What is happening between MU Health Care and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield?

After more than eight months of negotiations, Anthem has removed MU Health Care’s providers and facilities from its commercial and Medicare Advantage networks, effective Tuesday, April 1, 2025. This means MU Health Care is no longer in network with Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield and HealthLink commercial plans patients get through employers or the ACA marketplace, or Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans. This network change does not impact patients with Healthy Blue Medicaid or University of Missouri Student Advantage plans, Mizzou Pharmacy or medically necessary emergency care.

Will emergency care still be covered?

Yes. This change does not affect coverage for emergency services. Regardless of insurance status, you will not be responsible for more than the in-network out-of-pocket cost for emergency care in any of 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.

Can I still receive care at MU Health Care?

Yes, but Anthem may require you to pay higher out-of-pocket costs or use out-of-network benefits if available. Contact Anthem to verify your coverage options.

What should I do if I am in active treatment?

If you are receiving treatment for certain ongoing medical conditions, you may be eligible for a Continuity of Care benefit. Call Anthem at the number on the back of your insurance card to determine if you are eligible. While Anthem makes the final determination about eligibility, we have additional information available for you.

What can I do to protect my access to care at MU Health Care?

To protect your ability to continue receiving care from MU Health Care on an in-network basis:

  • If you receive your Anthem insurance through your employer, tell your Human Resources or Benefits Department that you want to keep access to MU Health Care’s physicians, advanced practice providers and services.
  • Call Anthem at the number on the back of your insurance card and let them know you want to keep access to the MU Health Care physicians and advanced practice providers and services you trust.
  • View the list of insurance companies with which MU Health Care contracts.
  • Learn more about Continuity of Care. Anthem ultimately will determine if you qualify, but we have posted more information on our website, along with helpful instructions developed by our medical staff to make the process as easy as possible.