Enloe, Anthem extend

With their temporary agreement set to expire New Year’s Day, Enloe Medical Center and insurance company Anthem Blue Cross extended their interim contract through Jan. 15.

The parties’ contract for services initially expired Nov. 1, after the hospital and insurer failed to settle on payment rates. Enloe contends that Anthem pays significantly less than other insurance companies. After the Camp Fire, they agreed to resume their previous contract through Dec. 31, 2018.

The extension means Enloe will stay “in network” for Anthem’s private-plan subscribers. Coverage for Medicare and Medi-Cal patients remains unaffected by the negotiations.