No signed deal yet for Anthem, MU Health Care; but senate leader hints at possible agreement
Ryan Shiner
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Negotiations are still ongoing between MU Health Care and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, but a state senator is alleging they could be close to a deal.
A spokesman with MU Health Care told ABC 17 News in an email that the hospital system talked with Anthem throughout the day on Friday, but an agreement has not been signed. No discussions are planned for the weekend.
“We have been engaged throughout the day with Anthem, but do not yet have a signed agreement. Our goal remains to reach a deal that restores in-network access for Anthem members,” MU Health Care spokesman Eric Maze wrote.
Anthem customers using Medicare Advantage plans have been out of MU Health Care’s network since February. Other customers have been out of network since April after the two sides failed to reach an agreement. Both sides have disputed price points alleged by the other side.
Both sides spoke at a Missouri senate committee hearing last month, where Anthem claimed progress had been made.
Earlier this week, Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin (R-Shelbina) made a social media posting indicating she wanted a deal to be accepted this week. Laughlin in a post at 11:58 a.m. Friday claimed that the two sides were close to coming to a deal.
“On the healthcare issue to use a football analogy we are on the 1 yard line and it is third down. And I believe we are going to score a win. It could still fall apart but I don’t think it will. President [Mun] Choi and Rich from Anthem are close to an agreement. I will let you know,” she wrote.
Laughlin wrote a second post at 1:33 p.m. thanking both sides, claiming a metaphorical “touchdown” occurred and that details would be available next week.
ABC 17 News reached out to an Anthem spokesperson on Friday evening.