Amerigroup Emphasizes Better Health through New Medicare Advantage Plans, Provider Collaboration, Extra Benefits

Business Wire

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As Medicare’s primary sales season gets under way, Amerigroup is emphasizing better health through provider collaboration agreements and new Medicare Advantage plans with extra benefits.

This includes new “Select” provider collaboration plans, as well as new Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (DSNPs) for people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Amerigroup Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans (MAPD) continue to offer significant benefits not available in Original Medicare, including dental and vision coverage, emergency worldwide coverage, a fitness program, and even more drugs covered for a $0 copay. In many markets, Amerigroup offers at least one MAPD plan for a $0 premium.

“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 and strong local alliances,” said Marc Russo, president of the company’s Medicare programs.

Following are some specifics on Amerigroup MAPD plans that will be available for the Annual Election Period, or AEP, which begins Oct. 15 and continues through Dec. 7. Amerigroup MAPD plans are offered in parts of Texas, Washington, New Jersey, New Mexico and Tennessee. Plans are effective Jan. 1, 2016.

New plans and expansions. To serve people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, Amerigroup continues to add Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (DSNPs). Amerigroup is expanding DSNPs, called Amerivantage Dual Coordination (HMO SNP), in a total of 12 counties in New Jersey and Tennessee. These plans are primarily $0 premium plans with $0 copays for Medicare covered medical services. They include dental and vision coverage, many feature transportation to doctor’s appointments, and some include coverage for over-the-counter drug costs, such as cold and allergy products, dental products and vitamins. Unlike most plans, people who qualify for a DSNP have a continuous Special Election Period, which means they can elect to join a new plan at any time throughout the year.

Additionally, a traditional Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan, called Amerivantage Classic (HMO), is being introduced in five Tennessee counties.

Select plans. To improve member health and lower costs, Amerigroup is launching Amerivantage Select (HMO) plans featuring tight-knit provider collaboration in Texas. New plans are launching this year in Harris County (Houston) and Travis County (Austin), effective Jan. 1, 2016, with the following providers: Travis County, WellMed, and Harris County, IntegraNet Health and Van Lang IPA.

“At IntegraNet Health, we make the patient’s health and well-being the center of our focus through patient-centered medical homes surrounded with outpatient specialty care, chronic disease management and home-based care,” said Lawrence J. Wedekind, CEO, IntegraNet Health. “We’re honored to be a part of the Amerigroup family of health plans, and look forward to working with Amerigroup to improve the health of their population.”

Online doctor’s visits. LiveHealth Online (LHO) telehealth will be available in Washington and New Mexico. 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 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. Amerigroup is enhancing its Medicare pharmacy benefits in 2016. MAPD plans will feature a “Select Care Tier” with selected generic drugs for a $0 copay at preferred pharmacies, including some drugs that treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Many plans will now offer gap coverage. Additionally, Amerigroup has added some independent pharmacies to its preferred pharmacy network in Texas and New Jersey.

Florida migration. Amerigroup’s Florida MA plans are moving to a sister company, Simply Healthcare. Members will continue to enjoy the same or better benefits as they have in the past. No action is required in order for members to keep their plans.

For details about Amerigroup Medicare plans in your area, call (877) 470-4131 or visit http://www.myamerigroup.com/medicare. Amerigroup plans will be holding educational events and home visits throughout AEP.

Amerigroup is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Amerigroup 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 Amerigroup

Amerigroup is part of the Anthem Government Business Division (GBD). Through the GBD, Anthem serves 7.4 million seniors, people with disabilities, low-income families and other state and federally sponsored beneficiaries, and National Government Services enrollees (including the Federal Employee Program) in 26 states, making us the nation’s leading provider of health care solutions for public programs. Amerigroup accepts all eligible people regardless of age, sex, race or disability.