Local Cancer Patient Faces Coverage Loss as Cox HealthPlans Adjusts Marketplace Plans
Springfield, MO - A Springfield woman undergoing cancer treatment is facing uncertainty after Cox HealthPlans announced it will no longer offer individual Marketplace Health Plans in Greene and Webster counties for 2026. Carrie Netzer, a patient relying on a plan through the Affordable Care Act, expressed her distress over the potential disruption to her care.
“I’m sure Mercy is a wonderful and great hospital, also, but I don’t want to switch doctors in the middle of treatment. I trust my doctors,” Netzer stated, highlighting her concern about maintaining continuity of care.
The decision impacts individuals who purchase health insurance through the federal marketplace. Premier Choice enrollment specialist, Cristi Huddleston, questioned the implications for affected residents. “Why can’t they come to some sort of agreement to help these folks to have some insurance for the year?” she asked, adding that the only current option for those wishing to retain their existing plan is to relocate.
CoxHealth, in a statement, attributed the change to “financial dynamics beyond our control.” The statement explained that Cox HealthPlans annually evaluates its plans, pricing, and network based on guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Based on their analysis and market uncertainty, they decided to limit their 2026 selling area for marketplace plans to Lawrence, Barry, Stone, Christian, and Taney counties.
The health system acknowledged the impact on residents, stating, “We recognize the impact this change may create for a number of our neighbors, and we want you to know that our teams are actively working toward solutions for coverage in 2027.” CoxHealth also noted that this situation is not isolated, with insurance providers nationwide reassessing plans due to rising costs and market volatility.
huddleston urged CoxHealth to proactively address the issue. “If they can look at again next year, then let’s look at it right now. Let’s look at it right now and help the people who need it right now,” she said.
Despite the uncertainty, Netzer remains optimistic. ”Got undying faith. You want to be around for those you love,” she shared.
KY3 reached out to CoxHealth for an on-camera interview following their conversation with Netzer, but were again directed to the previously released statement.
CoxHealth Statement on Marketplace Health Plans (Full Text):
Health care is facing significant disruption, and financial dynamics beyond our control have forced CoxHealth into a tough position in relation to individual Marketplace Health Plans in two counties we serve. Cox HealthPlans evaluates their plans, pricing, and network each year based on guidelines published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Based on current analysis and the uncertainty of the marketplace, Cox HealthPlans decided to limit their 2026 selling area for marketplace plans, specifically in Greene and Webster Counties. This challenging situation is not unique to Cox HealthPlans. Across the nation, insurance providers are assessing their offered plans considering rising costs and volatility in the market.Cox HealthPlans will continue to sell Individual Marketplace Health Plans for those who reside in Lawrence, Barry, Stone, Christian, and Taney counties. We recognize the impact this change may create for a number of our neighbors, and we want you to know that our teams are actively working toward solutions for coverage in 2027. We will continue to evaluate, and we remain open to future agreements that are financially lasting and allow us to deliver the quality of care our region deserves.
