MAINE, USA — Northern Light Health and Anthem failed to reach an agreement through mediation by deadline but agreed Wednesday to extend their existing contract by 30 days.

The contract affects roughly 30,000 Mainers, who were briefly out of network for primary care effective Oct. 1.

"Northern Light Health and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) have agreed to extend our existing contract by 30 days as both parties continue working toward a long-term agreement that prioritizes affordability, patient access, and quality of care," the joint statement read.

The extension allows Northern Light providers to remain in-network with Anthem employer-sponsored and individual health plans through Oct. 31.

Both parties have been pointing fingers, each claiming the other is uncooperative or

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