MU Healthcare Leaves Anthem Medicare Advantage Network

Effective April 1, 2025, University of Missouri (MU) Health Care will no longer be an in-network provider for patients enrolled in Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans. This change may lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses for approximately 6,800 affected patients who continue to seek care from MU Health Care. 

Background

The decision arises from ongoing negotiations between MU Health Care and Anthem concerning reimbursement rates. MU Health Care has proposed a 39% increase over three years to address rising healthcare costs and to align with rates of comparable academic medical institutions in the region. Anthem has expressed concerns that the requested increase is not in line with customer expectations or with increases accepted by other health systems. 

How this effects Patients 

It's essential for affected patients to proactively review their healthcare coverage and consider their options to ensure continued access to preferred providers and to manage potential out-of-pocket costs effectively. It’s also important to note that MU pharmacies will NOT be affected by this network change. Anthem will still have the following providers in network:

Boone Hospital
Saint Mary’s Hospital
Jefferson City Medical Group 

Options for Patients

Patients enrolled in Anthem's Medicare Advantage plans have some options to consider:

1) Change insurance carrier

Affected patients who wish to keep seeing physicians at MU Healthcare will need to explore other Medicare Advantage Plans that are in-network. Patients may qualify for alternative election periods in the area.

2) Change physicians or providers

For those affected who want to keep their Anthem plan, changing doctors will likely be necessary. You can search the provider directory at https://www.anthem.com/find-care/ or contact the member services number on the back of your insurance card.

For more information or assistance in finding options for you, please call our Missouri office at 573-220-4017 and we would be more than happy to help.