COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and MU Health Care failed to reach a deal on Monday, according to a Monday news release from MU Health Care.
The two sides had been in contentious negotiations for months with the intent to reach an agreement by Monday’s deadline. MU Health Care will no longer be considered within Anthem’s network on Tuesday. Anthem’s Medicare Advantage customer will also be no longer in-network at MU, according to previous reporting.
MU Health Care says in its news release that Anthem walked away from the negotiations.
The release says the 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 CEO Ric Ransom was highly critical of Anthem in a letter to the insurance giant that was shared with reporters.
“To say Anthem’s behavior toward MU Health Care throughout our contract negotiations is unfortunate is putting it mildly,” he wrote. “Your actions have put your members — and our patients — in a troublesome, frustrating and perilous situation.”
Anthem said in a statement that MU Health called off negotiations.
“We’re disappointed that MU Health Care cancelled the negotiation meeting that was scheduled for today instead of providing a response,” Anthem says in the statement. “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 members. Standing up for affordable care for all Missourians is part of our mission.”
MU Health Care recommended last month for patients to apply for continuity of care to extend in-network coverage. A call center for patients is available at 573-650-5409 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Check back for updates.
