Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Georgia (Anthem) is committed to giving consumers access to high-quality, affordable health care while reducing their out-of-pocket costs. As part of that commitment, Anthem is offering new Medicare Supplement plans to Georgia residents who have Original Medicare. Original Medicare – also known as Medicare Part A and Part B – doesn’t cover many common health care costs, such as copayments and deductibles, often leaving consumers with significant health care expenses. Anthem’s Medicare Supplement plans offer coverage for these items and, as a result, reduce consumers’ out-of-pocket costs for their health care.

“Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield strives to meet the health care needs of consumers with innovative products and services that help them lead healthier lives,” said Tomas Orozco, President of the company’s Medicare East Region. “We know that health care costs are of great concern for older adults so we aim to deliver services that minimize their out-of-pocket costs while ensuring they receive the highest quality care.”

Medicare Supplement Plans A, F, G, and N cover many of the gaps in Original Medicare, with some coverage differences between plans. For example, Plans A, F, G and N cover coinsurance and hospital costs associated with Medicare Part A. However, Medicare Supplement Plans F, G, and N cover the coinsurance for skilled nursing facility care but Plan A does not. Coinsurance is the percentage of health care costs a consumer is responsible for once they’ve met their plan deductible.

An additional benefit of Medicare Supplement plans is there are no provider networks. This means consumers have the freedom to see any care provider who accepts Medicare patients.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield also will give people enrolled in these Medicare Supplement plans a membership to SilverSneakers^®, at no cost. SilverSneakers helps millions of aging seniors and older adults take greater control of their health by engaging participants in more frequent exercise, strength training, aerobics, and flexibility training through a variety of venues and programming.

Individuals who choose Anthem’s new Medicare Supplement Plans A, F, G, and N will also have the opportunity to enroll in Georgia Extras, a program that helps consumers with their overall health. Georgia Extras gives members a choice of three plans, all of which include dental and vision benefits because healthy teeth and eyes contribute to overall well-being. Georgia Extras also offers other options with more extensive benefits that may include older adult care and travel assistance.

Many Medicare Supplement enrollees pair their plan with a Part D plan, offered by the Anthem, Inc. health insurance company Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia. Part D plans cover prescription medication costs.