[October 01, 2015]

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Emphasizes Better Health through New Medicare Advantage Plans in Wisconsin, Extra Benefits

As Medicare's primary sales season gets under way, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) is emphasizing better health in Wisconsin through new Medicare Advantage plans with extra benefits.

This includes expanding Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (DSNPs) for people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, and traditional HMOs for the general population. Anthem Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans (MAPD) continue to offer significant benefits not available in Original Medicare, including dental and vision coverage and online doctor's visits.

"Even with the Medicare reimbursement environment changing, we think it's critical to structure our plans to provide our members with real value over Original Medicare, including extra benefits," said David McNichols, president of Anthem's Medicare central region.

Following are some specifics on Anthem MAPD plans that will be available for the Annual Election Period, or AEP, which begins Oct. 15 and continues through Dec. 7. Anthem offers MAPD plans in most central and eastern Wisconsin counties. Plans are effective Jan. 1, 2016.

New / expansion plans / changes. Anthem is expanding its MAPD Medicare Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan, also known as a DSNP, called Anthem MediBlue Dual Advantage (HMO SNP) in the following Wisconsin counties: Brown, Calumet, Fond Du Lac, Jefferson, Kewaunee, Langlade, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marinette, Oconto, Outagamie, Portage, Taylor and Winnebago. Like existing Anthem special needs plans in the state, this plan is available for $0 premium and includes dental and vision coverage, some over-the-counter drug costs and a fitness program, all at no extra cost. Unlike most plans, people who qualify for a DSNP have a continuous Special Election Period, which means they can elect a new plan at any time throughout the year.

Additionally, a new $0 premium traditional HMO plan called Anthem MediBlue Plus (HMO) is being introduced in Brown, Calumet, Fond Du Lac, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Oconto, Outagamie and Winnebago counties. Anthem MediBlue Plus (HMO) with a premium is being expanded into Jefferson, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Marinette, Portage and Taylor counties. A Local PPO plan called Anthem MediBlue Access is being expanded into Kewaunee, Langlade, Lincoln and Taylor counties.

Anthem has lowered the premiums on its local PPO plans in Wisconsin by more than 30 percent compared to last year.

Online doctor's visits. LiveHealth Online (LHO) telehealth will continue to be available in Anthem's Wisconsin MAPD plans. LHO allows members to access board-certified doctors through their computer or mobile device, and will include a behavioral health benefit effective Jan. 1, 2016. With this additional benefit, members can generally choose a qualified mental health expert and schedule a counseling session in advance to be held during available hours. (Those in crisis should call 911). Both seeing a doctor and counseling visits are available at a $0 copay to eligible members.

More $0 generics. Anthem is enhancing its Medicare pharmacy benefits in 2016. Both Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) and MAPD plans will feature a "Select Tier" with selected generic drugs for a $0 copay at preferred pharmacies, including some drugs that treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Anthem also has several PDP plans that offer certain generics in the coverage gap for a $0 copay. Anthem has nearly 200 preferred pharmacies in Wisconsin, including CVS, Target (News - Alert) and Wal-Mart (Sam's Club).

In addition to MAPD plans, Anthem offers Medicare Supplement plans and standalone PDP plans across Wisconsin. Medicare Supplement plans help cover costs Original Medicare doesn't, such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. These plans offer access to any doctor or medical facility that accepts Medicare, generally for a higher premium than an MAPD. 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) 878-1113 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.

You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.

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.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin (BCBSWi), which underwrites or administers the PPO and indemnity policies; Compcare Health Services Insurance Corporation (Compcare), which underwrites or administers the HMO policies; and Compcare and BCBSWi collectively, which underwrite or administer the POS policies. Independent licensees 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 and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin is available at www.anthem.com. Also follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) at www.twitter.com/AskAnthem or on Facebook (News - Alert) at www.facebook.com/AskAnthem.

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