• MU Health Care and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield failed to reach a contract agreement, leading to MU Health Care facilities becoming out-of-network for Anthem members.
• Over 90,000 patients are affected, including MU students who face challenges accessing healthcare and international students confused about insurance coverage.
• Negotiations remain stalled with MU Health Care citing unsustainable reimbursement rates from Anthem, while Anthem claims MU Health Care's proposed rate increases are unaffordable.

The contract between MU Health Care and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield ended in April 2025 after both parties failed to reach an agreement on healthcare pricing, impacting over 90,000 patients. This means that for many individuals with Anthem insurance, services at MU Health Care facilities are now considered out-of-network, potentially leading to higher costs and difficulties in accessing care. The dispute centers around reimbursement rates, with MU Health Care arguing that Anthem's offers are too low and Anthem countering that MU Health Care's demands are excessive.

• What: Contract negotiations between MU Health Care and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield failed, resulting in MU Health Care facilities becoming out-of-network for Anthem members.
• Who: MU Health Care, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, MU students, and approximately 90,000 other patients in mid-Missouri.
• When: The contract ended on April 1, 2025. Negotiations have been ongoing for eight months prior. The Anthem Student Advantage plan will remain in-network until July 31 or August 15, 2025, depending on the plan.
• Where: Columbia, Missouri, and surrounding mid-Missouri communities served by MU Health Care.

The dispute between MU Health Care and Anthem reflects a broader national issue of healthcare affordability and reimbursement rates. The impact on patients is significant, particularly for those with chronic conditions or who rely on specific MU Health Care specialists. The disagreement highlights the challenges of balancing the financial needs of healthcare providers with the need to keep insurance premiums affordable for consumers. The lack of progress in negotiations suggests a deep divide between the two organizations, with potentially long-term consequences for healthcare access in the region.

"We're not bargaining chips. We're real people with real health problems."

"At this point, the general public doesn't really care who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. They just want a solution."

"For international students, it’s important that they know beforehand that this particular hospital is an in-network provider. Most of us are pressed for money, and we can’t just walk into a hospital and get a surprise bill."

The contract dispute between MU Health Care and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield remains unresolved, leaving patients in mid-Missouri in a state of uncertainty. While continuity of care options offer temporary relief for some, the long-term impact on healthcare access and affordability is a significant concern. The ongoing stalemate underscores the need for constructive negotiations and a commitment to finding a solution that prioritizes the well-being of the community.