MU Health Care and Anthem officials to testify before Missouri Senate committee Monday

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

As negotiations remain at a standstill, officials from MU Health Care and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield will testify before a Missouri Senate Committee Monday afternoon.

Since April 1, over 90,000 patients previously covered by Anthem have been in limbo, with many struggling to pay for care out-of-network.

Troubles started after a steep request by MU Health Care for an 11-13% increase to cover inflation costs, while Anthem offered a 1-2% increase. MU Health Care reported that they lowered their proposal, but Anthem claimed their offer was still not doable. Anthem also said it offered MU multiple offers, including annual rate increases above the Consumer Price Index which MU Health Care declined.

Officials with the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance and the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan will also testify at the hearing. The hearing will begin at 1 p.m. in the Senate Lounge.