Anthem Medicare Advantage plans take over your coverage from Original Medicare, and many even have Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage built in.
One of Anthem Medicare Advantage's greatest perks is its additional benefits. Many plans cover fitness memberships where you can access different class types and locations nationwide. If you have a chronic condition, you could receive free meals.
Anthem's emergency response service is a plus. Wearing a wristband or necklace, you'll be able to push a button to receive medical assistance immediately, similar to the help of a medical alert system.
FYI: To learn more about our favorite Medicare plans, read our guide to this year’s best Medicare Advantage providers.
Anthem Medicare Advantage Pros and Cons
Pros
- $0 Premiums: Many Medicare Advantage plans available from Anthem require no monthly premiums.
- Additional benefits: Some Medicare Advantage plans include transportation, meal programs, home help, and over-the-counter spending allowances.
- Telehealth: When you're an Anthem Medicare Advantage beneficiary, you'll receive flexible care options like 24/7 telehealth services.
Cons
- Limited availability: Anthem Medicare Advantage is only available in 14 states, and not all states offer every plan type.
Anthem Medicare Advantage Costs
Anthem Medicare Advantage plans cost less than many providers, and many plans offer monthly premiums as low as $0 per month. Costs will vary by location, age, and plan type.
Anthem HMO Pricing
Location | Monthly Premium | Deductible | Maximum Annual Out of Pocket |
---|---|---|---|
California | $0-$25.70 | $0 | $2,500-$7,550 |
Colorado | $0-$39.80 | $0 | $2,500-$7,550 |
Missouri | $0 | $0 | $2,800-$5,500 |
Ohio | $0-$22 | $0 | $3,650-$7,550 |
Anthem PPO Pricing
Plan | Monthly Premium | Deductible | Maximum Annual Out of Pocket |
---|---|---|---|
California | $33.20 | $0 | $7,550-$11,300 |
Colorado | $0 | $0 | $6,700-$10,000 |
Missouri | $0-$39 | $0 | $3,900-$10,000 |
Ohio | $0-$83 | $0 | $4,900-$10,000 |
Current Medicare Advantage Plans
HMO
Most of Anthem's MediBlue HMO plans offer benefits not included by Original Medicare (i.e., hearing, dental, and vision). Generally speaking, if you're eligible to enroll in Medicare, you can choose an HMO plan.
You can also choose your primary care provider (PCP) within the plan's network, where you'll receive regular care and routine screenings. Your PCP will also be able to guide you to the appropriate specialists when necessary.
Overall, HMO plans are a great choice if you must work with a doctor routinely who understands your health history, medications, and unique care needs.
PPO
A PPO plan may be for you if you have a doctor/specialist preference, as you don't need a referral as you do with an HMO plan. Like MediBlue HMO, you can enroll in a PPO if you're eligible for Medicare.
While not required with MediBlue PPO, choosing a primary care physician for checkups is a good idea. Referrals aren't mandatory if you need to see a specialist or want to see another doctor.
Selecting a doctor and healthcare facility within your plan's network will save you money. While you can see doctors or use facilities that are out of your provider's network, they must participate with Original Medicare. If you use an out-of-network provider, it may be more costly.
SNP
Special Needs Plans may be suitable for people with chronic and low-income conditions. These will provide added benefits tailored to your lifestyle and health needs.
Additional Benefits
Anthem Medicare Advantage offers a variety of additional benefits. While not every one of these benefits is available in every region, you can expect the following from one of their plans.
Telehealth
Telehealth is always a great option if you don't have time to travel to your local doctor. Anthem's telehealth services are 24/7 access to telehealth services when using a smartphone, computer, or tablet.
Personal Emergency Response
Anthem's personal emergency response is designed for when you're home alone and need medical assistance. Using a button on a neck pendant or wristband, you'll reach a representative who will determine your required help. If you have a more complex condition or need additional assistance, you may be assigned a designated caregiver, clinician, or local emergency services.
To learn more about PERS devices, read our guide to medical alert systems.
Over-the-Counter
Some Medicare Advantage plans will allow you to purchase over-the-counter health products at full coverage.
Fitness
Partnering with SilverSneakers, your plan may give you fitness membership options where you'll have access to online classes, on-demand videos, and various gyms throughout the US.
Once registered, you'll receive a personalized fitness ID card with your SilverSneakers number. From there, you'll be able to attend classes online and in person at select SilverSneakers locations.
Transportation
Anthem's transportation services will allow you to receive free rideshares to health-related appointments.
Meals
Partnering with Mom's Meals and Project Open Hand, Anthem Medicare Advantage provides free meal delivery if you have a chronic disease or complex health challenges.
Customer Service
You can contact an Anthem representative via Live Chat or by calling the number on your member ID card. For other inquiries, you can call 1-800-331-1476 from 8 AM-5 PM Eastern time.
Anthem Medicare Advantage Service Area
Blue Cross Blue Shield is considered one of the country's largest insurers. Anthem's Medicare Advantage plans are available in 14 states:
- California
- Connecticut
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Missouri
- Maine
- New Hampshire
- Nevada
- New York
- Ohio
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
Anthem Financial Strength
When shopping for a Medicare Advantage plan, it's always a good idea to see the provider's financial strength. Overall, Anthem has a substantial rating.
- AM Best: Rates insurers based on credit. Anthem received an “A” (Excellent) rating.
- NCQA: On a scale of 1-5, Anthem's ratings were between 3.5-4 stars
To learn more about our favorite Medicare providers, check out our helpful guides:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which Medicare Advantage plans are offered by Anthem?
Anthem offers HMO, PPO, and SNP Medicare Advantage plans in 14 states.
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How many states have Anthem Medicare Advantage plans?
Anthem Medicare Advantage plans are available in 14 states.
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What does Anthem Medicare Advantage cover?
Anthem Medicare Advantage plans cover everything covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Some of their Medicare Advantage plans also include Part D coverage.