The Anthem Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans in California offer plenty of plans to choose from.
The Medicare Supplement plan; Innovative F, G and N are available in every county in California. On the other hand, the Medicare Advantage plans are “County specific.” So, depending on where you live, you may or may not be able to enroll in an Anthem Medicare Advantage plan. The Anthem Part D Rx plans are available in every California county.
The Advantage plans in specified counties:
- Anthem MediBlue Select (HMO)
- Anthem MediBlue Value (HMO)
- Anthem MediBlue Plus (HMO)
- Anthem MediBlue Extra (HMO)
- Anthem MediBlue StartSmart Plus (HMO)
- Anthem MediBlue Access (PPO) in many Northern California counties.
Many of these plans have a $0 monthly premium and include; Hearing, Vision, Silver Sneakers, Prescription Drugs, Dental and Routine Physical Exams, all at no additional premiums.
Medicare Advantage plans have an annual open-enrollment period each year beginning every October 15 and ending December 7. Anyone on Medicare can enroll in any of the available Medicare Advantage plan within their county of residence each year. Change your plan with the same company or change companies during open-enrollment. Any changes made, take effect on January 1.
Most Advantage plan will be an HMO style plan, there are a few PPO Advantage plans sprinkled around but not many. Remember, with an HMO you must choose a Primary care doctor when you enroll, and that doctor is your “gatekeeper,” for care. If you need to see a specialist, your PCP will refer you to the appropriate specialist within the same doctor medical group.
Anthem Part D Rx plans …
Anthem this year has two Part D Rx plans; the Anthem Blue Cross MediBlue Rx Standard (PDP), and the Anthem Blue Cross MediBlue Rx Plus (PDP). Most counties will have nearly 30 Part D Rx plans to choose from, and the best way you determine which plan matches best with your medication list, is to enter them into the Medicare website. The site, will sort the plans by least out of pocket for the year, down to the most expensive plan for the year. If you need help, feel free to contact me anytime.
Medicare Supplement …
If you are interested in a Medicare Supplement plan because of the unbeatable coverage along with the great access to care nationwide, you will want to look at; Anthem, Blue Shield and Health Net because all three offer a very nice “new to medicare” discount.
Remember, anyone on medicare can always jump into a Medicare Advantage policy during the annual open-enrollment period every fall. On the other hand, enrolling into a medicare supplement plan outside of a an open-enrollment, may be a bit tricky depending on your health status. If you are already on a medicare supplement policy, be sure to take advantage of the “Birthday-Rule.” This allows a person who is currently on a medicare supplement policy, to switch companies to the same plan or one with less benefits, starting on their birthday and moving forward 60 days. Enroll without medical underwriting, which means the enrollment is guaranteed.
