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Anthem Medicare Supplement Review

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A.M. Best financial strength rating: A NCQA rating: 3 to 4  BBB rating: F  Consumer Affairs rating: 4
Quick Anthem Medicare Supplement Insurance plans review

Anthem has years of experience in the health care insurance sector. The company offers Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap, plans in 14 states.

Anthem is the parent company for an assortment of healthcare insurance providers, most with Anthem or Blue Cross Blue Shield mentioned in the trade name. Anthem, Inc. is headquartered in Indianapolis, IN, but the company is licensed independently in 14 states. In 2004, Anthem merged with WellPoint, making it one of the largest health benefits organizations in the United States.

Seniors living in the 14 states that Anthem services can choose from the company’s Medicare Advantage Plans, Part D plans, and Medigap policies. Availability and pricing can vary greatly, so always compare and review plans before signing up.

Pros and Cons of Anthem Medicare Supplement Plans

What we like about Anthem Medicare Supplement plans: The drawbacks of Anthem Medicare Supplement plans:
  • Knowledgeable agents and benefit managers
  • Competitive premiums
  • Silver Sneakers and other extra benefits and discounts available
  • National coverage limited (only 14 states)
  • Limited review ratings on the company’s Medigap plans

What Do Anthem Medicare Supplement Plans Cover?

Also known as Medigap, Anthem Medicare Supplement plans work with Original Medicare Parts A and B. They help reduce your out-of-pocket costs by lowering or eliminating copays, coinsurance payments, and deductibles. Coverage is valid at Medicare-participating doctors and hospitals across the United States even when traveling, and plans are guaranteed to be renewable as long as you continue to pay your premiums. Medicare Supplement policies are compatible with Part D plans that can lower your prescription drug costs.

Once you are an Anthem Medicare Supplement plan member, the following services and discounts are included:

  • Silver Sneakers Fitness Program
  • ScriptSave pharmacy and vitamins discount
  • Hearing discount through NationsHearing providers
  • Vision discount through Glasses.com and Premier LASIK
  • Self help discounts through FitBit, Jenny Craig, and ChooseHealthy
  • Access to Extras Packages for more dental and vision coverage (additional monthly premiums apply)

Anthem Medicare Supplement Plan Options

There are 10 universal Medigap policies known as plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N, including standardized benefits and copay reductions. Plans C and F are only available to existing Medicare enrollees who became eligible for Medicare before 2020. New beneficiaries can sign up for a Medigap plan without restrictions during their seven-month initial enrollment period. Otherwise, insurers can base eligibility on your medical history.

Regardless of which Anthem plan you choose, you’re responsible for paying your $226 Part B deductible (in 2023) for medical services and diagnostics. Medigap policies can reduce or eliminate your Part A hospital deductible, which can save you up to $1,600 per benefit period in 2023. Some plans may pick up excess charges beyond Medicare-approved amounts, and they can limit your out-of-pocket expenses.

Medicare Supplement plans available from Anthem are A, G, and N. The plans are similar in premiums, which typically go up every year.  Only Plan N requires office and ER visit copays.

Monthly premiums vary by the age and gender of the applicant. Keep in mind that Medigap plans are per person, so if you’re married, both you and your spouse need to purchase one. It’s always best to compare not only plan types but companies when you’re looking to purchase an insurance policy.

Here are a few examples from Anthem’s Colorado offerings in 2022:

Plan name Monthly premium† Part A hospital deductible Part B medical deductible Member responsibility for excess charges Out-of-pocket maximum
Plan A $101.56 $1,600 $226 All costs N/A
Plan G $115.50 $0 $226 $0 N/A
Plan N $105.21 $0 $226 Up to $20 for office visits or up to $50 for ER care N/A

*Based on pricing in Denver, CO for a 65 year old female, no tobacco use
†Rates are based on medical eligibility

Anthem Medicare Supplement Plans Reviews and Ratings

Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Affairs rate Anthem Medicare Supplement plans.

A.M. Best financial strength rating: A A.M. Best is a credit rating agency that specializes in the insurance industry.

An A rating in this category indicates that A.M. Best believes Anthem Health Group as a core subsidiary of Anthem, Inc. has an excellent ability to meet its ongoing insurance obligations.
NCQA: 3 – 4 The National Committee for Quality Assurance periodically checks insurance companies for service and customer satisfaction. By searching for Anthem or BCBS, you can get a good feel for the company’s integrity even though you might not find a review for the insurance product you’re interested in. For example, Anthem received a 4.0 in customer satisfaction in Kentucky and Ohio with an overall rating of 3.0. The company scored a 4.0 overall rating in Colorado.
BBB rating: F Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Colorado has an F rating with the Better Business Bureau. Common customer complaints include billing and collections and problems with using insurance coverage. There were 55 complaints closed in the last three years. The F rating is due to Anthem’s failure to respond to 26 customer complaints and failure to resolve three complaints.
Consumer Affairs rating: 4 You can also browse through ConsumerAffairs’ website for Anthem reviews. Since Anthem offers so many types of policies, you may have to search a bit to find info on its Medigap plans, although you should be able to get a feel for the company’s customer care. Overall, Anthem has a four out of five rating from ConsumerAffairs.
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Kelly Blackwell
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®

As a health care professional since 1987, Kelly Blackwell has walked alongside and cared for seniors as they journey through the season of their fourth quarter of life. Blackwell holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Northern Colorado, a Master of Science in health care administration from Grand Canyon University, an interprofessional graduate certificate in palliative care from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and holds a Certified Senior Advisor® credential from the Society of Certified Senior Advisors.

Blackwell contributes to the University of Colorado-Anschutz blog and has been published in “The Human Touch” distributed by the University of Colorado Center for Bioethics and Humanities. She cowrote “Dying Is” for Pathways Hospice.

A registered nurse, Blackwell understands health insurance choices influence quality of life and are driven by values, goals, and beliefs. She’s passionate about engaging with, educating, and empowering seniors as they navigate the health care system. She’s equipped to lend an experienced, compassionate voice to beneficiaries seeking information about Medicare Advantage Plans.

As a CSA®, Blackwell has access to valuable resources for Medicare beneficiaries. Her work as a bedside nurse and clinical manager has given her the opportunity to see how Medicare rules, regulations, and benefits work when patients need them. With a passion to learn and to make a difference in the lives of seniors, Blackwell supports seniors through Medicare and fourth-quarter life decisions.

Kelly-Blackwell Headshot
Kelly Blackwell
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®

As a health care professional since 1987, Kelly Blackwell has walked alongside and cared for seniors as they journey through the season of their fourth quarter of life. Blackwell holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Northern Colorado, a Master of Science in health care administration from Grand Canyon University, an interprofessional graduate certificate in palliative care from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and holds a Certified Senior Advisor® credential from the Society of Certified Senior Advisors.

Blackwell contributes to the University of Colorado-Anschutz blog and has been published in “The Human Touch” distributed by the University of Colorado Center for Bioethics and Humanities. She cowrote “Dying Is” for Pathways Hospice.

A registered nurse, Blackwell understands health insurance choices influence quality of life and are driven by values, goals, and beliefs. She’s passionate about engaging with, educating, and empowering seniors as they navigate the health care system. She’s equipped to lend an experienced, compassionate voice to beneficiaries seeking information about Medicare Advantage Plans.

As a CSA®, Blackwell has access to valuable resources for Medicare beneficiaries. Her work as a bedside nurse and clinical manager has given her the opportunity to see how Medicare rules, regulations, and benefits work when patients need them. With a passion to learn and to make a difference in the lives of seniors, Blackwell supports seniors through Medicare and fourth-quarter life decisions.

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