Anthem Medicare Advantage Plans Review

Anthem, Inc. merged with Wellpoint Health Networks, Inc. in 2004 and is currently one of the largest health benefits companies in the United States. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is the trade name for Anthem’s Medicare Advantage Plans, which are offered in 14 states. The number of types of plans available and their costs vary depending on where you live.

Anthem’s Medicare Advantage Plans include plenty of additional benefits with a focus on preventive care. As with any Medicare Advantage Plan you consider, investigate Anthem’s rules for how you obtain services and what prescription medications are listed on their formulary. Prior authorizations for treatments and medications apply, and in-network providers offer the lowest costs.

Anthem Medicare Advantage Plans are comparable in their scope of coverage to other Medicare Advantage Plans, offering all the benefits of Original Medicare, along with coverage for additional health services. Medicare Advantage Plans, also called Medicare Part C, often include prescription drugs, vision and dental coverage, and wellness programs. Your out-of-pocket costs depend on the plan you choose, as do rules for how you get services, such as whether you have to choose a primary care doctor or get a referral to see a specialist.

Your hospital and medical insurance benefits are covered, and you’ll get prescription drug coverage with most plans. Additional benefits from Anthem Medicare Advantage Plans may include:

• Dental
• Vision
• Hearing
• SilverSneakers membership
• Preventive vaccines, exams, and screenings
• Intensive behavioral therapy for cardiovascular disease or obesity
• Diabetes self-management training
• Medical nutrition therapy for people with diabetes or renal disease
• Smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling
• Worldwide emergency
• Telehealth
• Over-the-counter drugs

Anthem offers four different types of Medicare Advantage Plans, although the options available to you may vary based on your location. Options include Anthem Mediblue HMO, Anthem Mediblue PPO, Dual-eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP), and a Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan (C-SNP).

With HMOs, you’re required to choose a primary care physician (PCP) and get health care services from in-network providers. Because these plans are limited in their coverage, the premiums are typically affordable.

In general, PPO plans offer greater flexibility, allowing you to see out of network providers and specialists without obtaining referrals. These plans may have higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs if you use out of network providers.

Dual-eligible plans are specifically for those eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Chronic condition plans provided targeted services and care coordination for certain chronic illnesses such as lung disease or diabetes..

Compare these 2022 Anthem Medicare Advantage Plans with drug coverage in Atlanta, Georgia:

Anthem’s Medicare Advantage Plans are specifically rated by Medicare and J.D. Power. Other reviews and ratings are based on Anthem as a whole or on Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as a subsidiary of Anthem, Inc.

Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how Medicare, A.M. Best, the Better Business Bureau, and more rate Anthem plans.

Is Anthem the best Medicare Advantage Plan provider? See how this insurer compares on major ratings.

Ask these questions as you consider whether an Anthem Medicare Advantage Plan is right for you:

• Is your doctor covered?
• Are your prescriptions covered?
• What’s your monthly premium?
• What are your out-of-pocket costs?
• What additional benefits does the plan offer?

You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan if you’re enrolled in Original Medicare. Enrollment is available during these periods:

• Your Initial Enrollment Period: Seven months around and at your 65th birthday when you’re newly eligible for Medicare.
• Open Enrollment Period: Annually between October 15 and December 7.
• Medicare Open Enrollment: Annually between January 1 and March 31, but only if you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan and want to make a change