Protect Missouri Taxpayers

Missouri taxpayers have been through a lot over the past few years. Inflation under Joe Biden made everything more expensive. Families struggled to make ends meet. 

Jefferson City committed to cutting taxes this session. Those plans might be derailed by something happening just down the road. 

The nonprofit University of Missouri Health Care (MU Health Care) system has been locked in negotiations with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem) about reimbursement rates.

Despite claiming to have the singular mission of “helping Missourians access affordable healthcare,” Anthem has refused to agree to reimburse at the market rate. Instead, Anthem leadership decided to publicly attack one of only two tier-one safety net institutions in our state.

Anthem is the second-largest health insurance company in the country. Their top executives make millions of dollars in salary, stocks, and incentives.

Meanwhile, rural states are facing a health crisis. 

Since 2014, 12 rural hospitals have closed their doors in Missouri.

A nonprofit hospital system cannot afford to pick up the slack for Anthem. If Anthem is allowed to continue reimbursing under the market rate, there are only two options.

Jefferson City can raise taxes and appropriate more general revenue for MU Health Care.

MU Health Care can cut services.   

That’s it. 

The Joe Biden era was one of inflation and administrative bloat. The provision of health care is more expensive and more burdensome than it once was.

MU Health Care and Anthem should prioritize an agreement that protects Missouri patients and Missouri taxpayers.

Andy Bakker

Executive Director
Liberty Alliance USA