The current healthcare crisis is having a severely adverse effect on residents of the State of Missouri, especially northwest Missouri, including Atchison County and Nodaway County.
Blue Cross & Blue Shield Kansas City has been the only healthcare provider of individual plans in northwest Missouri for 2017. As of January 1, 2018, Blue Cross & Blue Shield will no longer offer individual policies for the state of Missouri. They will continue to offer short-term and grandfathered policies (those written before 12-15-2013). Missouri residents who now have Affordable Care Act or Blue Cross & Blue Shield Kansas City individual policies, must get enrolled in coverage with another provider. Signup is from November 1- December 15, 2017. If not enrolled during that time, insurance coverage ends January 1, 2018.
Centene Insurance Company, also known as Ambetter, has indicated they will offer individual coverage in the State of Missouri. This company will be the only provider for individual policies in northwest Missouri.
Some physicians and hospitals in this area are not currently accepting Ambetter coverage. Persons would be advised to learn specific coverage, amount of premiums, and physicians and hospitals accepting coverage by Am better prior to the end of the sign up period.