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MU Health Care and Anthem Contract Expiration

An Important Update About MU Health Care and Anthem Insurance

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We want to share an important update regarding our relationship with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem) and what it means for you.

Beginning Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Anthem is removing MU Health Care from its commercial and Medicare Advantage networks.

After eight months of negotiations with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem), patients with Anthem Medicare Advantage plans, Anthem commercial plans they get through their employer or the ACA marketplace, and other Blue Cross Blue Shield plans no longer have access to MU Health Care’s providers and facilities on an in-network basis effective Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

 

This means that Anthem may require patients to use out-of-network benefits, if available, or cover a greater portion of their care out of pocket. We understand this change may create challenges, and we remain committed to helping our patients navigate their options.

Key Facts to Know

  • MU Health Care is now out of network for all Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield commercial (including HealthLink) and Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans.
  • This impacts all MU Health Care physicians, advanced practice providers, clinics and hospitals.
  • Patients may have higher out-of-pocket costs or may need to transition to an in-network provider.
  • MU Health Care will remain in-network for Healthy Blue Medicaid and University of Missouri Student Advantage plans.
  • Mizzou Pharmacy will remain in network for all Anthem plans.
  • Medically necessary emergency care will continue to be covered at in-network rates as required by federal law.

Protect Your Access to Care

  • Call Anthem to learn more about Continuity of Care Benefits at the number on the back of your insurance card. Patients with certain ongoing health conditions may qualify for Continuity of Care benefits, which could allow them to continue receiving care at MU Health Care at in-network rates for a limited period. While Anthem determines eligibility for this program, patients can visit muhealth.org/continuity-of-care or call our Continuity of Care Hub at 573-771-CARE (2273) if they have questions or need assistance with completing their application.
  • Use Out-of-Network Benefits. If your plan offers out-of-network benefits, you may still be able to receive care at MU Health Care, though it may be at a higher cost. Contact Anthem to understand your financial responsibility.
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is owned by Elevance Health, a publicly traded, for-profit corporation.
    • As one of the largest for-profit insurance companies in the country, Elevance realized $5.99 billion in net income in 2023, an increase of 60% from $3.75 billion in 2018. In their 2023 earnings report, Elevance indicates the strong performance of its Health Benefits segment was primarily driven by higher premium revenue in its Commercial Health Benefits business.
    • Anthem has selectively referenced modest national inflation rates that support their description of the proposal on rates as "unprecedented." Across the nation, hospitals have seen their costs increase 17% in the past year alone.
    • Across the country, commercial insurers are earning record profits, while patients are paying higher premiums for poorer coverage. Research by the American Hospital Association shows that 62 percent of patients have had treatment delayed by their insurer, causing many of them to become sicker.
    • According to the Missouri Department of Commerce & Insurance's 2023 Health Insurance Market Report, Anthem and its peers increased annual premiums to employer groups by as much as 37% over the last decade, but did not pass on those rate increases to health care providers.
    • MU Health Care is experiencing a high rate of claims' denials – 30% of Anthem's bills are 90 days overdue – and delays in treatment authorization by Anthem, impacting patients’ access to timely care.
  • MU Health Care is the only academic health system, Level 1 Trauma Center and Children’s Hospital in central Missouri.
  • As a safety net hospital and regional referral center, we care for patients in all 114 Missouri counties and beyond.
  • Our mission as a public institution and safety net hospital is unique and vital to the health of Missouri communities across the state.
    • Our mission is to save and improve lives – through exemplary education, research and patient care, and caring for our patients is our top priority. By refusing to adequately pay for our services, Anthem is putting our ability to provide the convenient, local care our patients and communities need and deserve at risk.
    • MU Health Care understands the importance of access to care in rural communities and continues to support our rural communities by making significant investments into keeping their care close to home.

      Learn More

Questions?

For any other questions, call our dedicated community information line at 573-650-5409, available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST.