November 6, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

We are very pleased to share the good news that Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maine (Anthem) and Northern Light Health have reached a new contract agreement. This means that all Northern Light hospitals, clinics, and providers will remain in-network for Anthem members, including covered University of Maine System employees and their families, when Anthem becomes our employee health insurance administrator in 2026. You can read the joint announcement from the two parties below.

This outcome ends weeks of uncertainty and ensures that you and your loved ones who rely on Northern Light will continue to have uninterrupted access to your trusted local providers at in-network costs. Throughout these negotiations, the University of Maine System has been in constant communication with both Anthem and Northern Light, as well as with state officials, to advocate for this very result. Strengthening your access to high-quality, affordable healthcare was always our priority, and we want to thank you for your patience, productive engagement, and trust during this process.

This multi-year agreement reaffirms that our decision to transition to Anthem and Capital Rx for pharmacy benefits, effective January 1, 2026, was the right one. Anthem offers the largest provider network in Maine, superior customer service, expanded wellness benefits, and more affordable premiums compared to competitors, including our current third-party administrator.

With Open Enrollment underway through November 24 at 11:59 p.m., we hope this announcement makes it easier for you and your family to make informed decisions about your health and prescription coverage for the coming year. You can learn more about these enhanced System benefits in our transition guide or by attending an upcoming Open Enrollment information session at your campus or online.

Thank you for continuing to place your trust in the University of Maine System as we make decisions that put our people first.

Sincerely,

Dannel P. Malloy, Chancellor

Amie Parker, Chief Human Resources Officer

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Northern Light Health Announce New Agreement

New contract ensures in-network access for Anthem members throughout Maine

South Portland, Maine — Northern Light Health and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine (Anthem) have reached an agreement that will provide in-network access to all Northern Light Health hospitals, clinics, and providers for Anthem health plan members, including those enrolled in employer-sponsored, individual, and Medicare Advantage health plans.

The new agreement applies to Anthem members across Maine who rely on Northern Light Health for comprehensive, community-based care. The renewed partnership reflects both organizations’ shared commitment to providing access to high-quality, affordable care for individuals, families, and employers throughout the state.

“This new agreement allows our patients to continue receiving high-quality care from the providers they know and trust. Northern Light Health has long been a reliable source of care in Maine and will remain that for generations to come. Throughout the negotiations we kept our patients’ needs at the forefront, and we will continue to advocate for them and the communities we serve,” shared R. Guy Hudson, MD, President and CEO, 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. “We’re pleased to have reached an agreement that keeps Northern Light Health in-network for our members and helps us continue delivering on our promise to improve lives and strengthen the health of our Maine communities.”

The multi-year contract takes effect retroactively to November 1, 2025. This means all care delivered since Nov. 1 will be treated as in-network for Anthem members.

Due to confidentiality agreements, the specific contractual details of the new arrangement are not being released.

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