INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For this year’s Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP), Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) is expanding its $0 premium Medicare Advantage (MA) HMO and its $0 premium MA Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan (DSNP) HMO to 21 Indiana counties. The company also is adding the ability to reach doctors through remote access technologies to all of its Indiana MA plans for the AEP, which begins Oct. 15 and continues through Dec. 7 and is the one time each year when most people can switch MA plans.
Both of the expansion plans feature medical and drug coverage. The traditional HMO, called Anthem MediBlue Plus (HMO), includes $10 copays at participating primary care physicians and $40 copays at participating specialists as well as a $3,000 annual hearing aid allowance. The DSNP, called Anthem MediBlue Dual Advantage (HMO DSNP), coordinates benefits for people eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare and includes dental, vision and hearing benefits, an over-the-counter drug benefit, podiatry services at no extra cost, transportation to medical services and a no-cost fitness benefit.
Both of these plans are being expanded to the following Indiana counties: Bartholomew, Dearborn, Delaware, Elkhart, Gibson, Hancock, Henry, Howard, Johnson, LaPorte, Lagrange, Lake, Madison, Marshall, Monroe, Porter, Tippecanoe, Vanderburgh, Vigo, Warrick and Wells.
Both plans, as well as all other Anthem MA plans in Indiana, feature the ability to access doctors through remote access technologies at $0 copay in 2017. To access this technology, participants can visit a U.S.-based, board certified doctor of their choice on a secure connection over the Internet via a smart phone, tablet or computer using LiveHealth Online, a website that allows patients to connect with doctors 24/7.
“This technology can be a great alternative in a number of situations, including accessing health care on evenings and weekends, for people living in rural areas or who travel a lot, and for those with mobility issues,” said David McNichols, president of Anthem Medicare’s central region.
In addition to MA plans, Anthem offers standalone prescription drug plans (PDP) in all Indiana counties. Both the MA and PDP plans utilize a preferred pharmacy network to help members save costs. This preferred cost-sharing pharmacy network is being enhanced for 2017 with the addition of more than 80 independent pharmacies belonging to the Access Health organization.
Anthem also offers Medicare Supplement plans all across the state. These plans help cover costs Original Medicare does not cover, such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles at any doctor or medical facility that accepts Medicare, generally for a higher premium than an MAPD. In addition, they are generally paired with a PDP.
“We pride ourselves in being one of the nation’s only insurers that can offer a full continuum of Medicare products, including something for every budget and lifestyle,” McNichols said.
For details about Anthem Medicare plans in your area, call (855) 866-4242 or visit Anthem’s Medicare online store at www.anthem.com/shop. Anthem will be holding educational events and home visits throughout AEP.
Anthem is a PPO plan, an HMO plan and a PDP with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Anthem depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on Jan. 1 of each year. The formulary, pharmacy network, and/or provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary. LiveHealth Online is the trade name of Health Management Corporation, a separate company, providing remote access services on behalf of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a D-SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Indiana Medicaid program. Enrollment in Anthem depends on contract renewal. This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare. Premiums, co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the plan for further details.
We do not discriminate, exclude people, or treat them differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in our health programs and activities.
Anthem MediBlue Plus (HMO) Customer Service: 1-855-251-8827
Anthem MediBlue Dual Advantage (HMO SNP) Customer Service: 1-844-533-2021
Anthem MediBlue Access (PPO) Customer Service: 1-855-558-1438
Anthem MediBlue Access (RPPO) Customer Service: 1-800-467-1199
Anthem Blue MedicareRx Standard (PDP) Customer Service: 1-866-755-2776
Anthem Blue MedicareRx Plus (PDP) Customer Service: 1-866-755-2776
Anthem Blue MedicareRx Premier (PDP) Customer Service: 1-866-755-2776
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About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AskAnthem, www.twitter.com/AnthemPR_IN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AskAnthem.