If you are actively being treated for certain health conditions at MU Health Care, Anthem may be legally required to continue to cover your treatment at in-network rates for that condition for a period of time through Continuity of Care benefit, even if MU Health Care is out of network.

This applies to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield plans that patients get through their employer, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace and HealthLink plans.

Health conditions that may be covered by the Continuity of Care benefit include:

• Pregnancy
• Serious or complex conditions like cancer and currently undergoing a course of treatment
• Relapsed cancer and currently receiving chemotherapy, radiation therapy or reconstruction
• Transplant candidates or recipients in need of ongoing care due to complications
• Recent or scheduled non-elective surgeries in the acute phase, including post-operative care
• Serious acute or chronic conditions in active treatment (e.g., heart attacks or strokes)
  • Acute conditions that are serious enough to require specialized medical treatment to avoid the reasonable possibility of death or permanent harm
  • Chronic conditions that are life-threatening, degenerative, potentially disabling or congenital and require specialized medical care over a prolonged period of time
• Terminal illness requiring care

We encourage you to call Anthem at the number on the back of your insurance ID card to learn more about how to apply for the Continuity of Care benefit.

While Anthem makes the final determination about eligibility, we are happy to address questions.

Yes, but you may have a higher out-of-pocket cost or your Anthem plan may not cover it at all, depending on your plan benefits. At MU Health Care, we believe every patient deserves the ability to access convenient health care close to home from the doctors, nurses and care teams they trust. MU Health Care will continue to care for you regardless of insurance status. Contact Anthem at the number on the back of your insurance card to verify what your out-of-pocket responsibility would be.

Continuity of Care benefits may allow you to temporarily receive treatment at in-network rates for certain health conditions, even if MU Health Care is out of network. These conditions include pregnancy, active cancer treatment, transplant care, and recent major surgeries. Anthem determines eligibility for these benefits, and you can contact Anthem at the number on the back of their insurance ID card to learn more and apply. While Anthem makes the final determination about eligibility, we are happy to address any question you have.

Please know that this change would not affect your coverage for emergency services. Regardless of your insurance status, you will not be responsible for more than the in-network out-of-pocket cost for emergency care in our Emergency Departments.  If your plan includes benefits for emergency services, then Anthem is legally required to cover those services at the in-network rate.