FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Contact: Hannah Edwards
Columbia, MO — In response to community pressure, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and MU Health Care today reached an agreement after failing to renew their contract April 1, leaving more than ninety thousand Missourians without access to their in-network provider. Last year, Anthem BCBS-insured residents in Missouri narrowly avoided losing access to their in-network providers with Mercy healthcare system. Mercy released a statement in September pointing to Anthem’s dictated “technicalities” that “disrupt patient care and, in some cases, can be life threatening,” as reason for ending their contract. Though they later reached an agreement, Mercy also claimed these technicalities “can shift the cost of health care away from the insurance provider” to patients. Recently, Missouri Jobs with Justice and LiUNA Local 955 have taken action to demand focus on patients and families unable to reach their doctors in Columbia due to this ongoing corporate greed. Local residents responded to finally being able to access to their health care providers after this unconscionable corporate show down:
“When greedy corporations put profits over the needs of our community, the impact can be lethal. Because of Anthem President Stephanie Vojicic’s decision to put corporate profits before the needs of our community, my family did not have in-network access to our doctors, including my kids’ pediatrician for over two months. The situation could have been tragic for us or any other family who lost access,” said Mid-Missouri Regional Organizer Drew Amidei with Missouri Jobs with Justice.
“While relieved that a deal has finally been reached, we cannot overlook the recent failure of these corporate institutions to honor the dignity and care for the needs of the people they are supposed to serve. As they face future challenges, we implore both Anthem and MU Health to center the needs of those whose lives depend on high quality, affordable and accessible healthcare,” said Rev. Sarah Klaassen Rock Bridge Christian Church.
“This is a testament to our community and how we are stronger together. Corporations like Anthem think they can push our communities around for their bottom line, but when we fight together we can overcome them,” said Alison.
“The fact that MU Healthcare and Anthem had months to reach an agreement but instead decided to play chicken and place greed above the health and well being of thousands of people in their own communities is despicable. They should be absolutely ashamed of themselves,” said small business owner Megan Behr.
“Ninety thousand people went without the care they wanted for 3 months because University of Missouri Healthcare and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield couldn’t agree on price. It is unacceptable that their greed came before our health,” said Jessica Davis.
Missouri Jobs with Justice held a press conference ahead of a Missouri Senate committee hearing Monday, June 30th on the failed agreement. Though the committee initially refused to receive testimony from the dozens of Mid-Missourians who came to share their stories, they finally allowed the powerful testimony with the urging of Missouri Jobs with Justice and supportive members of the committee. The organization remains committed to fighting to build a Missouri where all people can lead safe and healthy lives.
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More About Missouri Jobs with Justice:
Missouri Jobs with Justice is a coalition of community, labor, faith-based, and student groups and individuals working to build power through direct action and strong relationships rooted in justice, equity, and solidarity. An organization of, by and for working people, we hope to build a Missouri where all people can lead safe and healthy lives. In addition to our local and state partners, we are proud to be affiliated with national Jobs with Justice as well as People’s Action. Companion 501(c)(4) organization Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action builds Missouri’s worker justice movement through workplace campaigns, ballot initiatives, and other community fights.