Anthem Blue Cross Adding Plan G to Medicare Supplement Portfolio in California

OXNARD, Calif., March 6 -- Anthem Blue Cross (also known as Blue Cross of California) issued the following news release:

In order to provide individuals eligible for Medicare with a full range of options for their varying health care needs, Anthem Blue Cross (Anthem) is adding Plan G to its Medicare Supplement portfolio in California. Plan G will be available to those turning age 65 and to those newly eligible for Medicare as of March 1, 2017.

Medicare Supplement insurance plans fill the gaps in Original Medicare, such as deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. These plans allow members to visit any Medicare-approved providers or hospitals. Additionally, Plan G members will be able to access to the SilverSneakers(TM) Fitness Program at no extra cost, which helps older adults maximize their health, maintain their lifestyle and improve overall well-being.

Each Medicare Supplement plan is standardized and represented by a different letter. Plan G covers most of what's covered in Plan F. The primary difference between Plan F and G is Plan G does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible (which is $183 in 2017). Both plans cover Medicare Part A (hospital) coinsurance and deductibles and Medicare Part B (medical) copayments and coinsurance, including Part B excess charges.

In addition to Plans G and F, Anthem offers Medicare Supplement plans N and A in California.

For all these plans, Anthem offers members discounts for paying annually, having payments deducted directly electronically from a bank account or having more than one member living in the same household. Most Medicare Supplement members pair their plan with a prescription drug plan (PDP) to cover their medications.

Anthem also offers Medicare Advantage in California. These plans cover everything covered by Original Medicare and some extra benefits, but require members to utilize a network of providers.

[Category: HealthRX]

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