MU Health Care, Anthem work on new agreement
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
University of Missouri Health Care and one of Missouri's largest insurers are yet to come to agree on coverage into next year.
The contract between MU Health Care and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield expires on March 31, 2025.
Two million Missourians are insured through Anthem, according to the company's website.
Patients began getting emails from MU Health Care this week that informed them the two parties are having conversations that they hope will lead to an agreement that doesn't disrupt coverage.
"We have been working in good faith with Anthem to renew our contract and remain a participating provider in Anthem's provider and hospital networks for commercials Medicare Advantage members," the email says. "If our contract expires before an agreement is reached, MU Health Care services, physicians, advanced practice providers and facilities will be out of Anthem's network, starting on Tuesday, April 1, 2025."
"These early communications serve to provide ample notice given the system’s extensive network of physicians, advanced practice providers, hospitals and clinics across Missouri," MU Health Care spokesman Eric Maze said in a news release.
“Today, absolutely nothing changes except we're making folks aware,” said Dr. Laura Morris, who is the chief medical officer for ambulatory care at MU Health Care. “There's an expiration to every contract and contract renegotiation is part of health care.”
MU Health Care serves patients in all 114 Missouri counties. It is also the only academic health system in Mid-Missouri, including a Level-1 trauma center and a children's hospital. MU Health Care is one of only two hospitals in the state that provides health care to patients regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.
“We are doing everything we can to continue our participation in the Anthem network in order to maintain our patients’ in-network access to MU Health Care, but a new, fair network agreement is essential to our ability to provide high-quality, local care to our patients,” Dr. Steve Whitt, MU Health Care’s chief medical officer, said in the release. “Physicians and caregivers at MU Health Care wake up every day with the goal of living our mission to save and improve lives. That work is only possible when companies like Anthem step up alongside us through a fair contract that reflects our state’s challenging health care and economic environment.”
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield alleged in a statement that MU Health Care wanted to increase prices.
"We are currently in talks with University of Missouri Health Care (MU Health) to extend our members' access to affordable care at MU Health beyond April 1, 2025," Anthem spokeswoman Emily Snooks said in an email. "We are concerned that MU Health wants to significantly increase costs for patients and their employers in Missouri. We will continue to work with MU Health to reach an agreement that maintains affordable access to care for our members."
MU Health Care made a response to Anthem, claiming that the hospital was asking for "fair contracts."
"We are negotiating in good faith with Anthem to preserve our mission to save and improve lives across Missouri," MU Health Care spokesman Eric Maze said in an email. "We're asking Anthem for fair contracts that recognize the value of the care we provide."
Anthem often negotiates with suppliers, according to its list of current contract negotiations. Although most contracts are renegotiated before they expire and the provider stays active in Anthem's network, there are some circumstances that can cause a provider to stop taking part in one or more networks.
Jefferson City Medical Group and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield reached a contract agreement in November 2023. Because JCMG remained in-network, approximately 30,000 patients continued receiving coverage, according to previous reporting.
MU Health Care advises patients to not postpone necessary tests, surgeries or routine health screenings and to maintain their appointments. A call center has been created to answer patient questions or concerns regarding these negotiations at 573-650-5409, available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
MU Health Care said patients can also call the number on the back of their Anthem insurance card if they would like to express their concerns. MU Health says the negotiations don't affect Mizzou Pharmacy coverage.
