Anthem Launches Medicare Special Needs Plan in St. Louis Area

Anthem is launching a Dual-Eligible Special Needs Medicare Plan, known as a DSNP, in the St. Louis area, including Jefferson, St. Charles, St. Louis and St. Louis City counties. This plan coordinates benefits for people eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare.

DSNPs are the largest and fastest growing type of the special needs plansi.

“People eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare often have complex health care needs,”ii explained David McNichols, Anthem’s central region president for Medicare. “This plan helps to coordinate care with the goal of delivering better outcomes.”

The plan is called Anthem Dual Advantage (HMO SNP) and was available for enrollment beginning Oct. 15 with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2015. It features $0 premiums and $0 copays as well as dental and vision benefits, some transportation to doctor’s appointments, an allowance for health care items, a hearing aid allowance, online doctor’s visits and free membership at participating SilverSneakers® fitness centers.

In addition to the new special needs plan, Anthem is launching a $0 premium traditional Medicare Advantage HMO plan in Jefferson County, called Anthem Medi Blue Select HMO, for the 2015 Annual Election Period. Anthem is also launching a $44 premium Medicare Advantage LPPO plan in Jefferson County, called Anthem Medicare Preferred Core, for the 2015 Annual Election Period.

People wanting more information about any of the company’s plans, including the new special needs plan or traditional Medicare Advantage plan, can call (844) 223-6826.

Anthem is a PPO plan and an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Anthem depends on contract renewal. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information, contact the plan. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, provider network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on Jan. 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.

This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare. Premiums, co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the plan for further details.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri

In Missouri (excluding 30 counties in the Kansas City area) Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name for RightCHOICE® Managed Care, Inc. (RIT), Healthy Alliance® Life Insurance Company (HALIC), and HMO Missouri, Inc. RIT and certain affiliates administer non-HMO benefits underwritten by HALIC and HMO benefits underwritten by HMO Missouri, Inc. RIT and certain affiliates only provide administrative services for self-funded plans and do not underwrite benefits. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthJoinIn, or visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin.

________________________

i Data source is CPSC June 2014 Membership File from CMS

ii http://kff.org/tag/dual-eligible/