Anthem Medicare Advantage Plans 2024

Trying to choose the right Medicare Advantage plan each year can be overwhelming, but choosing the right plan is crucial for your health and well-being.

Anthem Medicare Advantage Plans 2024 presents an array of plan types and coverage options, all designed to cater to diverse needs and preferences.

In this article, we will dive into the details of Anthem’s offerings, compare their plans to other providers, and provide insights into expert opinions and third-party ratings.

Are you ready to make an informed decision about your healthcare future? Read on!

Key Takeaways

• Anthem Medicare Advantage Plans 2024 offers comprehensive coverage options for prescription drugs, dental care, vision care and hearing care.
• Expert opinions and third-party ratings provide insight into Anthem’s performance in the market to help individuals make an informed decision when selecting a plan.
• Factors such as benefits, formulary, pharmacy network provider network premiums should be considered when selecting a Medicare Advantage plan.

Anthem Medicare Advantage Plans Overview

Anthem Medicare Advantage Plans 2024 offers a wide variety of plan types and coverage options to suit different needs and preferences.

From Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans to Special Needs Plans (SNP) for those with specific health conditions, Anthem has you covered.

Additionally, these plans come with extra benefits such as:

• Vision
• Hearing
• Dental
• Other wellness services

All are designed to enhance your healthcare experience with Cross and Blue Shield, including prescription drugs.

Despite the numerous advantages of Anthem’s plans, it’s noteworthy that their star ratings fall below average at 3.45 for 2024. Despite this, the company’s commitment to service improvement and expansion positions it as a contender in the Medicare Advantage market.

Plan Types

Anthem offers the following Medicare Advantage plans:

• Medicare Advantage HMO plans: Require you to use a designated network of physicians and healthcare facilities and may need a referral from your primary care provider to see a specialist.

• These plans include benefits like vision, dental, and hearing coverage (excluding hearing aids), Silver Sneaker fitness program membership, and 24/7 telehealth access, which may include out-of-network services.

• PPO plans: Offer more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers and do not require referrals to see specialists. These plans also include benefits like vision, dental, and hearing coverage (excluding hearing aids), Silver Sneaker fitness program membership, and 24/7 telehealth access, which may include out-of-network services.

• SNP plans are Special Needs Plans designed for individuals with specific health conditions or who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. These plans provide tailored benefits and services to meet the unique needs of these individuals.

On the other hand, PPO plans allow enrollees to receive care from any provider that accepts the insurance, without the need for a primary care doctor or specialist referrals.

Anthem also offers SNP plans designed for individuals with disabilities, certain medical conditions, or those who qualify for the state Medicaid program and Medicare.

These plans are tailored to address specific needs, such as Chronic Condition SNPs for members with chronic conditions like diabetes or congestive heart failure, and Dual-Eligible SNPs for those eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid assistance.

Coverage Options

Anthem’s Medicare Advantage plans provide comprehensive coverage options that go beyond Original Medicare benefits.

These plans offer:

• Prescription drug coverage
• Dental care
• Vision care
• Hearing care

This ensures a well-rounded healthcare experience.

Depending on the plan, dental vision and hearing coverage may include routine care for dental health, while vision coverage could encompass annual exams, eyewear allowances, and even coverage for eyeglasses and contact lenses.

As for hearing health, Anthem’s plans may cover routine care, fittings, maintenance, batteries, and more, including hearing aids.

Ultimately, the coverage options provided by Anthem’s Medicare Advantage plans aim to cater to all aspects of your health and well-being.

Costs and Affordability

Anthem Medicare Advantage plans offer a range of options to suit different budgets and healthcare needs, with varying Anthem Medicare Advantage cost.

Some key features of an Anthem Medicare Advantage plan include:

• Competitive premiums

• Varying out-of-pocket costs, depending on the plan and location

• $0 premium HMO plans with fixed, low copays

• PPO plans with varying costs

Understanding the cost structure of each plan, including premiums, copays, coinsurance, and deductibles is crucial to making an informed decision.

Premiums

A majority of Anthem’s Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, feature $0 monthly premiums, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals. However, it’s important to remember that users are still required to pay their Medicare Part B premium, regardless of the plan chosen.

Anthem’s variety of premium options ensures affordable access to quality healthcare for a diverse range of individuals.

Out-of-Pocket Costs

Significant factors in your healthcare expenses are out-of-pocket costs such as copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums.

As these costs can vary based on the plan, location, and required services, a thorough review of each plan’s details is indispensable.

Anthem’s Medicare Advantage plans offer varying out-of-pocket costs depending on the plan type, with some plans featuring lower copays, deductibles, and specialist care without referrals.

To ensure you select a plan that meets your needs, we recommend comparing the different types of Medicare Advantage plans available from Anthem and other providers, taking factors such as costs, doctor networks, prescription coverage, and extra benefits into account.

