FYI: While everyone is eligible for Medicare at age 65, in some cases you may be able to apply earlier if you meet certain other criteria.
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There are a number of options when it comes to private health insurance, but when you turn 65, you are eligible for federally funded Medicare. Medicare is divided into two parts, Part A (which provides coverage for hospital care in-patient services) and Part B (which provides coverage for outpatient and preventative care). However, there’s a range of medical services that are not covered under Original Medicare.
The costs associated with these other services can add up, so it may be worth it to consider purchasing Medicare supplemental insurance, also known as a Medigap policy. There are a number of plans available through a variety of trusted private health-care companies. With that said, it is important to keep in mind that you need to be enrolled in Original Medicare (both Parts A and B) before you can purchase the additional supplemental coverage.
FYI: While everyone is eligible for Medicare at age 65, in some cases you may be able to apply earlier if you meet certain other criteria.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a leading provider of health-care insurance, covering one in eight Americans. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Anthem offers Medigap plans for those living in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, New Hampshire, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
There are a variety of Medigap plans available through Anthem, as well as additional coverage (including varying levels of dental and vision plans) called Anthem Extras. Anthem customers also have access to additional features, such as SilverSneakers, an affordable option for maintaining physical fitness.
| Anthem Medigap Plan | Estimated Monthly Premium* | Coverage Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Select G | $113.39 |
|
| Select N | $117.95 |
|
| Innovative Select F | $162 |
|
| Plan G | $134.69 |
|
| Innovative F | $178 |
|
| Plan N | $155.70 |
|
| Select F | $190 |
|
| Plan A | $177.88 |
|
| Plan F | $232 |
|
*Pricing estimates based on 65-year-old female living in Kentucky. Prices will vary based on age, location, and other health factors.
To sign up for an Anthem Medigap plan, you will first want to access the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield website. Under the drop-down tab labeled Medicare, there is an option for Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap). This will direct you to the overview page for Anthem’s Medigap options. On this page is an easy-to-follow explanation of who should and should not consider a supplement plan, as well as information about Medicare Part D (which covers prescription drugs) that may be helpful to those who are new to, or still unclear about, the Medicare system.
In order to see the options available to you through Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, you will need to enter your zip code. Remember that Anthem only offers Medigap plans to those living in 14 states. If you reside in a place where coverage is available, the website will direct you to a page that will ask for the customer’s gender and birthday, as well as the desired start date for the supplement plan. The next page will list the plans that the individual is eligible to purchase. These options are divided into Medicare Advantage (sometimes called Medicare Part C) plans, Medigap plans, and Part D plans.
The Medigap plans will be listed in order from least to most expensive in terms of monthly premium. Each plan is listed with the benefits that are covered, the cost of additional coverage (for dental and/or vision insurance), and an overview of how it compares to Anthem’s other Medigap offerings. Clicking the small boxes underneath each plan that interests you allows you to compare specific plans side by side in a pane along the bottom of the page.
When you have chosen the Medigap plan that is the best fit for your needs and lifestyle, you can click on Apply Now for the option of your choice. You will then be directed to a page that asks about the add-ons, if any, you would like to purchase. Finally, you will be directed to a ‘Start Application’ button to begin entering your personal information. The process is very straightforward, with each page clearly stating what forms and documents are needed.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield offers easy access to plan information through their mobile app, Sydney. This app, available for iPhone and Android, allows users to view their benefits and ID cards, as well as provides reminders, alerts, and a health tracker.
While Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield provides a variety of options in Medigap plans, if you live in a state outside of where they operate or are looking for a high-deductible option, there are other companies you may want to consider.
FYI: If you are currently employed and receiving health-care benefits through your workplace, the Social Security Administration advises that you speak with your employer before signing up for Medicare.
As with all things health care, there are a wide variety of options to consider when it comes to Medicare Supplement plans. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield offers a range of plans that cover added health-care expenses that do not fall under Medicare Part A and Part B, and it is easy to sign up for additional vision and dental coverage at the same time you apply for a Medigap plan through their site. However, they do not have any high-deductible options for those who are interested in a lower monthly premium in exchange for a higher up-front deductible.
To learn more about Medigap, be sure to check out our helpful guides:
Yes, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield offers a variety of Medigap plans, including Select G, Select N, Innovative Select F, Plan G, Innovative F, Plan N, Select F, Plan A, and Plan F.
Those who are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B who are looking for added coverage, but are not interested in signing up for Medicare Advantage (Part C) should consider Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield — as long as they live in one of the states where coverage is offered.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medigap plans do not include vision and dental. However, they do offer a range of plans that cover these aspects of health care, and which can be added to the Medigap plan you choose during the application process.
All Anthem Medigap plans, except Plan A, include coverage for emergencies that can happen during foreign travel.
