Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Launches New Medicare Supplement Plans to Make Health Care More Affordable for Wisconsin Residents

Business Wire

MADISON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin (Anthem) is committed to giving consumers access to high-quality, affordable health care while reducing their out-of-pocket costs. As part of that commitment, Anthem is offering new Medicare Supplement plans to Wisconsin residents who have Original Medicare. Original Medicare – also known as Medicare Part A and Part B – doesn’t cover many common health care costs, such as copayments and deductibles, often leaving consumers with significant health care expenses. Anthem’s Medicare Supplement plans offer coverage for these items and, as a result, reduce consumers’ out-of-pocket costs for their health care.

“Anthem strives to meet the health care needs of consumers with innovative products and services that help them lead healthier lives,” said David McNichols, President of the company’s Medicare Central Region. “We know that health care costs are of great concern for older adults so we aim to deliver services that minimize their out-of-pocket costs while ensuring they receive the highest quality care.”

Beginning June 1, 2018, Wisconsin consumers enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B will be able to enroll in Anthem’s Medicare Supplement Basic Plan with the option of adding more benefits also known as Riders.

Anthem’s Medicare Supplement Basic Plan provides benefits such as coverage for some costs associated with hospitalization and use of skilled nursing facilities. Consumers then have the option of adding Plan Riders, with each covering items such as Part A deductible, Part B annual deductible, foreign travel, and home health care. For more information about the Basic Plan and optional Riders, visit Anthem’s website.

An additional benefit of Medicare Supplement plans is that there are no provider networks. This means consumers have the freedom to see any care provider who accepts Medicare patients.

Anthem also will give people enrolled in these Medicare Supplement plans a membership to SilverSneakers^® at no cost. SilverSneakers helps millions of aging seniors 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.

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

Many Medicare Supplement enrollees pair their plan with an Anthem Part D plan, which covers prescription medication costs.

Consumers can compare the different coverages available in Medicare Supplement plans by going to resources such as Medicare.gov.

Medicare Supplement plans are sold by private companies, such as Anthem, have premiums, and require participation in Medicare Parts A and B.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin is part of Anthem, Inc., one of the nation’s leading health benefits companies, with over 73 million consumers served by its affiliated companies, including more than 40 million within Anthem’s family of health plans. And, in Wisconsin, Anthem serves more than 1 million consumers.

For more information about Anthem, visit www.anthem.com.

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 Wisconsin

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin (BCBSWi) and Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. (AICI). The Basic Plan and Riders are offered by AICI and the Anthem Extras Packages are offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin (BCBSWi). Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.