Northern Light Health says it will not increase charges for patients with Anthem insurance, despite failing to reach an agreement on reimbursement rates.

The head of Northern Light released a statement Saturday, saying Anthem patients will not be treated as out-of-network, which would have substantially increased their costs.

“I personally want to reassure our patients who are Anthem customers that they can continue to receive care with Northern Light Health without disruption while these negotiations continue – they will not be treated as out of network,” said Northern Light Health president and CEO, R. Guy Hudson. “We are committed to their health and care, which is why we are dedicated to a contract that protects the services they need.”

The two organizations have been negotiating for months with no progress, and an original deadline of October 1st was extended until Friday, October 31st.

The weekend announcement means Anthem patients will not be charged more for outpatient services such as doctor visits while the two sides continue negotiating.

Inpatient services, including overnight stays in hospitals, are not impacted until the end of the year.

The two sides have not agreed on a reimbursement rates Anthem would pay Northern Light for patient services.