Anthem Expands Medicare Advantage Offerings to Three New Counties in Missouri

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anthem is expanding its Medicare Advantage (MA) offerings to three new counties in Missouri in time for the 2013 Annual Election Period (AEP), which is when most people buy their Medicare coverage.

“People who are eligible for Medicare are a very diverse group with very different needs”

The expansion includes the following counties: Ozark, Warren and Wright.

“Our focus with this expansion is really about offering people the right plans in the right places,” said Steve Martenet, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri.

MA plans incorporate Medicare Parts A (hospital) and B (medical) into one convenient product that may include additional benefits. Part D also can be added for drug coverage (MAPD). Millions of people have chosen these plans, which offer certain preventive health care services at no extra cost to help keep beneficiaries healthy, detect diseases at an early stage and avoid preventable illnesses.

“People who are eligible for Medicare are a very diverse group with very different needs,” said Martenet. “Some are strong and independent and plan to travel the country or world. Others need a little support getting their health back. Our objective is to offer a variety of plans so everyone reaches their goals, no matter what they are.”

The AEP runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Plans have an effective date of Jan. 1, 2013.

[Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri is a health plan with a Medicare contract.]

Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.

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.