Best Elevance Medicare Advantage Plans for 2025
Deciding on the best Elevance Medicare Advantage plans might be daunting. This article cuts through the complexity to bring you a concise comparison of some of Elevance’s top plans for their coverage quality, possible costs, and member experiences. This article will reveal why certain plans might stand out, how they could impact your budget, and what current users have been saying. Get ready to uncover the essentials for your healthcare decision-making right here.
Key Takeaways
- Elevance Health’s Medicare Advantage plans have experienced an increase in star ratings since 2023, raising about 49% of plans with four or more stars.
- Some of the Elevance Medicare Advantage plans may offer comprehensive coverage that could go beyond traditional Medicare, including prescription drugs, dental, vision, and hearing care.
- Elevance Health might make some of its Medicare Advantage plans attractive through potential benefits such as low copays for primary visits and prescription drugs, certain out-of-pocket coverage for fully dual-eligible plans, and a wide geographic reach, available in several states and Puerto Rico.
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Elevance Health’s Top-Rated Medicare Advantage Plans
Some of Elevance Health’s Medicare Advantage plans have been critically evaluated based on specific criteria to determine the best providers for the year. The evaluation may not only assess the coverage and pricing but also the member satisfaction.
Highlighting the Stars: Plan Ratings Explained
The Center for Medicaid Services (CMS) uses a 5-point scale to rank Medicare Advantage plans, possibly factoring in elements such as quality of care and customer satisfaction. In recent years, Elevance Health saw an increase in star ratings, with about 49% more of its plans reaching four or more stars. This increase may be attributed to the stricter controls imposed by CMS on the star ratings evaluation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Member Experiences: Testimonials and Reviews
When it comes to member experiences, Elevance may stand out in the testimonials and reviews. Many members have highlighted the comprehensive nature of Elevance’s Medicare Advantage plans, such as the seamless coverage for their healthcare needs. Some of the potential services may include dental, vision, and hearing services that have received positive acknowledgment in member reviews.
The overall satisfaction may be evident from testimonials where members appreciate the value and quality of the services offered.
Comprehensive Coverage Offerings by Elevance
Medicare Advantage plans must legally provide the same coverage as Original Medicare Parts A and B, possibly ensuring consistent Medicare Advantage coverage for beneficiaries. Elevance Health might take it a step further by potentially including additional benefits not covered by traditional Medicare. These may include:
- Prescription drugs
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Hearing care
Elevance Health will likely offer Medicare Advantage plans with a range of customizable supplemental benefits aimed at providing whole health and affordable access to care.
From Dental to Fitness: Exploring Potential Benefits
Some of Elevance’s Medicare Advantage plans may offer enhanced dental, vision, and hearing services that may go beyond what is traditionally covered by Medicare. Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) through Elevance might further enhance member care by possibly including specialized services and equipment related to chronic illnesses such as diabetes, lung disorders, and heart conditions.
Navigating Prescription Drug Coverage Options
Certain Elevance Medicare Advantage plans may also offer two stand-alone prescription drug plan options. These may include a standard option as well as a ‘plus’ option with enhanced coverage. Some Elevance Medicare Advantage plans, like the Chronic Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs), may even include prescription drug coverage.
Individuals with limited resources may be eligible for additional savings on Medicare drug costs (Part D) to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses.
Cost Efficiency of Elevance Medicare Advantage Plans
The potential costs of Elevance Medicare Advantage plans will likely be influenced by multiple factors, such as location, network providers used within the service area, and the services utilized. Some of Elevance Health’s Medicare Advantage plans may also help cover certain Original Medicare out-of-pocket costs, which may vary in copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles due to the specific plan and services used.
The potential Medicare Advantage plan costs, including those from Anthem Medicare Advantage cost and Elevance, may change each year, possibly influencing premiums and out-of-pocket expenses for beneficiaries.
Understanding Your Out-of-Pocket Costs
Elevance Health may also enhance their potential Medicare Advantage plans by offering:
- Low copays for primary care provider visits may encourage plan members to stay connected with their healthcare providers
- Prescription drug coverage
Full dual-eligible plans provided by Elevance Health potentially cover almost all out-of-pocket expenses for individuals who receive full medical benefits from the state.
