Anthem Health Insurance Review • Pricing, Pros, Cons & More – Benzinga
Offers HMO?YesOffers PPO?YesOffers EPO?YesOffers POS?Yes
Anthem is one of the best insurance companies since it has an extensive network of providers. This gives customers many choices on where to receive medical services. Anthem’s variety of health insurance plans assists individuals and families using Medicare, Medicaid and group insurance.
Individual and family health insurance plans are available through an employer, the Marketplace or directly from Anthem. Medical plan coverage includes:
Health maintenance organization (HMO): Covers only in-network medical care. Referrals from a primary care physician are a requirement too.Exclusive provider organization (EPO): Only offers coverage in-network medical care. You do not need a referral to visit a specialist.Preferred provider organization (PPO): A more expensive plan covering both in-network and out-of-network medical care.
Be mindful when buying health insurance through the marketplace. The size of Anthem health insurance means that you could potentially see multiple plan types in your region. Options range across all tiers like Catastrophic, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
You can reference Anthem’s website to see a list of other types of insurance. A quick peek looks like this:
Prescription drug plansDental insuranceVision insuranceShort-term health insuranceSupplemental insurance (accident, critical illness, hospital recovery)
Furthermore, Medicare is available for seniors and anyone eligible. Anthem’s insurance options include:
Medicare Advantage plans (Part C): These combination plans bring together the Original Medicare benefits of both Part A and B. Anthem’s health insurance is still substantial with its HMO and PPO policies. Additionally, options for prescription drug protection, vision, dental insurance and even wellness benefits are available to customers.Prescription drug plans (Part D): Stand-alone prescription drug coverage is available through Anthem under three Part D options. The three plans are MediBlue Rx Enhanced, Plus and Standard.Medicare supplement plans (Medigap): This type of insurance improves the protection you receive with Original Medicare helps pay deductible and coinsurance. Anthem’s choices are Plan F, G, and N.Dental and vision insurance plans: Anthem offers this insurance as stand-alone plans or as a component of Medicare Advantage Part C plans. Customers can add on coverage or bundle with other parts of Medicare.
Under Anthem, state partners can provide Medicaid plans and administer health insurance to people with low incomes, disabilities or other qualifiers.
How Anthem deals with customer complaints and claims is an accurate indicator of how it might handle your specific claims.
For instance, the Better Business Bureau gives Anthem a low rating of F. It found that the company’s most recent 61 complaints are directly related to billing or problems with denying claims.
In terms of the National Committee for Quality Assurance, Anthem’s private health insurance plans receive overall ratings between 2.5 and 4.5. This translates to mid-to-high performance. Consumer satisfaction, prevention and treatment contribute to Anthem’s score.
Meanwhile, Consumer Affairs gives Anthem a 4 out of 5 rating. Over 1,000 reviews that feature four- and 5-star ratings are the main contributors to its high scores.
BBB RatingFAM Best RatingA+NAIC Complaint Index0.20Moody’s RatingAJ.D. Power RatingA
The prices of Anthem health insurance are slightly lower than many competitors. You can find great deals on policies, and if you are a resident of Kentucky, you can expect the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan to be the cheapest.
On average, the monthly cost of Anthem insurance looks like this:
Catastrophic – $288Bronze – $362Expanded Bronze – $382Silver – $477Gold – $487
For example, a $477-per-month premium for a Silver Anthem policy is higher than competitor Cigna but lower than Oscar.
Maximum Annual out of Pocket$150Minimum Deductible$60
A multitude of features of Anthem can improve your policy and help you receive more value from your plan while better managing it.
Features of an Anthem policy include the following:
Add-on coverage: Vision and dental insurance additions can be a simple solution for combining more policy types while only using one insurer.Telehealth: Access to include 24/7 NurseLine, LiveHealth Online for virtual doctor visits and telehealth systems directly from a doctor or hospital. Support for healthy living and mental health: Becoming an Anthem member grants customers access to other resources such as weight management programs, coaching, discounts to gym memberships, stress management, mental health support and SilverSneakers memberships.Mobile app: Policyholders can access their digital ID cards, find a doctor, check on benefits and costs, ask questions and sync the account with a fitness tracker.
