Sikeston Anthem customers worried over loss of coverage at local hospital

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A letter from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has some of the health insurance company's customers in Southeast Missouri concerned they may soon not be covered at the nearest hospital.

Officials and employees of Scott and Mississippi counties were among the customers notified in a letter dated Monday that, because of the termination of the provider contract with Anthem by Missouri Delta Medical Center on Feb. 28, Anthem members will only "continue to receive in-network benefits for covered services at Missouri Delta Medical Center through midnight of May 28, 2010."

The letter said those who are admitted on or before May 28 and stay in the hospital after that date will still be provided with in-network benefits until discharged from that hospital stay.

The letter said "Recent contract negotiations have reached in an impasse."

A Thursday news release from MDMC said that for several months the hospital "has been seeking to address shortcomings in our existing Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield contract regarding coverage for new services and the current rate structure."

"The hospital is very focused on resolving this matter because we know there are a number of people in the community who rely on Missouri Delta Medical Center and Anthem insurance coverage," said Charles Ancell, president of MDMC. "We will continue our discussion with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and hope that we can reach an agreement to avoid any disruption in services to our community members that have coverage through Blue Cross and Blue Shield."