Amerigroup Introduces Ability to Reach Doctors through Remote Access Technologies to Its Medicare Advantage Plans in Tennessee

Plans Are Available during Medicare’s Annual Election Period

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Members of Amerigroup’s Medicare Advantage (MA) plans in Tennessee will have coverage for reaching doctors through remote access technologies starting in 2017. Members can contact a U.S.-based, board-certified network doctor on a secure connection over the Internet via a smart phone, tablet or computer. It will be available at no extra cost for members in Amerigroup’s MA plans in Tennessee.

Amerigroup offers two MA plans in most Tennessee counties: A traditional HMO called Amerivantage Classic HMO (available for $0 premium in some counties) and an HMO that coordinates care for people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid called Amerivantage Dual Coordination HMO DSNP (available for $0 premium in all counties). These plans will be sold during Medicare’s Annual Election period, which begins Oct 15 and continues through Dec. 7 with an effective Jan. 1, 2017.

These plans feature the ability to reach doctors for medical and behavioral health services through remote access technologies at $0 copay. To access these technologies, participants can visit a U.S.-based, board certified doctor of their choice on a secure connection over the Internet via a smart phone, tablet or computer using LiveHealth Online, a website that allows patients to connect with doctors 24/7.

“This technology can be a great alternative in a number of situations, including accessing health care on evenings and weekends, for people living in rural areas or who travel a lot, and those with mobility issues,” said David McNichols, Medicare president of Amerigroup’s central region.

Doctors can send prescriptions if needed directly to a member’s pharmacy of choice where they may be paid by the member’s MA or Medicare prescription drug plan. A summary of each visit is created and can be forwarded to the patient’s primary care doctor with their permission, supporting continuity of care and collaboration among providers.

Amerigroup’s Tennessee MA plans also feature a $3,000 hearing aid allowance, which is generally enough to cover the cost of an aid for each ear. The plans also offer several services at no extra cost for people with diabetes, including diabetic retinal exams, A1c blood testing, test strips and glucometers, and six podiatry visits.

Amerigroup’s MA plans utilize a preferred pharmacy network to help members save costs. This preferred cost-sharing pharmacy network is being enhanced for 2017 with the addition of 56 independent pharmacies belonging to the Access Health organization.

Amerigroup’s traditional HMO is available in 78 Tennessee counties and its DSNP is available in 92 Tennessee counties. For details about plans in your area, call (877) 470-4131 or visit http://www.myamerigroup.com/medicare.

Amerigroup is a PPO plan, an HMO plan and a PDP 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.

We do not discriminate, exclude people, or treat them differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in our health programs and activities.

Amerivantage Classic (HMO) Customer Service: 1-866-805-4589
Amerivantage Dual Coordination (HMO SNP) Customer Service: 1-844-879-3601
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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 one of the nation’s leading providers of health care solutions for public programs. Amerigroup accepts all eligible people regardless of age, sex, race or disability.

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Amerigroup

Doug Bennett Jr., (502) 889.2103

[email protected]

Source: Amerigroup