Anthem’s Star Ratings and Performance

Anthem’s 2024 Medicare Advantage plans have an average star rating of 3.45, which is lower than the average rating for plans from all providers in 2024. These ratings, provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), evaluate plans based on quality of care and customer satisfaction, making them a crucial factor to consider when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan.

Even though Anthem’s ratings fall below average, the company maintains a strong commitment to service improvement and market expansion.

Ratings Breakdown

CMS evaluates several quality and performance measures when rating Medicare Advantage plans, including colorectal cancer screening, monitoring physical activity, and diabetes care, with plans rated on up to 40 distinct measures.

Additionally, CMS considers the plan’s performance in areas like annual flu vaccination, health care quality ratings, and member satisfaction when reporting stratified ratings measures. Social risk factors may also be taken into account.

Anthem’s star ratings are based on a combination of these factors, reflecting the company’s commitment to providing quality healthcare and member satisfaction.

These factors include:

• Quality of care
• Member satisfaction
• Customer service
• Provider network
• Access to care

Despite below-average ratings, Anthem is consistently working towards enhancing its services and expanding its reach within the Medicare Advantage market.

Performance Comparison

Anthem’s performance in comparison to other Medicare Advantage providers shows room for improvement in terms of star ratings and member experience. While the company has an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best, indicating financial strength and stability, its lower ranking from J.D. Power highlights areas that could be enhanced.

Considering expert opinions and third-party ratings is crucial when comparing Anthem with other providers, as they offer valuable insights into each company’s overall quality and performance.

A comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different providers aids in making more informed decisions when selecting the most suitable Medicare Advantage plan.

Extra Benefits Offered by Anthem

Anthem’s Medicare Advantage plans stand out for their additional benefits and personalized care options, aiming to provide a more comprehensive healthcare experience.

From Essential Extras, which may include services like pest control, food delivery, or transportation, to tailored plans for specific health needs, Anthem goes the extra mile to cater to the unique requirements of its members.

Essential Extras

Essential Extras is an offering from Anthem that provides members with a range of additional services, which may include essential extras benefits such as:

• Dental
• Vision
• Hearing
• Wellness programs

These benefits help members maintain their health and well-being, ensuring that they receive comprehensive care beyond just basic medical services.

Personalized Care

Anthem’s personalized care options set it apart from other Medicare Advantage providers, offering members dedicated care teams, 24/7 nurse lines, and online appointments for certain plans. These care teams provide support and coordination of care for plan members, assisting them with scheduling appointments, coordinating transportation, and connecting with in-network care providers.

This support helps members navigate their healthcare journey and ensures they receive the personalized care they need.

In addition to dedicated care teams, Anthem members have access to a 24/7 nurse line and 24/7 online appointments for virtual care, providing peace of mind and access to healthcare services when needed.

These personalized care options demonstrate Anthem’s commitment to providing comprehensive and accessible healthcare for its members.

Anthem’s Service Area and Availability

Anthem offers Medicare Advantage plans in 14 states, covering over 1.7 million beneficiaries, with a focus on expanding its service area and improving its offerings.

This widespread coverage ensures that an extensive range of individuals can access quality healthcare through Anthem’s Medicare Advantage plans.

State Coverage

Anthem’s state coverage, supported by the federal government, includes a mix of urban and rural areas, ensuring that a diverse range of populations can access its Medicare Advantage plans.

With varying plan options and availability depending on the location, Anthem strives to provide comprehensive healthcare services to individuals across the country.

Beneficiary Numbers

Anthem’s growth in the Medicare Advantage market is evident in the addition of 142,000 new members for the 2023 plan year.

This increase in beneficiaries demonstrates the company’s commitment to expanding its reach and providing quality healthcare services to a growing number of individuals.

Expert Opinions and Third-Party Ratings

Anthem has received mixed expert opinions and third-party ratings, with an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best, reflecting the company’s financial strength and stability as a health insurance provider. However, J.D. Power has given Anthem a lower ranking based on member satisfaction with Medicare Advantage plans, indicating areas for improvement.

By considering these expert opinions and ratings, you can gain a better understanding of Anthem’s performance in the Medicare Advantage market and make more informed decisions when selecting a plan.

AM Best Financial Strength Rating

An A (Excellent) rating from AM Best highlights Anthem’s financial strength and stability as a health insurance provider.

This rating reflects the company’s robust balance sheet and operating performance, providing peace of mind to policyholders and ensuring that Anthem is likely to fulfill its financial obligations.

J.D. Power Ranking

J.D. Power’s ranking, based on member satisfaction with Medicare Advantage plans, places Anthem’s parent company, Elevance Health, lower than some competitors like Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Humana.

These rankings provide valuable insights into the overall quality and performance of each company, helping you make more informed decisions when selecting a Medicare Advantage plan that best suits your needs.