Within this website, you will now have access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to commonly requested forms, useful highlighted links, and frequently asked questions regarding your benefit information. As always, please feel free to contact the Benefit Fund Office at (877) 597-8704 or (314) 656-1091.
SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 - IMPORTANT ANTHEM UPDATE!
As you may have heard on the news, Mercy
issues written notice to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to end contracts in MO
(msn.com).
Anthem has issued this statement in response:
For many years, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem)
members have been able to receive in-network care from Mercy doctors and
hospitals in Missouri.
Unfortunately, Mercy has informed us they will leave Anthem’s
networks if we do not agree to drastic price increases for care. This
means that if a new agreement with Anthem is not reached before January 1,
2025, all Mercy doctors and hospitals will be out of network for Anthem
members.
Why this is happening
Mercy wants to increase prices by nearly six times the current
rate of inflation over the next two years. This
equates to approximately $153 million in higher healthcare costs for
Missourians and their employers. For example, it would cost $2,000 more in 2026
than it does today to have a baby delivered at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis.
Eighty percent of our members are covered by employers who pay
their employees’ medical bills directly – meaning employers would feel the full
burden of these increases.
As a tactic to achieve these cost increases, Mercy is
threatening to cut off access to care for our most vulnerable populations – our
Medicaid and Medicare Advantage members.
Anthem wants to keep Mercy in our networks, and we remain
committed to reaching a new agreement. In fact, Anthem has
offered Mercy reasonable payment increases that are higher than the current
rate of inflation.
Next steps
It is important to remember that nothing has changed. Mercy is
still in Anthem’s networks in Missouri. If Mercy does decide
to leave Anthem’s networks starting January 1, Anthem members can access many
other in-network doctors and hospitals by visiting anthem.com/find-care or
by using the Sydney app.
Members may also call member services at the phone number on the
back of their member ID card.
Anthem members can find out the latest information by
visiting www.anthem.com/MercyMO
Please see below for QR code link to download the Iron Worker St. Louis District Council Benefit Application on your Mobile device.