Boone Health, SSM St. Mary’s respond to Anthem insurance concerns
Apr 04, 2025
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
After failing to reach an agreement with MU Health Care by the March 31 deadline, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield says it is working with other Mid-Missouri health care providers, including Boone Hospital, SSM St. Mary's, Moberly Regional Hospital and Jefferson City Medical G
roup.
Some of those hospitals have since reported an influx of calls about Anthem insurance, which at least one hospital expected last week.
SSM Health Medical Group in Mid-Missouri says it has been busy in recent weeks fielding calls from Anthem insurance holders.
"Our staff has received numerous calls from local residents concerned about the changes, and we are happy to assist them in establishing care with our providers," SSM Health Medical Group said in a statement to ABC 17 News.
SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital and SSM Health Medical Group in Mid-Missouri accept Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield – Commercial, Govt. Marketplace, Medicare Advantage, Blue Card.
Meanwhile, Boone Health says it has established a new phone line -- 573-815-3000 -- for insurance questions after receiving increasing calls and emails. Patients can also email questions to BHMG@boone.health.
“We are certainly hearing from patients that are asking what their options in switching over,” Boone Health spokesman Christian Basi told ABC 17 News. “One thing patients should know: First of all, is that if they do decide to have a conversation with [Boone Health, then they're not going to suffer any quality.”
To manage the stream of questions, Boone Health has launched a dedicated phone line for patients seeking information about their care options, which went live on Thursday.
“You're going to immediately hear a recorded message. But, it is basically a preamble to getting you into the queue to listen and hear about your concerns and getting you to where you need to be,” Basi said.
ABC 17 News reached out to MU Health Care for an update on negotiations with Anthem. A spokesperson for MU Health Care said more details should be available by early next week.
The post Boone Health, SSM St. Mary’s respond to Anthem insurance concerns appeared first on ABC17NEWS. ...read more read less
