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Anthem Freedom Blue 2012

5 January 2012 80 Comments


Freedom Blue Plan for 2012 …

The Anthem Freedom Blue Plan is now called; Anthem Medicare Preferred Standard PPO.  The plan is a “Local” PPO (LPPO) which is available in certain counties (Scroll down this page to view the new plan benefits and the California counties where it is available.  Anthem will not be renewing the current Freedom Blue Regional PPO Plan for 2012.

The new Medicare Local PPO will be available in the following counties only:

  • $0 – Los Angeles  –  San Diego  –  Ventura
  • $40 – Orange  -  San Francisco  –  Sonoma
  • $106 – Riverside  -  San Bernardino  -  San Mateo
  • $131 – Alameda  -  Sacramento  -  Santa Clara  -  Stanislaus

Current Freedom Blue members who wish to enroll in the NEW 2012 Anthem Medicare Preferred PPO plan must complete a new enrollment application.

The Freedom Blue PPO plan is a Medicare Advantage Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan, which offers flexibility to see any physician, specialist or hospital, and provides comprehensive medical coverage, along with the Anthem Medicare Part D prescription Rx plan at no additional cost for Medicare beneficiaries.

  • Current Freedom Blue members who wish to stay with the New Freedom Blue plan will need to complete the new application.  You can print from the links below or call and I can email or mail the application to you.
  • If you are in a County which will not offer the New Freedom Blue plan, please call me and I’ll be able to see what companies and plans are available in your area.
  • Also, current Freedom Blue members will be able to switch to any of the Anthem Medicare Supplement plans (guaranteed).
  • Because the current Freedom Blue plan is going to be “cancelled,” this is a “qualifying event” which allows any current Freedom Blue member to also move to a Medicare Supplement plan of and company of their choice.  Call for the rates.

The 2012 Annual Open Enrollment period is: October 15 through December 7, for a January 1 2012 effective date.

The Anthem Medicare Preferred Standard PPO plan which includes the Anthem Medicare Part D Rx plan.  You will have to satisfy co-payments and deductibles as part of your plan benefits when you see a physician or hospital.

For complete benefit details please see the “Benefit Summary”

2012 Open Enrollment … 10/15 through 12/07 – Enroll in a Freedom Blue Plan

The 2012 “Open-Enrollment” period October 15th through December 7th 2011.  If you would like to enroll in an Anthem Freedom Blue plan during the next open enrollment, your new coverage will start January 1, 2012.  The application process is very quick although it may take a week or two for Anthem to send your new ID cards and the policy in the mail.  The longer you wait before the 1/1/2012 date, the longer it will take for Anthem Blue Cross to send your information to you, simply because of the volume of applications they will be processing in November and December.

When you use the Freedom Blue plan, you will have out of pocket expenses such as; copayments, and deductibles.  Throughout the year if you add up your “out of pocket” costs, the most you would have to pay is $3,300.  Once you have paid this amount, Anthem Blue Cross will pick up the balance of your medical charges for the balance of the year, whether you see an “In-network” or “Out-of network” provider.  So don’t worry if your favorite physician is not part of the Anthem Blue Cross provider network.  Your out of pocket maximum will be the same as an in-network doctor.

You can also upgrade with the following optional benefits:

Package 1 – Preventive Dental Package – $12 / month …

  • 2 oral exams per year ($0 copay) which include cleanings every six months, and up to 1 dental X-ray per year.
  • $0 co-pay for preventive dental benefits.
  • $500 plan benefit limit per year.

Package 2 – Comprehensive Dental & Vision Package – $32 / month …

  • 2 oral exams per year which include cleanings every six months, and one set of X-rays per year.
  • $0 co-pay for preventive dental benefits.
  • 20% of the cost for covered restorative dental services (amalgam restoration).
  • 50% of the cost for covered endodontic, periodontic and oral surgery dental services.
  • $1,000 plan benefit coverage limit for dental benefits per year.
  • Vision:
  • $0 co-pay for 1 routine eye exam every year.
  • $0 co-pay for one pair of glasses every year.
  • $0 co-pay for contact lenses every year.

