MU Health Care sent an email to students and customers Monday night, updating them on the status of the negotiations and expressing its disappointment at the potential outcome. MU Health Care is seeking a 39% increase in prices over the next three years, which Anthem argues is four times the rate of inflation. Anthem contends that these demands would make healthcare unaffordable.
In contrast, MU Health Care maintains that the requested price increase reflects the rising costs of providing lifesaving care. Anthem expressed disappointment that MU Health Care had canceled negotiations meetings this week. However, MU Health Care spokesperson Eric Maze clarified that there was no meeting on Tuesday due to the lack of agenda items but confirmed that meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
“The assertion that we are canceling all of the meetings is simply not true,” Maze said. – July 26, 2024: MU Health Care reached out to Anthem with a proposed plan but claimed they didn’t receive a response for “months.
– December 11, 2024: Anthem first issued concerns regarding the proposed price increases, while MU Health Care expressed a desire to avoid being out-of-network for Anthem users.
Contract dispute nears critical deadline
– February 11, 2025: MU Health Care stated that the participation in Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage would terminate by the end of March. – February 19, 2025: Negotiations between MU Health Care and Anthem stalled, with little progress achieved. Chief Medical Officer for Ambulatory Care Laura Morris acknowledged the lack of progress in an email to state workers.
– March 24, 2025: MU Health Care sent an email to state workers indicating that an out-of-network period seemed likely. They also expressed frustration with Anthem throughout the negotiation process. – March 31, 2025: Deadline for an agreement to be made between MU Health Care and Anthem.
– April 1, 2025: MU Health Care providers and facilities will be out of Anthem’s commercial network. For guidance on proceeding with your care and specific questions regarding coverage, customers are advised to call 573-771-CARE. For additional assistance or any inquiries, MU Health Care advises contacting their office directly or visiting their official website.
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