Anthem Medicare Plans For 2024
About Anthem
Anthem is the largest for-profit managed healthcare company within the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (a federation of 35 US-based health insurance companies).
In addition to Medicare plans, Anthem offers individual, family, and Medicaid health insurance options.
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Anthem Medicare Plans Available
As of 2023, Anthem offers the following Medicare plans:
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
- Prescription Drug Plans (Medicare Part D)
- Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C)
- Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs)
Which type of Medicare plan is right for you depends on your coverage needs and other qualifying factors, such as whether you receive disability benefits.
Original Medicare
Original Medicare is made up of Medicare Parts A and B. This type of Medicare coverage covers hospital stays and routine check-ups. Most U.S. residents get Original Medicare when they turn 65.
While Original Medicare offers comprehensive coverage, it does not cover many medical needs, such as vision and dental care, some prescription drugs, and hospital stays lasting longer than 90 days. There are supplementary Medicare plans that may help you cover these costs.
Medicare Part A
Part A Medicare insurance is known as hospital insurance. It covers skilled nursing care, a certain percentage of inpatient hospital stays (up to 150 days), hospice care, and some in-home care.
Medicare Part B
Part B Medicare comprises general medical insurance and covers 80% of doctor visits, preventive care (including some shots and screenings), outpatient services, some medical supplies, tests, and X-rays, smoking cessation counseling, and some nutrition counseling, for those with diabetes.
Anthem Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, combines Medicare Parts A and B, plus Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs. This package can be purchased from Anthem by those already enrolled in Original Medicare but have not already enrolled in Part D or do not have drug coverage from an employer or union.
Anthem offers two Medicare Advantage plans: Anthem MediBlue HMO and Anthem MediBlue PPO. Monthly premiums, copays and deductibles start at $0; however it’s important to note that monthly premiums vary by plan and state.
With an HMO plan, enrollees may choose a primary care physician from Anthem’s approved network list; a PPO plan allows enrollees to see any doctor or specialist within this network without needing a referral.
In 2024, Medicare Advantage plans are becoming more inclusive and accessible, with enhanced mental health coverage, commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and timely provision of essential healthcare services. These updates aim to meet the holistic health needs of all members efficiently. For both existing members and individuals new to Medicare Part C, these modifications are worth noting for your healthcare planning in 2024.
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Enhanced Behavioral Healthcare Access
For Existing & New Members: Whether you’re a current Medicare Advantage plan holder or considering enrollment in Medicare Part C, noteworthy changes are arriving in 2024.
Comprehensive Mental Health Coverage: The plans will extend beyond physical health, providing improved coverage for mental health services.
Network Expansion: Expect access to a broad network of behavioral healthcare professionals, including clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and facilities specializing in inpatient psychiatric care.
Increased Health Equity
Cultural & Language Inclusivity: The updated 2024 guidelines mandate Medicare Advantage plans to actively accommodate members’ diverse cultural and linguistic needs.
Digital Health Education: Members will have access to digital resources and education to seamlessly utilize telehealth services, bridging the technology gap for healthcare access.
Prompt Medical Attention
Avoidance of Delay & Denial: The newly introduced changes are designed to minimize delays and unwarranted denials of coverage, ensuring members receive timely and medically necessary healthcare.
Anthem Medicare Part D – Drug Plans
Medicare Part D covers prescription medication not otherwise covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Anthem Medicare offers two Part D drug plans: Anthem MediBlue Rx Standard Part D Plan, and the Anthem MediBlue Rx Plus Part D Plan.
You can receive low copays for most generic drugs (Many brand names and generics) at 65,000 + pharmacies Nationwide and 27,000+ Preferred Cost-Sharing Pharmacies (Lower Drug Costs).
Preferred retail chains include Albertsons, CVS Pharmacy, Costco, Giant Eagle Pharmacy, Harris Teeter Pharmacy, H-E-B Pharmacy, Kinney Drugs, Kroger, Publix, Roundy’s, Safeway, and Walmart. (source)
A mail-order option is available.
The MediBlue Rx Standard Part D Plan has a monthly premium of $52 – $109, with annual prescription deductibles starting at $0 for Tiers 1 and 2 and $545 for Tiers 3-5.
The MediBlue Rx Plus Part D Plan has a monthly premium of $70 – $133 and a 0$ deductible for all tiers.
Those who already have drug coverage from an employer or union cannot purchase Medicare drug plans.
Anthem Medicare Supplement Plans
Medicare supplement plans, or Medigap, can help cover fees and costs not covered by Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage. These plans are ideal for those needing lengthy hospital stays or whose medical and hospital fees are generally higher.
Plan A
Medicare Supplement Plan A is the most basic Medigap plan, with low premiums. It’s also your only option to avoid your coverage to include the Part A deductible.
Plan F
Medicare Supplement Plan F, which helps cover Medicare deductibles and some copayments. It’s only available if your eligibility for the program was established before 2020.
Plan G
Medicare Supplement Plan G covers more costs than Original Medicare, except for the Medicare Part B deductible.
Plan N
Medicare Supplement Plan N has a lower premium but requires copays and a small deductible. It covers the coinsurance costs for services under Original Medicare Parts A and B.
Compare Anthem Medicare Supplement Plans And Benefits
Below is a summary of the Anthem Medicare Supplement Plans and Benefits. (Source)
|
Benefits |
Plan A | Plan F | Plan G | Plan N |
| Part A coinsurance and hospital costs |
✅ |
✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Part B coinsurance or copay | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Plan N pays 100% OF PART B COINSURANCE
Except for certain copayments* |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | ✅ |
✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance or copay | ✅ |
✅ | ✅ |
✅ |
| Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance | ❌ | ✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
| Part A deductible | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Part B deductible | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Part B excess charge | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Foreign travel | ❌ | 80% | 80% |
80% |
*Except for a copayment of up to $20 for some office visits and up to a $50 copayment for ER visits that don’t result in an inpatient admission.
Enrolling in Anthem & Open Enrollment Period
Depending on your age and plan needs, Medicare plans have several different enrollment periods.
Initial Enrollment Period
This is when you can sign up for a plan
- Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
- Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65
Medicare Open Enrollment Period
This is when you can sign up for a plan, switch a plan or leave a plan
- Begins October 15th
- Ends December 7th
Special Enrollment Period
Special enrollment periods allow you to enroll outside the regular enrollment periods under specific circumstances.
General Enrollment Period
This is when you can sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B if you didn’t sign up when first eligible or if you’re not qualified for a Special Enrollment Period.
- Starts January 1st
- Ends March 31st
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
This is when you can switch or leave a Medicare Advantage Plan
- Starts January 1st
- Ends March 31st