Package 3 – Combination Package – $45 / month …

  • Dental (Preventive & Comprehensive)  Vision (Eye Exams & Eye wear)  Chiropractic Services  &  Acupuncture.
  • Comprehensive Dental package – same as above.
  • Vision package – same as above.
  • Acupuncture Services:
  • Benefit amount of $60 per chiropractic visit.
  • Up to 10 routine acupuncture visits each year.
  • $20 co-pay per visit.
  • Chiropractic Services:
  • Benefit amount of $60 per chiropractic visit.
  • Up to 10 routine chiropractic visits each year.
  • $20 co-pay per visit.

Is your Medicare Advantage plan being cancelled?

Some insurance companies have decided to cancel their certain Medicare Advantage plans for the 2012 year.  This means that many Medicare beneficiaries that are currently enrolled will need to change their plan by enrolling in a new Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan during the open enrollment period.  You may enroll in another plan with that same company or choose a plan from one of the other companies in your area.  If your plan has been dropped, Medicare gives you additional time to select a Medicare Advantage like the Anthem Freedom Blue plan or a Medicare Supplement plan.  You can enroll in either of these types of Medicare plans from October 15th through December 31st

Who is Eligible?

If you are currently on Medicare Parts A and B you can enroll in the Anthem Freedom Blue Plan during the Annual Election Period (AEP) which is every year from November 15th through December 31st.  Or, if you are currently on Medicare A and new to Part B (within three months), or, if you are loosing your employer based health insurance and currently on Medicare A and B.

Applying is Easy …

Print the application and either fax (800-995-9913) or mail it to the numbers below.  I will make sure the application is processed correctly with no delays.  I will also keep you updated through out the application process.

Need help or have questions?

John Conner
Health & Medicare
800-700-1246 – phone
800-995-9913 – fax

Mailing Address:
John Conner
Application Processing
10425 Saddle Creek Drive
Sacramento CA 95829

Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company (Anthem) is the legal entity that has contracted with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to offer the Medicare Advantage Local PPO Plan(s) (MAPD-LPPO) noted.  Anthem is the risk bearing entity licensed under applicable state law to offer the MAPD-LPPO plan(s) noted.  Anthem has retained the services of its related companies and the authorized agents/brokers/producers to provide administrative services and / or to make the MAPD-LPPO plan(s) available in this region.  Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Association.  Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.  The Blue Cross name and symbol are registered marks of the Blue Cross Association.

80 Comments »

  • Qinglian Gao said:

    Dear Mr. Conner,

    I recieved your infomation. Thanks!
    Woud you please tell me how to get your more
    detais & the providers list that includes
    doctors & hospitals from internet ?

    Thanks

    Qinglian gao

    # 2 November 2010 at 10:10 am
  • Qinglian Gao said:

    Dear Sir.

    Thanks for your mailing information.

    I would like to know more detais of the Freedom Blue Plan 1 that included Part D
    grugs and the providers that includes the list of your network docors & hospitals in Stockton area.

    All infomation your can email to me or show
    me the webset that I can looking for.

    Thanks

    Qinglian Gao

    # 2 November 2010 at 10:19 am
  • Gerber Medicare Supplement Ohio | Anthem Medicare Supplement l California Medicare Supplement l Freedom Blue said:

    [...] Home  -  Medicare Supplement Companies  -  Freedom Blue Medicare PPO [...]

    # 5 November 2010 at 7:57 am
  • Anthem Blue Cross Medicare Supplement - 2010 | Anthem Medicare Supplement l California Medicare Supplement l Freedom Blue said:

    [...] Supplement Plans & Rates  -  Freedom Blue Plan  -  Senior [...]

    # 5 November 2010 at 8:10 am
  • Em Bee said:

    I have been trying to get a list of doctors in the Pasadena, CA area (both primary care & specialists) who belong to Anthem Freedom Blue Cross. I want to find out what doctors are in network, but so far have not been very successful. Also, would like to know what hospitals are in network. Thanks.

