Members can access in-network medication IV therapy at outpatient locations in Lewiston and Portland
SOUTH PORTLAND, MAINE — In a continued effort to make healthcare more affordable and accessible in Maine, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine recently welcomed Novella Infusion, an outpatient infusion therapy provider, to its care provider network.
Novella Infusion offers infusion and injection therapy (medication delivered through an IV) for a range of chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, eczema, and many others. Novella Infusion recently opened locations in Lewiston and Portland and is opening a location in Augusta in March.
“Maine has some of the highest healthcare costs in the nation, and that’s why Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is working hard to expand access to independent providers like Novella Infusion, which can deliver care at a more affordable cost and with the same, if not better, quality,” said Denise McDonough, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine. “We’re pleased to welcome Novella Infusion to our extensive network of providers and provide our members with a more affordable option for infusion therapy.”
Anthem’s data shows that 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.
“We’re excited to bring a more convenient and comfortable infusion experience to Maine residents with the opening of our first two locations in Portland and Lewiston,” said Joe Brunink, CEO of Novella Infusion. “We will continue to grow to improve service for Maine residents, with our Augusta location opening in March and more locations planned in the future. Novella Infusion is on a mission to increase access to high-quality infusion services for all who need it while lowering the total cost of care.”
Novella Infusion offers flexible infusion times, convenient parking, comfortable infusion chairs, and other amenities in a personal outpatient setting. Novella’s experienced care team supports patients throughout their infusion journey and care is provided by on-site nurse practitioners. For more information about Novella Infusion, visit
novellainfusion.com .
About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of Maine, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at @AnthemBCBS_News and @AnthemBCBS or find us on Facebook.
About Novella Infusion
Novella Infusion is headquartered in New Hampshire and is a leading provider of outpatient infusion therapy in New England, with locations in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Novella Infusion provides a personal, comfortable, and convenient alternative to hospital-based infusions and is on a mission to increase access to high-quality infusion services for all who need it. Additional information about Novella Infusion is available at www.novellainfusion.com .
Media Contact:
Stephanie DuBois
stephanie.dubois@anthem.com
Ph:(603) 541-2112
