Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Reviews

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield: A Comprehensive Review

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield serves 42 million individuals across 14 states, positioning itself as a prominent insurance provider in the United States. Offering an array of dental insurance plans, members benefit from access to extensive resources and digital tools for enhanced convenience.

Distinguishing itself by sheer scale, Anthem is a cornerstone of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, boasting one of the nation's largest networks of dental care providers. Despite its strengths, there are drawbacks such as the lack of plan customization and restricted availability in certain regions.

Pros:

- Comprehensive coverage for standard insurance needs

- Option to bundle with health and vision policies

- Affiliation with the expansive Blue Cross Blue Shield network

Cons:

- Limited availability restricted to 14 states

- Inadequate for personalized coverage or small businesses

- Millions affected by a 2015 data breach incident

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield: Cost Analysis

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield presents a competitive pricing structure, with its Silver policy priced at $558 per month, slightly below the national average of $584. While Anthem typically offers more affordable rates compared to Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare, it falls short of being the most economical choice.

In comparison to Kaiser Permanente and Aetna, Anthem's Silver plan is not the most budget-friendly option. Kaiser Permanente and Aetna both offer Silver plans at lower average costs than Anthem.

Here's a breakdown of Anthem's costs across different plan tiers for a 40-year-old individual:

- Catastrophic: $348 per month

- Bronze: $458 per month

- Expanded Bronze: $445 per month

- Silver: $558 per month

- Gold: $667 per month

- Platinum: $1,263 per month

Anthem's Diverse Health Insurance Offerings

Anthem is a part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) family of companies. Anthem stands out for its extensive range of health insurance plans catering to various demographics, including individuals, families, Medicare beneficiaries, Medicaid recipients, and group insurance members.

For individuals and families, Anthem provides flexibility in obtaining health coverage either through employer-sponsored plans or by purchasing directly from Anthem or via HealthCare.gov or state marketplaces. Plan options include:

- HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Covers in-network medical care with referrals required.

- EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): Covers in-network medical care without referral constraints.

- PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Offers coverage for both in-network and out-of-network medical care, albeit at a higher cost.

In the marketplace, Anthem's extensive network means numerous plan types are available across various tiers, including Catastrophic, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

Beyond medical coverage, Anthem offers additional insurance options such as prescription drug plans, dental insurance, vision insurance, short-term health insurance, and supplemental insurance covering accidents, critical illnesses, and hospital recovery.

For Medicare beneficiaries, Anthem provides several coverage choices, including Medicare Advantage plans (Part C), prescription drug plans (Part D), and Medicare supplement plans (Medigap), encompassing options like Plan F, G, and N.

Anthem also collaborates with state partners to offer Medicaid coverage in several states, catering to individuals with low income, disabilities, or qualifying conditions.

Notably, Anthem's Medicaid plans are available in select states including California, Indiana, Kentucky, Nevada, Virginia, Wisconsin, Ohio, and New York. Even for those enrolled in government-provided Medicaid, they might be under Anthem's health insurance coverage.

States With Anthem Health Insurance

Anthem: Value-Added Features and Resources

Anthem insurance goes beyond basic coverage by offering various tools and resources to optimize your healthcare experience and bolster your coverage's value.

1. Dental and Vision Coverage Integration:

  Anthem provides stand-alone dental and vision insurance options, allowing you to consolidate multiple coverage types under one insurer, streamlining administrative processes and enhancing convenience.

2. Telehealth Services:

  Anthem facilitates telemedicine through platforms like the 24/7 NurseLine and LiveHealth Online, enabling members to consult with medical professionals remotely. Additionally, telehealth systems integrated with doctors or hospitals offer further accessibility and convenience for virtual consultations.

3. Support for Holistic Health and Mental Well-being:

  Members benefit from resources promoting healthy living and mental wellness, including weight management programs, coaching services, discounted gym memberships, stress management tools, mental health support services, and access to SilverSneakers memberships for physical activity support.

4. Anthem Mobile App:

  The Anthem mobile app serves as a comprehensive tool for managing your healthcare journey. Features include digital ID card access, doctor search functionalities, cost and benefit assessments, interactive query options, integration with fitness trackers, and more, empowering members to conveniently monitor and manage their healthcare needs on-the-go.