    # 20 November 2010 at 6:23 pm
  • john said:

    Hello, I emailed the Freedom Blue provider directory to you for Pasadena. Please let me knor if you have any questions. Thanks;
    John Conner
    800-700-1246

    # 22 November 2010 at 8:25 am
  • Dan L said:

    I have an eye condition that needs to be monitored, retinal pucker I believe, every 6 to 12 months. Does the Freedom Blue Plan cover those kinds of exams?

    Thanks

    # 1 December 2010 at 12:30 pm
  • john said:

    Hi Dan, the Freedom Blue plan includes unlimited eye exams for $0 copay, when the exam is regarding an eye condition.

    General vision exams are not covered unless you add the “vision package.”

    Thanks Dan;

    John Conner

    # 2 December 2010 at 9:55 am
  • shuqian xu said:

    Woud you please tell me how to get the providers list that includes
    doctors & hospitals from internet ?

    # 9 December 2010 at 4:37 pm
  • john said:

    Hi Shuqian, if you tell me your zip code I can send you a provider list of your county.

    Thanks … John Conner

    # 9 December 2010 at 5:55 pm
  • mike said:

    Hi,
    My zip code 95051.

    I have been trying to get a list of doctors in santa clara county, CA area (both primary care & specialists) who belong to Anthem Freedom Blue Plan 1. I want to find out what doctors are in network, but so far have not been very successful. Also, I would like to know what hospitals are in network. Thanks.
    .

    # 15 December 2010 at 4:59 pm
  • john said:

    Hi Mike, I just emailed you the Freedom Blue doctor list for Santa Clara County.

    Call anytime with your questions.

    Thanks … John Conner

    # 15 December 2010 at 5:53 pm
  • Scott said:

    Hi Mr. Conner. I’m currently searching for a medicare suplemental or advantage plan for my elderly mother. She has been with BCBS of Florida the past 2 years. Before that she had BSBS of Michigan while she lived in FL. because it was included with my fathers pension through General Motors. Back in Jan 2008 GM stopped offering their retirees medicare insurance. So I switched to the BCBS of FL. She had the Suplemental Plan D for 2010. And was just going to keep it for 2011 until I found out the plan and the RX plan’s premiums went up. I have 2 questions. I was told she cannot switch her BCBS plan and has to keep her Plan D plan, is that true? If not, can she choose the Anthem Freedom plan? I know it’s late in the medicare enrollment period but your answers would be muchly appreciated. Thanks.

    # 20 December 2010 at 4:54 pm
  • john said:

    Hello, in order to switch to a different Medicare Supplement your mother would have to qualify medically, and some companies are easier to qualify than others. As far as the Freedom Blue plan, it is only available in a few states, although there are many plans which are similar to the Freedom Blue plan depending on your Mothers County or residence. If you tell me her Zip code I can check for you. Or feel free to call anytime.

    Thanks … John Conner

    # 20 December 2010 at 5:15 pm
  • kathy said:

    With the vision option is there a cap on the amount of the glasses?

    # 26 December 2010 at 10:34 am
  • john said:

    Hello, yes there is an annual benefit amount of $100 per glasses or contact lenses.

    Feel free to call anytime with your questions.

    Thanks … John Conner

    # 27 December 2010 at 8:32 am
  • mike said:

    John ,I was the one from florida who called monday evening,Did not know you were in california. even though you could not sell me products you took time to help me find plans in florida. this kind of service is unheard of in todays rush and is greatly appreciated.

    if you sold in florida I would be the first to use you and you company

    have a great new year, mike

    # 27 December 2010 at 5:23 pm
  • john said:

    Mike, thank you for the kind words.

    # 27 December 2010 at 5:38 pm
  • William Watson said:

    Hi John,

    Thanks for the very helpful site.

    As Mike, above, I would also like the in-plan doctor’s list for Santa Clara, CA. So far in my investigation, your (represented) plan is the only one that offers both in and out of plan doctor choice.

