Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio

In tough economic times Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio is offering "Zero, Zero, Zero" Medicare Advantage plans that allow Medicare eligible individuals in the Columbus and Youngstown metropolitan areas to take care of themselves without hurting their wallets.

The Anthem Medicare Advantage health benefits plan offers Zero dollar premiums, Zero primary care doctor's office co-pays, Zero dollar co-pay for preferred generic prescriptions including coverage through the gap, and Zero co-pay for preventive screenings to Medicare eligible individuals in Belmont, Columbiana, Delaware, Franklin, Harrison, Jefferson, Licking, Madison, Mahoning, Muskingum, Trumbull and Union counties.

"We are not only committed to the health and well-being of the growing Medicare population, but to helping Medicare members in the Columbus and Youngstown metropolitan areas manage their health care costs," said Dr. Anthony Nguyen, Medical Director for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield's Medicare business. "We do not want our members to skip important preventive screenings, doctor's visits or medications because they cannot afford to pay for them so we have taken that factor out of the equation by offering this plan."

Preventive services covered at $0 co-pay include routine physical exams, Medicare-covered bone mass measurement, colorectal screenings, prostate cancer screenings, mammograms, Pap smears and pelvic exams. By comparison, Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in traditional Medicare, rather than a "Zero, Zero, Zero" Medicare Advantage plan offered by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, would be covered for one physical exam within the first 12 months of their new Medicare Part B coverage with 20 percent co-insurance, and 20 percent co-insurance for several preventive services including bone mass measurement, colorectal screenings, mammograms, and pelvic exams.

Providing Medicare members access to preventive care is crucial to improving the health of Medicare beneficiaries and controlling health care costs. According to the Centers for Disease Control, (CDC) increased emphasis on disease prevention is key to addressing the looming impact of chronic disease and other illnesses, disabling injuries, and long-term health care costs among older Americans.

"'Zero, Zero, Zero' Medicare Advantage health benefit plans provide the financial relief and peace of mind our Medicare members are looking for during these difficult economic times," said Erin Hoeflinger, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio. "We are committed to providing affordable plan options that meet the needs of this growing segment of our population."

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicare HMO and PPO members seeking more information about these innovative and economical "Zero, Zero, Zero" health benefit plans should call 1-800-467-1199. Anthem Private Fee-For-Service members can call 1-888-445-8916; prospective members can call 1-866-5169 for more information. All interested parties can obtain more information about these plans by visiting the Anthem web site at www.anthem.com/medicare

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Community Insurance Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross 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 and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio is available at www.anthem.com.

Media Contacts: Kim Ashley 513.682.8863
Janice Kyser 805.557.6755

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