Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Freeman Health System Agree to New Multi-Year Partnership

Members will continue to have access to care at all Freeman facilities in Southwest Missouri

JOPLIN, MISSOURI — Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) and Freeman Health System have signed a new multi-year agreement that ensures all Anthem members in the region will continue to have full in-network access to Freeman hospitals, facilities, and health care professionals. Freeman operates hospitals, urgent care clinics, and additional healthcare facilities in Joplin and Neosho.

“Across Missouri, our primary goal is to deliver Anthem members accessible and affordable healthcare, and we are pleased that our Southwest Missouri members will continue to have in-network access to all Freeman facilities and services,” said Stephanie Vojicic, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri. “Anthem and Freeman have worked together for many years, and we’re excited about what this means for our members.”

Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, Ozark Center Behavioral Health, two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics, and a variety of specialty services.

“Freeman Health System remains committed to being a strong healthcare partner in the region. This new agreement with Anthem is a meaningful step forward in our mission to provide compassionate, expert care to every patient, every time,” said Wes Braman, vice president of Managed Care for Freeman Health System.

Anthem and Freeman have worked together in Southwest Missouri over the past 25 years. The new multi-year agreement takes effect January 1, 2026.

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