    Now, a question: what about coverage for a colonoscopy and/or a sigmoidoscopy, assuming that the exam is part of a doctor’s health management recommendation?

    Thanks,

    Bill

    # 28 December 2010 at 8:45 pm
  • john said:

    Hi Bill, I just emailed the Freedom Blue Santa Clara doctor list to you.

    Please call if you need more info.

    Thanks … John

    # 29 December 2010 at 10:10 am
  • Martha Mendez said:

    Mr.Conner,
    How can I get in touch with the mail order drug prescription company that provides this service with Freedom Blue Plan I (regional PPO).Every tele. num. is disconnected. I can’t even find the name of this company in their brochures. Can you please help me solve this problem?
    sincerely,
    Martha

    # 13 January 2011 at 12:48 pm
  • john said:

    Hi Martha, the mail order Rx services are provided by Express-Scrips. Their phone number is: 866-287-5812.
    Let me know if you would like me to email the order form to you.

    Thanks;
    John Conner
    800-700-1246
    john@johnconner.com

    # 13 January 2011 at 1:14 pm
  • scherrie payne said:

    I just recently became a Freedom Blue plan 1 member and received the book of providers for North Los Angeles county. Since 1976, I’ve been with a doctor who is in Beverly Hills. Can I have a list of providers in the South Los Angeles county? Thank you.

    # 28 January 2011 at 4:22 pm
  • john said:

    Hi Scherrie, you can call Anthem Customer Support at: 800-333-3883 and they will send you the physician directory of your choice.

    # 31 January 2011 at 9:18 am
  • Barbara Barnes said:

    Dear John,

    I am interested in your Medicare Advantage Plan – Freedom Blue Plan I along with the $39 a month supplement to that.

    But I cannot find a list of providers to save my life! I have called and they said they don’t furnish them; to look them up myself, but I can’t find them. Please help.

    I live in Los Angeles County. My zip is 93510 that’s Acton California near Palmdale in the High Desert. I am interested in seeing who is in your network of medical doctors, what hospitals are in network, chiropractors, vision care, and acupunturists.

    Thanks in advance for your help.

    I turn 65 in June.

    Barbara
    silverbarnes@roadrunner.com

    # 18 March 2011 at 11:30 am
  • john said:

    Hi Barbara, here is the link to the Freedom Blue “provider-finder.” I can also send you the list for all doctors in your county or zip code.

    Let me know if I can help

    Thanks … John Conner

    # 18 March 2011 at 1:38 pm
  • Kathleen Jimenez said:

    Hi, I am hoping you can help me. I have Senior Dimensions HMO as my secondary insuraance. It is secondary to my insurance thru my husbands employer. Up until January 1,2011 It was my primary and I had no problems with it. Now that it is my secondary, I can find NO Dr that takes both of my insurances. I need to drop Senior Dimensions and find a Medicare advantage PPO. I have a Dr already picked out who accepts not only my primary insurance but also your insurance. My question is do I have to wait until November until I can join your insurance? I was led to believe that insurances only have a small enrollment period.

    # 30 March 2011 at 3:01 pm
  • john said:

    Hello Kathleen, what is your resident state? Also, typically a person cannot have a Medicare Advantage plan along side an employer group health plan.

    Kathleen, can you tell me a little more? How long have you had the HMO and Group plan working side by side?

    Send me an email and I’ll look into this for you.

    Thanks;

    John Conner
    john@johnconner.com
    800-700-1246

    # 30 March 2011 at 3:24 pm
  • Kathleen Jimenez said:

    Hi John, my resident state is Nevada and Ive had my husbands group plan since January. I had this insurance before but due to a serious illness, I maxed out the million dollar cap. I had Medicare as my secondary at the same time and then went to the Senior Dimensions as my primary. Because of Obama care, I was able to pick my husbands insurance back up starting January 1,2011. This then made Senior Dimensions my secondary. I spoke with the rep at Senior Dimensions and she assured me that this was okay but now the problem of finding a Dr. Im afraid I will have to drop my Senior D and just have medicare as my secondary. Thanks for any help you can give me

    # 30 March 2011 at 4:52 pm
  • john said:

    Kathleen, I’m going to check on a few things tomorrow morning and will contact you then. We’ll get this figured out for you.

