03-04-2025
Anthem removes access to MU Health Care for thousands of patients
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem) notified MU Health Care earlier this week that it no longer wishes to negotiate on its commercial contracts.
Effective as of Tuesday, April 1, MU Health Care's more than 1,200 providers, 80 clinics and seven hospitals were removed from Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield—and HealthLink commercial plans that patients get through their employer or the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace.
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.
In February, Anthem made the decision to stop negotiating on a new Medicare Advantage contract and to remove MU Health Care from that network. Following this decision, MU Health Care said it continued negotiating with Anthem to remain in their commercial insurance network.
'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.
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 members 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 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST to answer patient questions and help them understand their options.
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