Mercy and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield announce new multi-year contract
Mercy and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield have reached a new multi-year contract, ensuring continued access to Mercy centers across Missouri for Anthem members, including those covered by Medicare Advantage, Affordable Care Act Marketplace, and Healthy Blue Medicaid plans.
ST. LOUIS - After months of high-stakes negotiations, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Mercy have reached a new multi-year agreement.
The new agreement comes as a huge relief for Anthem members, who were worried they might lose in-network access to Mercy Healthcare starting in January.
The new agreement means Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield members will have uninterrupted in-network access to Mercy doctors and facilities across Missouri. This includes all Mercy hospitals, outpatient care centers, and physician offices.
The new contract applies to Anthem employer-based health plans, Medicare Advantage, and Affordable Care Act marketplace plans. Healthy Blue Medicaid members will also have continued in-network access to Mercy care providers.
The agreement follows months of tense negotiations as Mercy announced back in September it would end its contract with Anthem on Jan. 1 if a deal wasn't reached. At the time, Mercy raised concerns about rising costs of care and burdens on patients, claiming Anthem had not kept up with inflation.
Both sides have previously exchanged sharp words. Mercy criticized Anthem for what it described as 'red tape' and insufficient re-imbursements, while Anthem said Mercy's demands were unreasonable, including price increases that exceeded the current rate of inflation.
The new multi-year agreement averts a major health care shakeup, as many patients expressed concerns they'd face out-of-network costs or paying out of pocket for care at mercy facilities.
What's Your Reaction?
