Sikeston hospital says negotiations with insurance company progressing

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Missouri Delta Medical Center officials say they are confident they will reach a resolution with a major insurance company, the Sikeston Standard Democrat reported.

According to an MDMC news release, the local hospital has sought to address shortcomings in its existing Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield contract including coverage for orthopedic and neurosurgical spine services for several months.

Despite significant effort no meaningful progress was made, MDMC officials said. In December, Missouri Delta Medical Center notified Anthem it would no longer be a provider for them as of May 28.

"Since then significant progress has been made and we anticipate we will be able to sign a contract before our May 28 deadline," according to the news release.

"The Hospital and Anthem Blue Cross are 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, Missouri Delta Medical Center president.

"We are confident that the contract will be resolved and there will be no disruption in services to our community members that have coverage through Blue Cross and Blue Shield," said Ancell. "In the meantime, Missouri Delta Medical Center will continue providing the quality healthcare services that are important to our community and that have positioned Missouri Delta as a provider of choice for Scott, Mississippi, and New Madrid counties."

Pertinent address:

1008 North Main Street, Sikeston, MO