New Hampshire's insurance commissioner will mediate contract negotiations between Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Nashua-based St. Joseph Hospital after the organizations went out of network on Jan. 1.
Both parties have agreed to meet with the state on Jan. 7 to go over data and information that could help lead to an agreement.
"While state and federal law provides patients with short-term protections and continuity of care for vulnerable populations, both parties recognize the disruption to the clients they serve should an agreement not be reached," Insurance Commissioner DJ Bettencourt said Jan. 3. "While there are still legitimate unresolved issues, I believe both parties genuinely share a desire to come to an agreement, and there is no reason to delay current negotiations."
Up to 10,000 people are estimated to be directly affected by the dispute, which does not involve Anthem Medicare Advantage plans. New Hampshire law requires hospitals and insurers to maintain existing coverage for patients for 60 days following an agreement termination, or March 1, 2025.