Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield ends services with MU Health

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KY3/Edited News Release) - The University of Missouri announced Monday that Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield will remove coverage for all MU Health facilities.

According to a news release, MU Health Care’s more than 1,200 providers, 80 clinics, and seven hospitals will be removed from Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and HealthLink commercial plans that patients get through their employer or the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace.

MU says this means patients may have to pay more out of pocket to see their MU Health Care doctors and care teams or may need to find a new, in-network provider for their care.

“It is our highest priority to help our patients who currently have Anthem coverage navigate their care options including continuing care with MU Health Care, if possible,” said Dr. Stevan Whitt, MU Health Care chief medical officer.

MU Health says patients with certain ongoing medical conditions may qualify for continuity of care to extend their in-network coverage. Anthem makes the final determination on eligibility, but MU Health Care has provided instructions for patients to help them determine if they are eligible, and how to apply.

This network change does not impact Healthy Blue Medicaid or University of Missouri Student Advantage plans, prescriptions Anthem get through Mizzou Pharmacy or patients who need medically necessary emergency care.

MU Health Care has also established a dedicated call center at 573-650-5409 available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST, to answer patient questions and help them understand their options while MU Health Care is out of Anthem’s network. Additional information and updates are available at muhealth.org/anthem.

In 2024, Mercy Hospitals in Missouri and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield reached a new multi-year agreement providing Anthem with continued access to care at all Mercy hospitals, outpatient care centers and physician offices across Missouri.

Anthem shared this statement with KY3:

We’re disappointed that MU Health Care cancelled the negotiation meeting that was scheduled for today instead of providing a response. Our current proposal, valid until midnight, includes reasonable payment increases that are in line with other Missouri health systems. MU Health Care’s proposed price increases would increase healthcare costs many times faster than wage growth for Missouri consumers. We cannot agree to price hikes of this magnitude for our . Standing up for affordable care for all Missourians is part of our mission.

Anthem spokesperson

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