Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Virginia offers Medicare Supplement coverage to help fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage.
Their Medicare Supplement plans are standardized, meaning the benefits and coverage remain the same across different plans, but the cost and availability may vary.
In Virginia, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield offers multiple Medicare Supplement plans, including Plan A, Plan F, and Plan G.
Plan A is the most basic Medicare Supplement plan, covering basic benefits such as Part A hospital coinsurance and hospice care.
Plan F offers the most comprehensive coverage, including Part B deductible and excess charges.
Medicare Supplement Options
Anthem Medicare Supplement plans are standardized by the federal government, making it easier to compare coverage. There are 10 universal Medigap policies, known as plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N.
You can sign up for a Medigap plan without restrictions during your seven-month initial enrollment period. New beneficiaries can also purchase a plan from any insurer, whereas existing beneficiaries can only purchase from their current insurer.
Anthem offers three Medicare Supplement plans: A, G, and N. Plan N requires office and ER visit copays, while plans A and G do not.
Types
To sign up for Medicare Supplement, you must have Original Medicare Parts A and B. Medicare Supplement insurance plans typically are standardized by the federal government.
Each plan is named with a letter, like A, F, G, and N. You'll pay a monthly premium that can help you control costs.
Medicare Supplement insurance plans are standardized by the federal government.
Medigap Benefits
Medigap benefits can be a bit overwhelming, but I'm here to break it down for you.
There are 10 universal Medigap policies, known as plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N, each offering standardized benefits and copay reductions.
Plan 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.
Regardless of which Anthem plan you choose, you're responsible for paying your Part B deductible, which is $226 in 2023. Medigap policies can reduce or eliminate your Part A hospital deductible, saving you up to $1,600 per benefit period in 2023.
The following table outlines the benefits offered by various Medigap plans:
This table should help you compare the benefits of different Medigap plans, but keep in mind that Medigap plans are per person, so if you're married, both you and your spouse need to purchase one.
Benefits and Coverage
With Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Supplement, you'll have peace of mind knowing you're covered for many out-of-pocket costs.
The plan helps cover copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, which can be a significant burden with Original Medicare.
You'll have flexibility to see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare patients, and your plan will go with you even if you spend part of the year living in a different location.
Here's a breakdown of the benefits and coverage you can expect with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Supplement:
*Except for a copayment of up to $20 for some office visits and up to a $50 copayment for ER visits that don't result in an inpatient admission.
Enrollment and Eligibility
You can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan in Virginia anytime if you already have Original Medicare Part A and Part B.
The best time to enroll is during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, starting the first month you have Medicare Part B and you’re 65 or older. This is a great time to enroll because you cannot be denied coverage even if you have pre-existing health problems.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medigap plans are available to all Virginia Medicare beneficiaries, ages 65 and older, who have enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
You also have guaranteed issue rights if you're just turning age 65, which means you can't be turned down by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and your policy can't be canceled as long as you pay the premiums on time and make no material misrepresentations.
Enrollment Timing
You can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan in Virginia at any time if you already have Original Medicare Part A and Part B. The best time to enroll is during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
This period starts the first month you have Medicare Part B and you're 65 or older. You won't be denied coverage even if you have pre-existing health problems.
If you enroll during this time, you're protected from being denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions. This is a great opportunity to get the coverage you need without worrying about your health history.
You can also enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period, which starts three months before you turn 65, and ends three months after the month you turn 65.
Eligibility
If you're turning 65, you have guaranteed issue rights and can't be turned down by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
You're also protected from having your policy canceled as long as you pay your premiums on time and don't make any material misrepresentations.
All Virginia Medicare beneficiaries, ages 65 and older, who have enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, are eligible for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medigap plans.
To qualify, you just need to have enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Availability
Availability is not limited to just a few cities in Virginia. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia services Medicare supplement insurance in most Virginia cities, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Richmond.
From Virginia's major cities to smaller towns, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia has got you covered. Their services are available in Newport News, Alexandria, Hampton, and Roanoke.