    Thanks … John

    # 30 March 2011 at 4:57 pm
  • john said:

    Kathleen, you can call me with questions. I would choose either the group health plan or the Medicare Advantage plan, whichever offers the better coverage. And unfortunately Nevada does not offer under-age 65 Medicare Supplement plans at this time.

    Thanks … John
    800-700-1246

    # 31 March 2011 at 3:21 pm
  • Patti Fleming said:

    I need to send in a prescription for hydrocodone 10-325 which calls for a 30 day supply of 360 tabs for each 30 day supply. Will the mail order program be sending me a 90 supply all at once for the $10.50 co-payment or is it broken up into 30 day supplies over three months.

    Second, where can I find the form that I need to use in order to get my medications signed up, with my precriptions from the doctor in my hands, so that I can get these things processed as quickly as possible.

    Thank you for your help.

    Patti Fleming

    # 21 April 2011 at 12:58 pm
  • john said:

    Hi Patti, I just emailed the Rx mail order form to you. And yes, Anthem will send you the entire 90 day supply.

    Thanks … John

    # 21 April 2011 at 1:16 pm
  • Patricia crossley said:

    I am enrolled in freedom blue ppo medicare plan.
    Does this plan pay for diabetic supplies

    # 15 May 2011 at 8:56 am
  • john said:

    Hi Patricia, yes the Freedom Blue plan will pay 80% of the cost of diabetic supplies. Feel free to call anytime with questions.

    John

    # 16 May 2011 at 7:22 am
  • Patricia crossley said:

    Dear John,
    I need help badly,i mail you recently about Freedom Blue ppo medicare plan paying 80% OF MY diabetic supplies.Ive contacted several of the medical supply companys that was listed in my medicare plan booklet.
    None of them seem to accept my plan.Could you please tell me where i can get supplies.
    Im a retired person living with a fixed income.
    Thank you

    # 7 June 2011 at 7:37 am
  • john (author) said:

    Hi Patricia, what is your zip code and I will email you a list of all locations where you can receive your supplies.

    Thanks … John

    # 7 June 2011 at 8:02 am
  • Patricia crossley said:

    16148
    Thanks John

    # 8 June 2011 at 4:09 am
  • john (author) said:

    Hi Patricia, I just emailed the list of pharmacies in your area for your Freedom Blue plan.

    Hope that helps.

    Thanks … John

    # 8 June 2011 at 10:29 am
  • Josie Smith said:

    Why is it so hard to find information? I have been trying to find a participating dentist in Fresno CA and after I fill out all the information it takes me to Gilroy CA or Illinois cities. Are there any who participate in Freedom Blue Plan 1 dental in Fresno?

    # 22 August 2011 at 4:40 pm
  • john (author) said:

    Hi Josie, here is a link where you can check the Anthem dentists in your area:
    http://pd.web.wellpoint.com/epf/finderRouter?Company=BCC
    Click on visitor search.
    If you need help, please let me know.

    Thanks … John Conner

    # 23 August 2011 at 1:30 pm
  • Josie Smith said:

    This site did not give me the option of finding dentist in my area. There was no dental providers listed.

    # 25 August 2011 at 9:06 am
  • john (author) said:

    Try this Josie:
    1. http://www.anthem.com/ca/health-insurance/plans-and-benefits/findprovider
    2. choose “dentists”
    3. select a plan (dental blue 100)
    4.Select a specialty
    5. click “next”
    6. enter “address, city or zip”
    7. view results

    That should allow you to see the providers in your area.

    Thanks .. John

    # 25 August 2011 at 9:26 am
  • MICHAEL said:

    IS THIS A SUPPLEMENT FOR MEDICARE OR DOES THIS TAKES OVER MEDICARE

    # 3 September 2011 at 7:47 pm
  • john (author) said:

    Hi Michael, the Freedom Blue plan replaces Medicare. It is called a Medicare Advantage plan, which works much like an employer health insurance plan which includes prescription drug coverage.

