(LISTEN): MU Health Care's chief financial and chief operating officers discuss Anthem issue on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Roundtable"

Columbia-based MU Health Care says it's doing all it can to continue their participation in the Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield network. Columbia-based MU Health Care started notifying patients in December that they’re working to reach an agreement with Anthem to renew its contracts, which are set to expire on March 31, 2025. That's a little more than a month away. MU Health Care says the two parties hope to reach a mutual agreement to prevent disruptions for patients. MU Health Care chief financial officer Greg Damron and MU Health Care chief operating officer Tonya Johnson joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour on February 15, 2025 on 939 the Eagle's CEO Roundtable” program to discuss the issue. Mr. Damron emphasizes that MU Health Care is being transparent. “I mean we are asking for a substantial you know either increase in our rates over three years and/or relief from a lot of their operational practices that, you know, both tie up administrative resources and in a lot of cases delay care for our patients." Mr. Damron tells listeners. He also says health care costs are generally going up, adding that it's not just about inflation. "There's utilization of services, costs of new drug categories that are out there on the market," he tells listeners. As for Anthem, they tell 939 the Eagle that one of their primary goals is protecting affordability for those they serve. Here is the full statement 939 the Eagle News received from an Anthem spokesperson: "We are currently in discussions with University of Missouri Health Care (MU Health Care) for a multi-year extension to our existing contract. MU Health Care is demanding a price increase of 39% over three years, which is slightly less than their initial proposal. No part of this request is in line with customer expectations or increases accepted by other health systems. One of Anthem’s primary goals is to protect affordability for those we serve. We will continue to work with MU Health Care to reach an agreement that maintains access to affordable care for our members":