As you’re considering your options from now through December 7, 2022, health insurance provider Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield offers these five recommendations for selecting a plan that’s right for you.
Keep it simple
Gone are the days of carrying multiple cards. Today, many plans offer a single, pre-paid benefit card that covers multiple expenses. By choosing a plan that provides one card to cover multiple benefits, it’s easier to keep track of (and make the most of) all the savings available to you under your plan.
Using a single card allows members of a Medicare Advantage plan to purchase over-the-counter drug benefits to save on the cost of hundreds of essential items, such as pain relievers, cold medications, vitamins and first aid supplies. Other card-based programs that can be on the same card include benefits that help cover the cost of healthy groceries, utilities, cellular services, assistive devices, and out-of-pocket costs for dental, vision and hearing services.
“In designing our Medicare Advantage plans this year, our focus was on making sure people didn’t need to make compromises when evaluating their options,” says Elena McFann, president of Medicare for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. “It’s why we reimagined many of our existing benefits with simplicity, access and affordability in mind.”
Simplifying things further, members can use this card at thousands of participating local and national retailers or via an easy-to-use online portal because it’s on a proven Mastercard® platform.
Consider your individual needs
Pay attention to the network of doctors and hospitals in any plan you are considering and check to see if your preferred physicians are in-network. Remember to also examine the dental and vision benefits offered, as well as virtual care capabilities that provide you with access to licensed healthcare professionals 24/7 from your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Prioritize predictability
When choosing a plan, focus on your out-of-pocket costs and co-pays. Select a plan that allows you to see your primary care physician with low or no co-pay and low or no monthly premium. Additionally, look for options that feature $0 prescription co-pays for your medications. Many plans also provide added benefits like dental, vision and hearing coverage — and more.
Think beyond medical needs
It’s important to note that today’s Medicare Advantage plans cover more than just medical care — they include benefits and services that contribute to good mental and physical health.
When selecting your plan, look for one that has extra benefits that meet your unique needs.
“At Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, we offer Medicare Advantage plans with benefits and services that encompass a holistic view of health, with the intent to enhance a person’s overall quality of life,” says McFann.
Understand Your Options
Nearly 12 million Americans who have Medicaid are also eligible for Medicare and qualify for Medicare Advantage Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) offered by private insurers to help reduce the burden of tracking benefits across Medicare and Medicaid.
D-SNP plans are designed to provide extra support for these vulnerable individuals, many of whom have multiple, complex health conditions. In addition to dental, vision, hearing and preventive care, these plans might also include a 24-hour nurse line, free healthy meals and transportation to health-related appointments. If you’re eligible, be sure to include D-SNP plans in your evaluation this annual enrollment period.
The bottom line? There’s no need to settle for a plan that doesn’t meet your budget or health needs since a wealth of options with value-added benefits exist.
For more information about Anthem plan options visit anthem.com/medicare or call 833-996-0900 to speak with one of our dedicated Medicare representatives.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a Medicare Advantage plan with a Medicare contract. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield depends on contract renewal.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of: In Georgia: Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc. In Indiana: Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. In Kentucky: Anthem Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. In Ohio: Community Insurance Company. In Virginia: Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. trades as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, and its service area is all of Virginia except for the City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna, and the area east of State Route 123. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.