Anthem vs. Competitors
The chart displays Anthem’s competitors and the price distinction among each company. As you move along the chart, you will notice Anthem’s cost is $477 per month, and Cigna’s cheapest company costs $462 per month. CareFirst BlueChoice costs an average $598 per month.
The rate you pay for insurance varies based on details like where you live and the level of coverage you need. This year, in 2022, individual health insurance plans are a little more expensive, and the rate of increase varies by state.
Best For
Quality health insurance
Best For
Quality health insurance
1 Minute Review
Anthem health insurance is the third-largest company in the country since it sells policies in all 50 states. The needs of individuals, families, seniors and anyone else who qualifies for state Medicaid programs are the top priority. Anthem operates through affiliate companies and subsidies that serve only certain states and regions. It has more than 106 million customers. To get a better understanding of the benefits of Anthem and its plans, including health insurance cost, scopes of coverage and customer ratings to help determine if the company is right for you, keep reading below.
Best For
A variety of policy options
Pros
People who need standard health insurance plans and coverage
Those who want to combine health insurance with vision, dental or other policies
Cons
Large, less-personal experience
Possibility of coverage denial
# of Healthcare Providers
700k+
1 Minute Review
In the past, Aetna health insurance plans were available on Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplaces across the country. Though Aetna no longer offers ACA-compliant plans, the company continues to make healthcare more affordable through Medicare Advantage Part D coverage and dental insurance plans.
Aetna’s Medicare options extend to most parts of the country, and premiums for Advantage plans begin at $0 a month. Part D coverage, which helps pay for prescription drugs, begins at about $7 a month in most states. Additionally, Aetna offers dental insurance and dental discount plan options that anyone who doesn’t have dental coverage through their employer can take advantage of. In addition, Aetna also offers a number of additional benefits not seen with other coverage providers, including discounts on prescription drugs and rewards for meeting health goals.
Pros
Offers multiple mobile app offerings to reward you for reaching fitness goals
Dental discount plans may include coverage for prescription drugs
Medicare Advantage plans available with no monthly premiums
Cons
Vision insurance only available when purchased with a dental plan
ACA-compliant health insurance no longer available
Best For
Nationwide coverage
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securely through Blue Cross Blue Shield’s
website
# of Healthcare Providers
28k+
1 Minute Review
Blue Cross Blue Shield consists of 35 separate companies that provide health insurance for roughly one-third of Americans. The company serves all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and many international areas.
While you look into the BCBS affiliates near you, understand what health plans are available as well as the health insurance cost. It offers extensive coverage that gives just about every American the opportunity to purchase a BCBS-affiliated health plan. However, be sure to read up on the company because the premiums and deductibles may not suit you and your circumstances.
Best For
Desire for a new doctor with plenty of options
No cap on annual maximum limits
Comprehensive coverage with exclusive discounts and partnerships
Pros
Coverage in all 50 states and outside the country
Covers both generic and brand-name drugs
Wide network of doctors, hospitals and specialists
Cons
Plans offered through regional companies, meaning you must look to your regional company for specific policies
Main customer service helpline may be difficult to reach
Best For
Pharmacy programs
# of Healthcare Providers
875k+
1 Minute Review
Cigna Health Insurance offers low-cost private health insurance and Medicare Advantage and Supplement Plans for families and individuals. Founded in 1982 and based in Bloomfield, Connecticut, the company offers a wide array of health insurance plans including three Bronze plans, four Silver and one Gold. All Cigna plans are EPO plans, meaning they are all in-network. Free telehealth visits come with every plan and are available to customers 24/7.
The four-metal tier coverage plans include:
Bronze
Expanded bronze
Silver
Gold
Individual and family Cigna private insurance plans are all available on the Marketplace and through the Cigna website, as well as with licensed agents in each state. Because they are sold through the Marketplace, they can only be purchased during your state’s open enrollment period. Special enrollment periods apply for special circumstances.
