Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri has confirmed the provider network for the insurer's health plans sold through the state's new online marketplace won't include St. Louis-based BJC HealthCare, which operates 13 hospitals in the state, according to a Kaiser Health News report.
Anthem spokeswoman Kim Ashley told Kaiser the insurer wasn't able to reach an agreement with BJC. She said the narrow network for the exchange health plans was built for affordability and quality. BJC did not respond to a request for comment, according to the report.
Patient advocates have said BJC's exclusion from the network is a major concern. BJC operates St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and its out-of-network status could compromise care for children, Andrea Routh, executive director of the Missouri Health Advocacy Alliance, told Kaiser.
Anthem is one of only two insurers that plan to sell health insurance coverage through the state marketplace under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, according to the report. The other insurer has not been identified.
Anthem is also launching new, narrow-network insurance plans in other states such as Maine and New Hampshire. The proposed plans in both states have drawn criticism from policymakers and excluded providers, who say the narrow networks could limit access to care.
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