MU Health Care Secures Agreement with UnitedHealthcare: What This Means as Talks with Anthem Continue

MU Health Care has made strides in negotiations by extending its contract with UnitedHealthcare, ensuring that their members can access MU Health Care’s services for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, talks with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield are not going as smoothly.

For those insured by Anthem, changes are on the horizon. Nearly 90,000 patients in Missouri could lose in-network coverage if an agreement isn’t reached by Tuesday. This includes individuals covered by Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Health-Link plans, either through their employers or the Affordable Care Act.

Shanon Fucik, MU Health Care’s Chief Nursing Officer, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting, “There is a distinct possibility that we will go out of network with Anthem on Tuesday.” Patients are encouraged to explore options such as filing for continuity of care benefits.

Anthem’s spokesman, Jeff Blunt, expressed disappointment over the negotiations, pointing out that MU Health Care is asking for a significant 39% price increase over three years. He stated, “Our current offer is fair,” and urged MU Health Care to help keep healthcare affordable for the community.

While an agreement seems unlikely, it’s important to note that emergency services and the Mizzou Pharmacy will remain unaffected, regardless of the negotiations’ outcome.

Healthcare negotiations like these reflect broader trends in the industry. A report from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that rising healthcare costs have been a significant concern for many Americans, with premiums for employer-sponsored plans rising by an average of 4% in recent years. This mirrors what we see here, as both parties grapple with the financial aspects of care.

As the deadline approaches, both MU Health Care and Anthem continue to push for a resolution that balances patient access and sustainability. For now, patients should stay informed and prepare for potential changes. If you have questions, MU Health Care’s support line is available at 573-650-5409.

For more information on healthcare costs and insurance negotiations, check out the Kaiser Family Foundation.

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MU Health Care,UnitedHealthcare,Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield,Contract extension,Negotiations,Network coverage,Price increases,Continuity of care