Best For
Easy access to benefits
Pharmacy programs
Savings and spending accounts such as HSA and FSA
Supplemental plans
Pros
Home delivery for prescriptions
Health management mobile apps
Easy ID card replacement
Cons
Potentially high deductibles
Not available in all 50 states
# of Healthcare Providers
N/A
1 Minute Review
It isn’t easy to choose a health insurance company. You want to ensure you select the best carrier that will offer you the ultimate protection and has an excellent reputation within the industry. With annual revenue in the billions, Louisville, Kentucky-based Humana Health Insurance Co. is one of the largest health insurance carriers in the U.S. and offers coverage for millions of people. Humana is available in all 50 states and sells individual insurance, Medicare plans and group health insurance plans to businesses.
Best For
People ages 65 and older and looking to enroll in Medicare
Extras such as dental and vision coverage
Free fitness program
A business of any size
Pros
Partnerships with Walgreens and Walmart to bring you expanded prescription drug coverage
Rewards for healthy habits
Large provider network
Cons
HMO plans only available in 22 of 50 states
No short-term plans offered
Costlier plan required if you need international coverage
Best For
Access to Kaiser medical specialists
# of Healthcare Providers
150k+
1 Minute Review
Kaiser Permanente is a not-for-profit health plan. Kaiser Permanente offers both health insurance and health care, which has resulted in excellent reviews from customers and rating organizations. Kaiser Permanente does have limited service areas, and you typically need to stay in-network for services unless you’re experiencing an emergency.
Best For
People in Kaiser Permanente service areas
People who don’t mind managed care
People who like to manage their care online
Pros
Many services available in one location
Ability to make appointments online or using an app
Good customer service
Cons
Limited service area
Need to stay in the Kaiser Permanente network for most services
Best For
Same day coverage available
# of Healthcare Providers
855k+
1 Minute Review
UnitedHealthcare is an insurance company that is dedicated to making the health care system work better for everyone. Its plans can serve customers of all ages, starting in childhood and continuing all the way through the retirement years. The company partners with more than 1.3 million health care professionals and over 6,500 hospitals to give customers the freedom to access healthcare wherever they are. This insurance provider has a strong financial standing and good ratings, making it a reliable option for just about anybody.
Best For
People who want flexibility in their health care coverage
People who want supplemental insurance coverage
People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid
Pros
Offers a wide variety of plans
Strong financial and customer service ratings
ACA and non ACA plans available
Cons
Not all plans ACA-compliant
The website can make it difficult to get a quote
Anthem health insurance provides customers with a wide selection of policies to make it easy for you to find a plan that meets your standards. Another great feature of Anthem is that its affiliate, BlueCross BlueShield, boosts its reputation as reliable. Anthem is, in fact, newer as a business when you compare it to other health insurers. If you reside in a state where Anthem policies are available, benefits are excellent.
With Anthem working hard to serve customers, its members are in good hands and can take advantage of supplemental insurance like vision and dental and discounts on wellness products.
The tools members have the chance to utilize helps manage claims payments and locate an in-network provider. General health support through educational resources is also part of Anthem’s offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of insurance is Anthem?
1
What type of insurance is Anthem?
asked 2022-03-24
Jim Vassallo
1
Anthem offers different types of health insurance with plan types such as HMO, PPO, EPO, prescription drug plans, vision, dental, short term and supplemental insurance. Individuals and families qualify for policies. Senior citizens and people with low incomes can sign up for Medicare plans.
Answer Link
answered 2022-03-24
Benzinga
Does Anthem Blue Cross work in other states?
1
Does Anthem Blue Cross work in other states?
asked 2022-03-24
Jim Vassallo
1
Whether or not you have access to in-network providers in other states is based on Anthem’s insurance policy. Anthem’s customer services department is your point of contact when submitting an out-of-state claim.
Answer Link
answered 2022-03-24
Benzinga
Is Anthem good insurance?
1
Is Anthem good insurance?
asked 2022-03-24
Jim Vassallo
1
Anthem is a well-rounded health insurance company. The policies are popular in states where available but stay on the lookout for avoiding problems by carefully reviewing policy documents. You can also contact the insurance company before receiving care. Anthem is a public subsidiary of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. It is financially strong given its AM Best rating of A.
Answer Link
answered 2022-03-24
Benzinga
