Updated: July 3, 2023
First and foremost, thank you for the trust you place in us and for the opportunity to care for you. We are disappointed to inform you that we have not yet been reassured by Anthem Maine that we will conclude our negotiations before the expiration of our current contract. In all likelihood, this means that as of July 5, 2023, Anthem will remove St. Mary’s Health System in Lewiston and St. Joseph Healthcare in Bangor and our 225 affiliated providers as an in-network provider.
This is not the outcome that we wanted or anticipated when we began conversations with Anthem Maine last October. It also does not reflect the hours we’ve invested in negotiating, the many compromises we’ve offered or our sincere commitment to finding common ground that protects you and other Anthem members while securing the viability of patient access to needed care.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
- Beginning July 5, 2023, St. Mary’s Health System in Lewiston and St. Joseph Healthcare in Bangor and their associated providers will no longer be considered in-network for Anthem members.
- This change does not impact your ability to seek care in our emergency departments. Emergency care is always considered to be in-network. Our emergency departments are open and available should you need these services.
- Patients with certain healthcare conditions may also be considered in-network if they require continuity of care. Continuity of care regulations are mandated through state and federal laws. Examples of continuity of care might include cancer care, post-surgical follow-up care, behavioral health treatments, and many other conditions where the importance of care transitioning for our patients are needed.
- As an out-of-network patient, you may elect to continue to see our providers and use our hospitals, but Anthem will likely require you to use your out of network benefit options.
WHAT IF YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
Again, we are deeply grateful for the trust you place in us. We will continue doing everything possible to minimize the impact this will have on you and your families.
Additional information can be found on the Maine Bureau of Insurance website.
Staff is also available to answer questions about individual circumstances and may be reached by calling:
Bangor: 207-907-1682
Lewiston: 207-753-4995
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