Anthem Expands Medicare Advantage Offerings to Six New Counties in Missouri

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem) is expanding its Medicare Advantage (MA) offerings to six new counties in Missouri, resulting in more health care options for people eligible for Medicare. The plans, which combine Original Medicare with additional benefits, can be purchased during Medicare's Annual Election Period (AEP), which is earlier this year, running from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

The expansion includes the establishment of a new Local PPO that includes the following counties: St. Charles, Cedar, Barton, Jasper, Newton and Barry.

Anthem will offer a number of different plans in these counties with a variety of price points and benefits. Plans purchased during the open enrollment period will be effective Jan. 1, 2012.

"This expansion is part of one of the largest ever for our senior business and indicates our continuing commitment to providing affordable health care solutions to the people of Missouri," said Steve Martenet, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri.  "We serve thousands of seniors in Missouri and are proud to have been a part of the business community here for 75 years."

Nationwide, more than 12 million seniors are enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. 88 percent of them are satisfied with the quality of care they get, according to a 2008 survey from America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP). The plans combine Medicare Parts A (hospital) and Part B (medical coverage) into one convenient package run by a private insurance company. The plans can include additional benefits, and can be paired with a Part D plan to include drug coverage. They may include additional premiums.

"Baby Boomers are redefining retirement," said Krista Bowers, president of Anthem's senior business. "Our MA plans give them the support they need to continue their active lifestyles, including wellness programs, broad networks, out-of-pocket maximums and benefits when traveling."

Additionally, Anthem now offers optional supplemental benefits (OSBs) on all its Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans (MAPD) in Missouri. For an additional premium, OSBs provide benefits that might not be covered in a MAPD plan, including dental, vision and chiropractic/acupuncture services.

For more information about MA, MAPD and Medicare Supplement plans as well as optional supplemental benefits in Missouri, visit Anthem's online store at www.anthem.com/medicare where visitors can learn about products, compare plans, get a quote and even enroll in the plan that best suits their needs. Additionally, interested parties can contact an insurance broker or call toll free (866) 834-8467 (TTY/TDD 711) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.

Benefits may change on January 1, 2013. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits. For more information contact the plan.

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.

SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri