Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Boone Health have signed a new four-year contract. This deal ensures that Anthem members will keep in-network access to Boone Health’s hospitals, clinics, and providers. Those enrolled in employer-sponsored and Medicare Advantage health plans are included.
Boone Health CEO Brady Dubois says the agreement strengthens the long-standing relationship between the two groups. It provides stability and peace of mind to thousands of Anthem members across mid-Missouri who depend on Boone Health for their care. “You want to find good partners with your payers, and we feel like we have a good partner with Anthem to navigate the changing world together,” Dubois stated.
He also said that Boone Health never went out of network. Current patients had no disruption in their care. “For folks that felt like they lost access to their provider, we’re working to ensure they can get their care handled in a timely manner,” Dubois said.
Boone Health has set up a dedicated phone line to help Anthem members with questions about their coverage or provider options. The number is 573-815-3000. The new agreement shows a commitment to keeping healthcare services accessible and reliable for the community.
It continues a tradition of collaborative efforts in healthcare provision. Anthem members can call the Member Services number on the back of their ID card for more information. They can also visit their respective health care provider’s website.
Dubois also talked about future plans for a critical access hospital in Mexico, Missouri. He said proposed Medicaid cuts in President Trump’s bill could greatly impact Boone Health’s initiatives, including the planned hospital in Audrain County’s Mexico. “We’re fortunate that Senator Hawley has opposed the cuts,” Dubois said.
“The latest version could mean a potential loss of more than $1.2 billion annually in the state Medicaid budget. This would make healthcare access challenging for Missourians.”
In October 2024, Boone Health signed a letter of intent with Mexico and Audrain County officials to start building the new hospital.
Anthem partnership ensures continuing care
Dubois noted that the project’s future could depend on state and federal funding decisions. Dubois said the new four-year agreement between Boone Health and Anthem was finalized last week. “We’re happy with the deal,” Dubois stated.
“There are rising healthcare costs and concerns about tariffs and reimbursement. Ensuring a united view of data between Anthem and our internal systems was key to this agreement.”
This agreement comes as Anthem and MU Health Care have a contract dispute. The dispute left about 90,000 Anthem patients out of network with MU Health Care providers.
The new four-year agreement between Boone Hospital Center and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is being praised by Boone Health’s CEO. The agreement ensures continued in-network access to Boone Health’s hospitals, clinics, and providers for all Anthem members. Brady Dubois highlighted the importance of this agreement.
“For the local businesses and people who have their health insurance through Anthem, they know that Boone is in-network for all the plans that Anthem offers,” he said. The agreement provides stability and peace of mind for the thousands of Anthem members in mid-Missouri who rely on Boone Health. Boone Health is one of the ten largest employers in Columbia/Boone County.
It has between 1,800 and 1,900 employees. Since January, Boone Health has added four primary care providers. Dubois revealed that Boone Health plans to add at least 75 full-time jobs by December.
An additional 25 providers are expected by the end of the year. “We have aggressive recruitment goals, and then we’re looking to add another 75 to 100 full-time employees on the hospital side,” Dubois said. Boone Health has also added another surgeon.
It has expanded its physician base in Columbia and other mid-Missouri counties served by Boone Health. This development marks a major step forward in Boone Health’s mission to provide quality healthcare to the community. It underscores its role as a major employer in the region.
