Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and University of Missouri Health Care have partnered to offer a new health plan option that will benefit consumers and local employers by increasing access to affordable, quality health care.

The Anthem Alliance Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) product was designed to meet the evolving health care needs of Missouri companies and consumers by providing benefits to members through a focused network of MU Health Care physicians, hospitals and other health care professionals. This new product will be available beginning Jan. 1, 2019 for employer groups that are located in the Columbia and Jefferson City markets and have 51 or more employees. 

“Anthem is committed to making health care affordable for Missouri consumers, and working closely with our provider partners is an important key to managing cost in today’s health care market,” said Amadou Yattassaye, president, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri. “By collaborating with MU Health Care, we can help ensure consumers have access to cost affordable, fully integrated health care. The Anthem Alliance EPO is such an example for consumers in the Columbia and Jefferson City areas.”
 
“As an academic health system, MU Health Care brings innovation and discovery to the field of medicine through our commitment to leading-edge care, research and education,” said Jonathan Curtright, MU Health Care CEO. “We believe in keeping care local, and we’re proud to partner with Anthem to provide care for Anthem members in the Columbia and Jefferson City areas.” 

Through the Anthem Alliance network, Anthem members in mid-Missouri will have access to more than 6,000 physicians, nurses and health care professionals through MU Health Care and its affiliates. As an academic health system, University of Missouri Health Care offers a full spectrum of care that encompasses primary care as well as highly specialized treatment for patients with the most severe illnesses and injuries. 

Through the network, Anthem members can expect lower out-of-pocket costs and a robust technology platform for sharing clinical data, including an integrated electronic medical record (EMR). The Anthem network also offers a best-in-class care model that features a full continuum of health management to allow doctors to better identify risk factors and gaps in care to ensure more proactive, cost-effective medical outcomes for patients. Anthem Alliance EPO is also available in St. Louis and southwest Missouri.