Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Connects Members to Community-Based Resources

Business Wire

Anthem Addresses Unmet Needs with Medicare Community Resource Support in its 2020 Medicare Advantage Plans

NORFOLK, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- To underscore its commitment to whole-person health, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia (Anthem) will give consumers in many of its 2020 Medicare Advantage plans access to the Medicare Community Resource Support (MCRS) program. The MCRS team will identify community-based resources for members and help them better understand and utilize their health plan benefits. Anthem recognizes that Medicare-eligible consumers take a number of factors into consideration when making their enrollment choices and the availability of these types of services in our Medicare Advantage plans can be a key factor in that decision.

“We are offering MCRS because of a growing recognition of the importance of wide-ranging factors that can influence a person’s health and well-being,” said Tomas Orozco, President of Anthem’s Medicare East Region. “There’s an unmet need for bringing together health insurance plan benefits and community-based services to help individuals lead healthier lives. For example, MCRS could connect health plan members to local programs offering free transportation to and from medical appointments, which would complement a set amount of transportation that members may already have through their health plan. Or, MCRS could help members with challenges related to their housing situation that may negatively impact their health.”

MCRS social workers and outreach specialists have extensive experience with Medicare-eligible individuals, a deep understanding of the role social determinants play in overall wellness, and up-to-date knowledge on the community-based resources available to members in the area. The MCRS team also has access to a member’s claims history with Anthem to ensure that recommended services align with each member’s individual needs.

The MCRS program will be available with certain 2020 Medicare Advantage plans offered in Virginia so consumers should check with Anthem regarding each plan’s coverage details.

Members may request MCRS assistance by contacting Anthem customer service. Additionally, Anthem customer service representatives, case managers, and other Anthem associates can proactively refer members with appropriate needs to the MCRS team.

In 2020, many of Anthem’s Medicare Advantage plans will offer additional options for social and support services that can improve health. This includes a package of benefits, known as Essential Extras, which offers members in participating plans a choice of such services as healthy food delivery, personal home helpers to assist with daily activities, and alternative medicine to address pain and discomfort.

People enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B may sign up for an Anthem 2020 Medicare Advantage plan during the annual Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which began on October 15, 2019 and continues through December 7, 2019.

For more details about the Medicare Community Resource Support program and Anthem Medicare plans, consumers can call (855) 878-1110. This toll-free information line operates 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, April 1 to Sept. 30; and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week, Oct. 1 through March 31. Or visit Anthem’s online store at https://shop.anthem.com/medicare.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is an HMO DSNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Virginia Medicaid program. Enrollment in Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield depends on contract renewal. 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. 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電1-888-230-7338（TTY：711）。 ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-888-230-7338 (TTY: 711). This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc., an independent licensee 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 Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/anthemBCBS and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AnthemBlueCrossBlueShield.