Exploring the 14 States Where Anthem Offers Medicare Advantage Plans

Anthem is one of the largest health insurance providers in the U.S. and a major player in the Medicare Advantage market. However, Anthem Medicare Advantage plans are not available nationwide. They are only offered in 14 specific states.

What are the 14 Anthem states? Let’s examine the coverage footprint of Anthem’s Medicare Advantage plans across the country.

Overview of Anthem Medicare Advantage

Anthem Inc. offers Medicare Advantage plans under the Blue Cross Blue Shield brand in select states. These plans provide all original Medicare (Part A and Part B) benefits along with extras like dental, vision, hearing and prescription drugs.

Key things to know:

• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield plans are available in 14 states
• Offers Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and SNP plans
• Access to nationwide BCBS provider network
• Range of supplemental benefits included
• Cost depends on location and plan selected

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield should not be confused with regular Anthem health plans, which have a larger footprint. We will focus only on the 14 states where Anthem Blue Medicare Advantage is sold.

The 14 States Where Anthem Offers Medicare Advantage Coverage

Here are the 14 states where Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield offers Medicare Advantage plans:

1. California

Anthem Blue Cross of California provides Medicare Advantage coverage in select counties of California. Its plans get high ratings from Medicare.

1. Colorado

Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc., a subsidiary of Anthem Inc., offers Medicare Advantage plans in Colorado under the Anthem MediBlue brand name.

1. Connecticut

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is one of the insurers providing Medicare Advantage options for residents of Connecticut.

1. Georgia

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia offers Medicare Advantage plans in select counties of the state.

1. Indiana

Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. provides Medicare Advantage coverage in all counties of Indiana.

1. Kentucky

Anthem Health Plans of Kentucky offers Medicare Advantage plans in various counties of Kentucky.

1. Maine

Anthem Health Plans of Maine provides Medicare Advantage coverage in select regions of Maine.

1. Missouri

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri serves all counties in the state with its Medicare Advantage plans.

1. Nevada

Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc. offers Medicare Advantage under the Anthem MediBlue brand in Nevada.

1. New Hampshire

New Hampshire residents can avail Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Medicare Advantage plans in all counties.

1. New York

Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, an Anthem subsidiary, offers Medicare Advantage plans in New York.

1. Ohio

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield provides Medicare Advantage coverage in select counties of Ohio.

1. Virginia

Anthem Health Plans of Virginia offers Medicare Advantage plans across various counties in Virginia.

1. Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield provides Medicare Advantage coverage in select counties.

Medicare Advantage Plan Options from Anthem

Anthem offers Medicare Advantage plans in three main categories:

• HMO – Must use in-network providers except in emergency
• PPO – Out-of-network care allowed but costs more
• SNP – Special Needs Plans tailored for chronic conditions

Available benefits range from dental and vision to hearing, transportation and meal delivery. Telehealth access offered. Prescription drugs covered in certain plans. Cost-sharing options like copays and coinsurance apply.

Provider Network Access

An advantage of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans is access to the extensive BCBS provider network throughout the country.

You can see any provider participating in Medicare nationwide if you are enrolled in an Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO. For HMO plans, you must use in-network providers.

Cost of Anthem Medicare Advantage Plans

How much Anthem Medicare Advantage plans cost depends on factors like:

• Location (county)
• Plan type chosen
• Benefits added like dental and drugs
• Premiums, deductibles, copays and coinsurance amounts

Many plans have $0 premiums but costs are not uniform across the 14 states. Michigan and Ohio have some of the most affordable options while plans in California and Connecticut tend to cost more.

Enrollment Periods

You can sign up for Anthem Medicare Advantage plans in your area only during specific enrollment windows:

• Annual Enrollment Period – Oct 15 to Dec 7 every year for following year’s coverage.

• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period – Jan 1 to Mar 31 for current year coverage.

• Initial Enrollment Period – When you first become eligible for Medicare, you get a 7-month window.

The Takeaway

They offer HMO, PPO and SNP plans with benefits beyond basic Medicare. Costs and coverage vary by state and county. Check if Anthem Medicare Advantage is available in your location.