Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Applauds Expansion of Affordable Outpatient Infusion Options in Bangor Area

SOUTH PORTLAND, MAINE – Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield applauded the expansion of affordable care options for its members needing prescription drug infusions with the opening of Local Infusion’s newest outpatient facility at 625 Broadway in Bangor this week.

 

Along with the Penobscot Community Health Care Infusion Center at 1012 Union Street in Bangor, Anthem members now have additional options to access affordable infusion therapy (medication delivered through an IV or injection, often for a range of chronic conditions) at convenient locations in the Bangor area.

 

“Our claims data shows drug infusions delivered in a hospital are often two to three times more expensive – some with markups of up to 300 percent over the acquisition cost of the drug – than infusions done in an independent infusion center. This drives healthcare costs higher for everyone in our state,” said Denise McDonough, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine. “We are thrilled to be working with Local Infusion and PCHC Infusion Center to make high-quality, convenient infusion therapy options available to our members in the greater Bangor area – part of our commitment to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for Mainers.”

 

Anthem members now have numerous in-network options to receive drug infusions or injections at independent, outpatient facilities throughout Maine and across the N.H. border. Local Infusion has locations in Augusta, Bangor, and South Portland, with one planned for Portsmouth, N.H. later this year. PCHC Infusion Center operates a facility in Bangor, and Novella Infusion offers locations in Augusta, Lewiston, Portland, Rockport, and Portsmouth, N.H.

 

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