Anthem in Maine
Updated: May 15, 2023
To our patients covered by Anthem Health Insurance,
By now, you may have heard that we are in the process of negotiating a new contract with Anthem Maine to replace our current agreement, which is set to expire on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. We feel it is important to update you on the steps we have taken to date to align on the terms and rates for a new contract as we also work to protect your access to high quality, compassionate care.
We have been in discussions with Anthem for several months and have been clear about our expectations for our new contract:
- It must protect and preserve our patients’ ability to access the care they need.
- It must provide fair pay for the hard work our clinicians do and the investments we make in people, technology, and facilities.
- It must include reasonable terms and minimize the level of burden that Anthem imposes with claims administration and inappropriate denials far exceeding that of other insurers.
While we have tried to remain hopeful, we are disappointed with the terms and rates Anthem has offered to us to date. Our disappointment is only deepened by these statistics:
- Anthem raised premiums by 10-12% in 2022, and some small employers saw even bigger increases.
- Anthem’s parent company, Elevance, posted $2 Billion in profits during the 1st quarter of 2023, while countless hospitals and health systems are struggling to recover financially following the pandemic.
What you need to know:
- We are committed to protecting your choice and access to care. We are actively negotiating with Anthem in good faith, and we hope to reach an agreement before our current agreement expires on July 4, 2023. We have every reason to believe Anthem shares this goal.
- Nothing changes Please keep all appointments and procedures you have scheduled. Do not delay routine health screenings, procedures or tests important to your health.
- We will keep you informed throughout the process. We are committed to providing you with timely and accurate information on this situation. Updates can be found by visiting our websites:
Lewiston: www.stmarysmaine.com/anthem
Bangor: www.stjosephbangor.org/anthem
What you can do to Make Your Voice Heard
- Contact your company’s Human Resource or Benefits Administration department and share your concern regarding a potential change in Anthem’s provider network in the State of We estimate that over 14,000 patients could be impacted.
- Let Anthem hear from you to let them know that it is important that your provider and hospital remain in-network. They can be reached by calling:
Anthem of Maine
1-800-331-1476
Visit the websites noted above for any updates and progress reports.