Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield offers several Medicare Advantage programs throughout several different states.  Everyone is probably familiar with Blue Cross and Blue Shield as a company, and many of you have probably hear of Anthem before.  Anthem Medicare Preferred Standard and Anthem Medicare Preferred Premier are two Medicare Advantage PPO’s that Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield offer.  Preferred Standard is offered in California, Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Virginia.  Preferred Premier is offered in Colorado and Virginia.  Below is a summary of the benefits that these plans offer:

Anthem Medicare Preferred Standard (PPO)

• Premium – $0 = Connecticut + Virginia; Indiana = $29; Kentucky = $28; Ohio = $39
• Maximum Out of Pocket – Connecticut = $3,400; Indiana = $4,000; Kentucky + Ohio + Virginia = $4,500
• Hospital Copay – Connecticut = $250/day; All other states = $205/day
• Doctor’s Visits – $0 copay for Connecticut + Virginia; $15 = Kentucky + Indiana; Ohio = $20
• Specialists Visits – Connecticut + Ohio = $35; Indiana + Kentucky = $30; Virginia = $45
• Outpatient Surgery – Connecticut + Virginia = $0 – $250; All other stated $0 – $200
• Labs – $0 copay for all states
• Diagnostic Procedures and tests – Connecticut = $0; Indiana + Kentucky = $0 – $125; Ohio = $0 – $155; Virginia = $0 – $160
• X-Rays - Connecticut = $50 – $100; Indiana + Kentucky = $85; Ohio = $95; Virginia = $100
• Part D Deductible – All states have $60
• Tier 1 for all states offers a $7 copay except for Connecticut and Virginia = $0
• Preventative dental, vision, and hearing are not included except for Ohio

Anthem Medicare Preferred Premier (PPO)

• Premium – $59 = Colorado; Virginia = $39
• Maximum Out of Pocket – Colorado = $4,000; Virginia = $3,350
• Hospital Copay – Colorado = $200/day; Virginia = $195/day
• Doctor’s Visits – $10 copay for Colorado; Virginia = $15
• Specialists Visits - Colorado = $30; Virginia = $25
• Outpatient Surgery - $0 – $150
• Labs – $0 copay for both states
• Diagnostic Procedures and tests - Colorado = $0 – $200; Virginia = $0 – $130
• X-Rays - Colorado = $35; Virginia = $70
• Part D Deductible – Both states have $60
• Tier 1 for both states is $7 copay
• Preventative dental, vision, and hearing are not included

Both of these plans are backed by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.  Does this make them a must have?  Not necessarily!  Always do your homework and consult with an independent insurance agent to make sure you are signing up for the best plan for you!  You can research online at medicare.gov.