Newsletters

POSTED: May 31st, 2017
POSTED IN: EPIC - The Official Newsletter of MOCEP, May/June 2017,

Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS), recently notified Missouri plan participants that non-urgent emergency department visits would no longer be covered. This policy is a clear violation of the national prudent layperson standard, which is codified in federal law. Ironically, their website still directs Anthem members to go to the Emergency Department if they feel that they are having an emergency. However, they do not mention that based on their final diagnosis they may not pay for the evaluation.

Clearly, we feel this is a problematic approach on multiple levels. The MOCEP Board of Directors is actively working with ACEP to respond to this threat. On a local level, we have started a grassroots campaign to have members send letters to local newspapers. If you are interested in sending a letter to the editor, please let us know so that we can assist with coordination. As always if you have any questions about this or any other issue, please let us know.