When it comes to healthcare, insurance is essential for many individuals to have comprehensive access to medical resources, such as emergency hospital visits and routine checkups. Oftentimes, employers offer various benefits to their employees, and health insurance is one of these benefits. In the Joplin area, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a health insurance company that holds partnerships with many local businesses. It is also the health insurance offered by Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) to its employees.
Recently, news has been heard about Anthem BCBS: Mercy Hospital and its affiliated private practices and urgent cares may stop offering coverage of the insurance. As Mercy is one of the biggest health systems in Joplin, this decision could affect many residents if implemented. Many patients would have to either relocate to an alternative health system or pay for their medical visits out of pocket.
According to the Human Resources Department at MSSU, Anthem BCBS is still under active negotiations with Mercy, and discussions are being held about a decision regarding coverage. However, the wait for a final decision can last until December 31. Meanwhile, open enrollment in insurance benefits ended on October 31, 2024, so many employees had to opt in for Anthem BCBS insurance not knowing what the future holds for their healthcare benefits.
Jesse Brower, the Assistant Director of Student Activities at MSSU, would be “fairly upset” if Mercy were to discontinue its coverage of Anthem BCBS. He and his wife visit Mercy for their primary care needs and feel comfortable and satisfied with their providers.
He remarked that “it would be very unfortunate to lose all of that and have to start over somewhere new”. However, he understands a decision has not been finalized and sees that the insurance representative for MSSU is “cautiously optimistic that a deal will get done”.
Kaylea Furgerson, the Director of Student Activities, commented further that the wait for a final decision “is frustrating, since there’s officially been a stalemate since September and the end of the year is approaching, which is especially nerve-wracking for individuals with families and children that they provide for.” She hopes to receive updated news as soon as it is available so she and other employees can pivot towards another plan for their healthcare needs.
As MSSU employees and residents of the Joplin area await a decision regarding Mercy’s coverage of Anthem BCBS, hope and optimism for the future is held by many. When a decision is made, MSSU will continue supporting its employees however it can, making sure all employees have the opportunity to have their healthcare needs met.
Mercy will remain in-network with Anthem BCBS through December 31, 2024 regardless of the outcome of negotiations. For employees wanting more information, you can reach out to MSSU Human Resources at 417-625-9527 or call the number on the back of your insurance card, 1-833-363-1429 to speak to a representative of Anthem BCBS.
