Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri Introduces New Medicare Supplement Plan F to Help Consumers Control Health Care Costs

Business Wire

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri (Anthem) is introducing a new Medicare Supplement Plan F (Plan F). With this announcement, consumers in Missouri enrolled in Original Medicare will have a new option to better control their out-of-pocket health care costs. This competitively priced Plan F will be available for enrollment starting June 1, 2018.

“We are pleased to offer Medicare-eligible individuals in Missouri a Medicare Supplement plan that complements their Original Medicare and helps make health care costs more predictable,” said David McNichols, president of Anthem’s Medicare central region. “Cost of care continues to be an important issue for many seniors, so we strive to deliver products and services that help consumers obtain high-quality, affordable health care.”

Medicare Supplement Plan F policies are the most popular supplement plans among individuals enrolled in Original Medicare. Plan F covers many of the gaps in Original Medicare Parts A and B. For example, it covers Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part B coinsurance and copayment, Part A hospice care coinsurance and copayment, deductibles for Parts A and B, and a pre-determined amount of health care costs while on foreign travel.

The introduction of the new Plan F is another example of Anthem’s commitment to serving consumers and giving them choices that fit their lives. The organization is privileged to continue its nearly 75-year history in Missouri and serves more than 4.6 million state residents across all its insurance offerings.

Individuals who choose Anthem’s new Plan F will also have the opportunity to enroll in Anthem Extras, a program that also helps members with their overall health. Anthem Extras gives consumers a choice of three plans, all of which include dental and vision benefits because healthy teeth and eyes contribute to overall well-being. Anthem Extra packages with more extensive benefits may include adult care support resources and travel assistance.

“Anthem is committed to providing Medicare insurance options that give consumers what they want, when they want it – clearing the way for the life they’ve earned,” added McNichols.

Anthem will also give new enrollees a membership to SilverSneakers^® as a value-added program at no cost. SilverSneakers helps millions of baby boomers and older adults take greater control of their health by engaging participants in more frequent exercise, strength training, aerobics, and flexibility training through a variety of venues and programming.

Anthem offers consumers enrolled in their plans discounts for paying annually, having payments deducted directly and electronically from a bank account, or having more than one person living in the same household on an Anthem Medicare Supplement eligible plan. Many consumers on a Medicare Supplement plan pair their plan with one of Anthem’s many Part D plans, which cover medications.

SilverSneakers^® is not insurance and may be discontinued at any time. The SilverSneakers^® Fitness Program is provided by an independent company.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

In Missouri (excluding the 30 counties in the Kansas City area), Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Healthy Alliance® Life Insurance Company (HALIC) and Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. (AICI). Plans A, G & N and the Anthem Extras Packages are offered by HALIC. Plan F is offered by AICI. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.