Changes in Insurance Plans in Missouri
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Some individuals might not have to switch doctors next year following reports from On Your Side.
Recently, we shared the story of Carrie Netzer, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment. Her insurance provider, Cox Health Plans, has decided to discontinue its marketplace plans in Webster and Greene counties.
This situation began in October and has impacted over 4,000 residents.
In response to our coverage, CoxHealth has stated they are collaborating with other insurance companies to provide in-network rates for those requiring ongoing care.
Netzer expressed her concerns in early December about losing her healthcare team at CoxHealth. “I think Mercy is also a wonderful hospital, but I don’t want to change doctors mid-treatment. I trust my doctors,” she mentioned.
Senator Josh Hawley commented on the On Your Side report. “She doesn’t want to switch to a new team, which makes complete sense,” he said. “She shouldn’t have to do that. It’s just ridiculous. This is terrible for the patient.”
We reached out to CoxHealth leadership with Hawley’s statements. They declined to participate in an on-camera interview but provided a further statement: We recognize that continuity of care is important. Eligibility for continuity of care after an insurance shift will be determined by the patient’s plan. CoxHealth plans to actively contact other ACA plans to offer in-network rates to ensure continuity of care for these patients if acceptable.
It’s still uncertain if Netzer can continue seeing her current doctors. We’ve contacted her insurance representative and are looking into the matter.
Meanwhile, residents in Barry, Christian, Lawrence, Stone, and Taney counties can maintain their Marketplace Cox Health Plans and doctors.
CoxHealth leaders also noted in a separate communication: A recent data snapshot shows approximately 4,300 Cox HealthPlans members involved in marketplace plans in Greene and Webster counties. For 2026, affected policyholders have options such as short-term plans, employer-sponsored plans, and small group plans from the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Policyholders were informed of these changes in October.
CoxHealth will continue to accept most Anthem insurance plans, but starting January 1, 2026, the ACA marketplace plan, Anthem Pathways, will no longer be accepted.
