Anthem Blue Cross Connects Members to Community-Based Resources

Business Wire

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

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- To underscore its commitment to whole-person health, Anthem Blue Cross 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 Josh Martin, President of Anthem’s Medicare West 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 on many 2020 Medicare Advantage plans offered in California 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 benefits, which include services such as prescribed meals, respite care, and pain management through options such as acupuncture, routine chiropractic care, or therapeutic massage.

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) 866-3957. 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 is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Anthem Blue Cross is an HMO DSNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the California Medicaid program. Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company is an LPPO CSNP plan with a Medicare contract. Anthem Blue Cross is an HMO CSNP plan with a Medicare contract. Anthem Blue Cross is an HMO ISNP plan with a Medicare contract. Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company is an LPPO plan with a Medicare contract. Anthem BC Health Insurance Company is an LPPO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Anthem Blue Cross 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

Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of Blue Cross of California. Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross name and symbol are registered marks of the Blue Cross Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/anthemBlueCross and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AnthemBlueCrossCA.