You can find Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia services in many other Virginia cities, including Portsmouth, Suffolk, Lynchburg, Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Danville, Manassas, and more.
Pricing and Discounts
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield offers household discounts for couples who both enroll in their Medicare Supplement plans, with a 5% discount on monthly premiums in most states, and a 10% discount for those with a coverage effective date of March 1, 2023 or later.
In some states, like California, you can also get a $25 discount off your premium for the first 12 months if you're 65 or older and within six months of your Part B effective date.
The discount amounts may vary by state, but it's worth noting that Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has historically offered a 5% discount.
Compare Base Rates
When comparing base rates for Plan F, it's clear that Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield offers the lowest premium at $136.00.
Liberty Bankers Life, Everest, Guarantee Trust Life, and Thrivent all charge a fee of $25.00, while Aetna charges a fee of $20.00.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has the highest rating of ☆☆☆☆☆, indicating a very high level of satisfaction among customers.
The lowest premium among carriers that charge a fee is Liberty Bankers Life at $106.65.
Here's a breakdown of the base rates:
Household Discounts Available
If you're eligible for a household discount, you can save on your Medicare Supplement plan premiums.
The discount can range from 5% to 10% of your monthly premium, depending on your state of residence. In some states, like California, you might even qualify for a 10% discount if you have a coverage effective date of March 1, 2023 or later.
Additionally, if you're 65 or older and within six months of your Part B effective date, you might be eligible for a $25 New to Medicare discount off your premium for the first 12 months, as seen in California.
Some states offer a 10% discount for household members, while others offer a 5% discount. It's worth noting that eligibility criteria may vary by state.
Here are the services and discounts you can expect as an Anthem Medicare Supplement plan member:
- 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)
Choosing the Right Plan
Medicare Supplement Plan F is the broadest coverage of Original Medicare out-of-pocket costs, helping cover Medicare deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. You pay a monthly premium for this coverage.
To find the right plan, consider your needs and options. There are various scenarios to consider, including your travel plans and budget.
Plan F is only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, so consider your eligibility date when choosing a plan.
Plan
Medicare Supplement Plan F offers the broadest coverage of Original Medicare out-of-pocket costs, helping cover deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. This plan is only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Plan F's comprehensive coverage can be a significant advantage for those with ongoing medical expenses. However, it's essential to consider the premium costs associated with this plan.
To give you a better idea of the premium costs, let's take a look at the rates for Medicare Supplement Plan F from various carriers. Here's a comparison of the base rates:
These rates can vary depending on your location and other factors, so it's crucial to research and compare rates in your area.
Ratings & Rankings
Anthem has strong ratings from reputable rating agencies, indicating it's a reliable and trustworthy company. These ratings include an A rating from A.M. Best, a A- rating from S&P Global Ratings, an A3 rating from Moody's, and an A- rating from Fitch Ratings.
A.M. Best's A rating means Anthem has an excellent ability to meet its ongoing insurance obligations. This is a good sign for anyone considering Anthem's plans.
Anthem's Medicare Supplement plans are also rated by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). The NCQA rates Anthem's plans as 3 – 4 out of 5.
Here's a breakdown of Anthem's ratings from different agencies:
It's worth noting that Anthem's BBB rating is an F, due to its failure to respond to customer complaints. However, its Consumer Affairs rating is 4 out of 5, indicating generally positive customer reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular Medicare Supplement?
The most popular Medicare Supplement is Plan G, which accounts for nearly 5.3 million policyholders. It offers a standardized set of benefits and is a top choice among Medicare beneficiaries.
Sources
- https://www.anthem.com/va/medicare/medicare-supplement-plans-medigap
- https://www.anthem.com/medicare/compare-medicare-plans
- https://coverright.com/carrier-reviews/anthem-elevance/
- https://www.medicareplans.com/medicare-supplement-plans/anthem-medicare-supplement-reviews/
- https://medicarewire.com/medigap/plan/anthem-medigap-plans-virginia/
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