    A Medicare Supplement is “secondary” to Medicare.

    Please let me know if you have more questions.

    Thanks … John Conner

    # 12 September 2011 at 12:43 pm
  • Larry Baker said:

    John,
    My mother has been dropped from her Anthem Freedom Blue plan. Any suggestions for a new Medicare Advantage plan? Her zip is 95060 (Santa Cruz county). Thanks.

    # 5 October 2011 at 7:55 am
  • john (author) said:

    Hi Larry, the way it stands now in Santa Cruz county, is there will be one Medicare Advantage plan available; Health Net Seniority Plus HMO for $192 per month. What is your mother’s age? A suggestion is to move her to a Medicare Supplement Plan N. The monthly rate would be less and would offer greater access to physicians and hospitals.

    Please call if you have any questions.

    Thanks … John Conner

    # 5 October 2011 at 8:27 am
  • Larry Baker said:

    John,
    Thanks for the info. My mother is 84 years old. Just so I understand, the Medicare Supplement Plan N fills in the gaps of Original Medicare? She wouldn’t need an Advantage Plan, just Original Medicare plus the Plan N?
    Larry

    # 5 October 2011 at 1:44 pm
  • john (author) said:

    Hi Larry, the Medicare Supplement Plan N in Santa Cruz county for a person 80+ is: $145.96/month. Plan N has a $20 copay for doctor visits and an annual “outpatient” deductible of $162. She will also need to enroll in a Medicare Part D Rx plan (typically $15 to $50 / month premium). With a Medicare Supplement plan, she will be able to see any physician or hospital in the U.S. who accepts Medicare.

    Call me if you have any questions.

    Thanks .. John Conner

    # 5 October 2011 at 2:33 pm
  • Larry Baker said:

    John,
    Does Anthem offer a Medicare Part D Rx in Santa Cruz for $15/month? Who does? Thanks.
    Larry

    # 5 October 2011 at 3:21 pm
  • john (author) said:

    The $15 Part D plan is through Humana. It is currently very popular. It does have the $320 annual drug deductible.

    Thanks .. John

    # 5 October 2011 at 3:26 pm
  • Renate Hare said:

    Hi John,
    I’ve been a member of the Anthem Freedom Blue Plan 1(RegionalPPO) since 2007 here in Sacramento. It’s disappointing to find out that Anthem/Blue Cross is leaving that program and in turn ending my coverage as of !2.31.2011.
    I was satisfied with the coverage and especially liked the $0 monthly premium.
    The new Anthem Medicare Preferred PPO with the $131.00 monthly premium is not an option.
    What would you recommend?
    Thank you,
    Renate

    # 6 October 2011 at 1:08 pm
  • john (author) said:

    Hi Renate, yes the folks in Sacramento county along with many other areas are certainly affected by this change.

    Health Net has a $0 premium Medicare PPO plan for Sacramento county. I you would like info please let me know. All the other Sacramento plans are HMO’s

    Thanks … John Conner

    # 6 October 2011 at 1:26 pm
  • Renate Hare said:

    Thanks John,
    I would appreciate the info concerning Health Net.
    Also, what do you know about Medicare Complete through UnitedHealthcare.
    Thanks,
    Renate

    # 6 October 2011 at 2:27 pm
  • john (author) said:

    Renate, I’ll send the Health Net info over. Re; the United Health, it’s an HMO, are you also looking into HMO’s?

    Thanks .. John

    # 6 October 2011 at 3:23 pm
  • Doug said:

    Hi John,
    My mother has Anthem Freedom Blue Plan 1(RegionalPPO)here in San Diego. Since Anthem/Blue Cross is ending her coverage as of 12-31-2011, I was wondering what other Medicare Advantage PPO programs are available in San Diego?

    Thanks,

    Doug

    # 14 October 2011 at 5:05 pm
  • john (author) said:

    Hi Doug, Anthem is introducing a new Medicare PPO plan in San Diego County ($0 / month).
    I’ll email the info to you.

