Available Anthem Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage that includes Medicare Parts A, B, and usually D (prescription coverage). Anthem MediBlue offers health maintenance organization (HMO) and preferred provider organization (PPO) Medicare Advantage plans. HMO plans allow you to pick your primary care physician, who can also assist you in identifying the best specialist when necessary.
PPO plans allow you to see any doctor/specialist in the plan without a referral. Additionally, you can see doctors outside of the plan, but services may be more expensive. Regardless, keep in mind that benefits will vary by location, so before enrolling, be sure the plan you want is offered near you.
Learn more about the different types of Medicare Advantage plan types, including HMO, PPO, SNP, PFFS, and MSA plans in our Medicare Advantage guide.
FYI: Preparing to enroll in Medicare? Visit our guide to Medicare enrollment to learn all the inside tips.
Anthem MediBlue HMO
Most Anthem MediBlue plans offer benefits that aren't included in Original Medicare (i.e., hearing, dental, and vision). Generally speaking, if you’re eligible to enroll in Medicare, you can choose an HMO plan. You can also enroll if you have a chronic condition. Or, if you have both Medicare and Medicaid, you’re eligible for a Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan (SNP).
MediBlue HMO allows you to choose your primary care provider (PCP) within the plan’s network, where you’ll receive regular care and routine screenings. Your PCP will also be able to guide you to the appropriate specialists when necessary. HMO plans are a great choice if it’s important you work with a doctor routinely who understands your health history, medications, and unique care needs.
PPO
A PPO plan may be for you if you have a doctor/specialist preference, as you don’t need a referral like you do with an HMO plan. Like MediBlue HMO plans, you can enroll in a PPO if you’re eligible for Medicare. Additionally, if you have a chronic condition or have both Medicare/Medicaid, you can enroll in a SNP. While not required with MediBlue PPO, it’s a good idea to choose a primary care physician for checkups. Referrals aren’t mandatory if you need to see a specialist or want to see another doctor.
Nonetheless, selecting a doctor and health care facility within your plan’s network is almost always going to save you money. While you can see doctors or use facilities that are out of your provider’s network, they have to participate with Original Medicare. If you use an out-of-network provider, it may be more costly.