    Please call if you have questions.

    John Conner … 800-700-1246

    # 17 October 2011 at 8:45 am
  • Johanna said:

    I forgot to ask where I can find out the list of drugs covered…and the applicable copay for the Anthem 2012 program.

    Thanks.

    # 18 October 2011 at 12:27 am
  • john (author) said:

    Hi Johanna, I just emailed the Anthem Formulary drug list to you.

    If you need more info, please let me know.

    Thanks … John

    # 18 October 2011 at 6:56 am
  • Penny Hunter said:

    Question: WHY the big change? We are seniors living in Santa Clara County.. essentially on social security … we cannot afford $131 per month per person. And WHY the big difference in California Counties?

    # 24 October 2011 at 12:47 pm
  • john (author) said:

    Hi Penny, I wish I had a good answer for you. PPO plans generally pay higher fees to doctors and hospitals than Original Medicare, and in some counties the Dr’s and Hospital groups demand much higher fee schedules. This is only one of the reasons for the premium hikes. I’m sure insurance company profitability is also part of their reasoning.

    Penny, please feel free to call if you have any questions.

    Thanks .. John Conner

    # 24 October 2011 at 2:11 pm
  • Dorothy Peterson said:

    I need the Anthem drug formulary for 2012. I am a member of Freedom Blue PPO 2011, Can you please e-mail me the new formualry.

    Thanks,
    Dorothy

    # 25 October 2011 at 11:04 am
  • john (author) said:

    Hi Dorothy I just sent the list to you.

    John

    # 25 October 2011 at 12:22 pm
  • Penny Hunter said:

    Thanks John..we have liked Anthem .. and really hate to look elsewhere..will be in touch .

    # 25 October 2011 at 12:30 pm
  • Marty said:

    I’ve been with Blue Cross since I was 20 years old. I’m now 68! When I became eligible for Medicare I switched over to Anthem Freedom Blue Plan 1 (Regional PPO). I live in Los Angeles. I was very happy with this plan and am sorry it is being phased out. All I use the plan for is a twice yearly physical and routine blood test and for a prescription of a generic that gets filled once a month for $7. I don’t want to move to another plan and I don’t want to pay premiums or enroll in a drug plan that costs money since I am very healthy and do not take prescribed drugs. At least not now! Help!!

    # 9 November 2011 at 10:36 pm
  • john (author) said:

    Hi Marty, Anthem is introducing a new Medicare PPO plan in LA county, it is really the same plan as the Freedom Blue plan but with a new name.
    Here is the information: http://www.johnconner.com/anthem-freedom-blue-2012/

    If you would like to enroll in the new plan, you will need the new enrollment form. Let me know and I can email it to you.

    Please call anytime.

    Thanks .. John Conner

    # 10 November 2011 at 10:06 am
  • Bill said:

    I would like to change from my HMO to a Medicare Advantage PPO. I live in the San Bernardino area and was wondering what options I have. I have seen Anthem Medicare Preferred Standard PPO, but are there other PPOs in my area? I also have seen Humana Gold HMO/POS. How do the PPO and POS differ and is one easier to go out-of- network? What websites do I go to to see the providers in the San bernardino area in these two plans? Thank you for your time.

    # 10 November 2011 at 10:48 pm
  • Anthony said:

    John: What accounts for the vast differens in plan cost. The only possible reason I can think of is the size of the enrolled base?) 0$ in Los Angles and $131 in Sacramento, me. Thanks

    # 11 November 2011 at 9:36 pm
  • john (author) said:

    Hi Anthony, there are several factors attributing to the differences in premium amount between the different counties. The size of the member pool is one, although one of the larger factors is the re-imbursement rate the doctors groups and hospital groups negotiate for. Medicare PPO plans pay a higher fee to the doctors and hospitals than Medicare, and in some areas the medical groups demand a higher fee schedule than other areas, thus the higher premium. Now this is only one factor, others are “claims frequencies” and “loss ratios” etc.

    I wish I had a better answer for you.

    Please feel free to contact me anytime with questions.

    Thanks .. John Conner

    # 14 November 2011 at 8:58 am
  • john (author) said:

    Hi Bill, the only PPO plan in San Bernardino County is the Anthem Medicare PPO. With a HMO/POS you can self refer to a specialist, although you must stay within the same medical group as you primary-care-physician.

    Here is the Anthem Doctor search link: http://www.anthem.com/health-insurance/provider-directory/searchcriteria?branding=ABC

    If you would like the enrollment form or have questions please feel free to contact me anytime.

    Thanks .. John Conner

    # 14 November 2011 at 9:03 am
  • Bill said:

    I have tried to find out if City of Hope in Duarte,CA will take this new 2012 Anthem Medicare PPO as out-of-network provider, but have gotten different answers when I’ve called New Patient and Billing!! I really need to know this as this is where I want to go. Can you help? I seem to not get any definite answer. Thank you for your time and expertise.

    # 26 November 2011 at 7:39 am
  • john (author) said:

    Hi Bill, City of Hope Cancer center in Duarte is an “In-Network” facility for the 2012 Anthem Medicare Preferred PPO plan.

    Bill, if you have any questions, please let me know.

    Thanks .. John

    # 26 November 2011 at 8:26 am
  • Bill said:

    Hi John,
    I have called New Patient’s customer service and have been told that the doctors do not take Anthem Medicare Preferred PPO. They only take original medicare with supplement. So the hospital may take the PPO, but not the doctors. This whole process, of trying to change to Medicare PPO so that we could go to City of Hope, has been very frustrating!!
    Thanks for your help,
    Bill

    # 1 December 2011 at 11:53 am
  • john (author) said:

    Bill, email a few of the doctors names to me and I’ll look at the Anthem directory for you.

    Thanks … John

    # 1 December 2011 at 2:40 pm
  • Jessica Berman said:

    Hi,
    Thank you for all the information. My mom lives in Santa Clara County in California, has Medicare Advantage and Anthem Blue Cross Freedom which is turning into Anthem Medicare Preferred Standard PPO. Is this the ONLY PPO offered to Advantage members in Santa Clara County?

    Also, it says online that this plan comes with Part D prescription Rx plan. Does she have to take Part D through Anthem or if not, should I research other Part D plans and see if there is one that covers more for her medications?

    Thanks!

    # 2 December 2011 at 10:37 am
  • john (author) said:

    Hi Jessica, yes the Anthem Medicare PPO is the only Medicare PPO plan in Santa Clara county. Also, if she enrolls in the Anthem Medicare PPO plan she will have to stay with the Anthem Part D rx plan, she cannot enroll in a different Part D plan.

    Hope that helps. Feel free to call anytime with questions.

    Thanks .. John

    # 2 December 2011 at 2:36 pm
  • tuan said:

    Dear John,

    I am under medicare part A and B also I am in Medigap. I was just wondering if I could cancel my Medigap to join the Anthem Medicare Preferred PPO plan? Could that cause any problems?

    Thank you,
    Tuan

    # 5 January 2012 at 6:11 pm
  • john (author) said:

    Hi Tuan, the only time you can cancel a Medicare Supplement and enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan is during the Annual Open enrollment period, which is typically during November and December of each year, for a January 1 effective date. At this time you are past the open enrollment period. So, you have a couple options. First keep your Med Supp through this year (2012) and enroll in a Med Advantage plan for a January 1 effective date. Another option is to drop your Medicare Supplement (I don’t recommend this) and revert to Original Medicare only and keep your Medicare Part D Rx plan.

    If you have questions, please contact me anytime.

    Thanks .. John Conner

    # 6 January 2012 at 10:26 am
  • PAtricia Berman said:

    How do I get a list of hospitals and doctors for Los Angeles area?

    # 5 May 2012 at 6:20 pm
  • John (author) said:

    Hi Patricia, you can look up any Anthem doctor or hospital here: http://www.anthem.com/ca
    Hope that helps.

    John

    # 7 May 2012 at 11:48 am

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