Tailored Plans: Special Needs and More
Elevance Health provides Special Needs Plans (SNPs), which are Medicare Advantage plans that have been specifically designed for individuals with disabilities, certain medical conditions, or dual eligibility for Medicaid and Medicare.
Elevance Health’s SNPs will likely cater to the needs of members with chronic conditions or those with dual eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid, possibly ensuring that their unique healthcare needs can be addressed.
Support for Chronic Conditions
Elevance Health’s Chronic Condition SNPs will likely cater to individuals with the following chronic conditions:
- Diabetes
- Heart conditions
- Lung disease
- Kidney disease
Through specialized care teams and a comprehensive coverage scheme, Elevance Health’s C-SNPs may support members with chronic conditions in managing their health. Some of these plans may also cover prescription drugs, dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
Dual-Eligibility Advantages
Anthem’s Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) might merge the benefits of Medicare and Medicaid, potentially offering extensive coverage that may include:
- Prescription drugs
- Dental
- Vision
- Hearing
Care managers provided by Anthem’s D-SNPs could be instrumental in coordinating the various facets of a patient’s care and possibly ensuring the proper utilization of available benefits.
Geographic Reach: Where Elevance Shines
Elevance Health’s affiliated Medicare Advantage plans will likely be available in several states and Puerto Rico.
About 93% of Medicare-eligible individuals within Elevance’s existing service areas could have access to Elevance Medicare Advantage plans.
Partnering with Providers: Elevance’s Network Strength
Elevance Health might partner with Aledade to potentially enhance healthcare experiences by providing support to independent primary care physicians in the transition to value-based care. Independent primary care providers will likely be equipped with advanced tools, technical support, and necessary resources through collaboration with Aledade, possibly enabling them to deliver high-quality, cost-effective care.
Choosing the Right Primary Care Physician
Choosing the right primary care physician could be crucial as they guide your overall health journey, coordinate care with specialists, and may impact your long-term wellness. When selecting a primary care physician, members should consider the physician’s credentials, ensuring they have the expertise you require for your health concerns. You may also want to evaluate the communication style of the primary care physician to ensure they listen to your concerns, explain things clearly, and engage in shared decision-making.
Other possible factors to consider the following when selecting a primary care physician:
- Patient reviews and recommendations from trusted individuals to get insight into their patient satisfaction and reputation
- A primary care physician who prioritizes preventive care
- A primary care physician who can monitor and help you manage chronic conditions
Access to Specialists
Elevance Health’s potential partnership with National Value Partners may expand access to value-based specialist providers for Medicare Advantage members. This could allow members to have a wider selection of specialists, possibly ensuring that they could get the best care for their specific needs.
Enrolling in an Elevance Medicare Advantage Plan
Eligible individuals can start enrolling in an Anthem Medicare Advantage plan when they first qualify for Medicare, which typically aligns with turning 65 or through disability eligibility. The availability of Anthem’s Medicare Advantage and SNP plans may be contingent on yearly contract renewal.
Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period for changes to Medicare Advantage or prescription drug coverage runs from October 15 to December 7 each year.
Making the Most of Open Enrollment
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31. It is a one-time opportunity to change a benefit plan, including upgrading from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or updating prescription drug coverage.
During the open enrollment period, beneficiaries should compare the possible benefits of HMO and PPO plans; PPOs may cost more but provide access to a broader network of doctors without needing referrals.
Transitioning from Other Plans
Special Enrollment Periods allow beneficiaries experiencing qualifying life changes to enroll in or switch their Medicare Advantage plan outside of the usual enrollment periods. This allows individuals flexibility in choosing a plan that suits their current needs, even if those needs change outside of the regular enrollment periods.
To enroll or switch, call one of our licensed agents at 1-833-641-4938 (TTY 711), Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm EST. They can provide comprehensive information, personalized guidance, and ongoing assistance to navigate the enrollment process for private insurance companies, making it easier for beneficiaries to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Customer Support and Services
Elevance Health will likely offer a personalized customer service model, which might include a single point of contact for members to handle their needs and issue resolution. Elevance Health may also collaborate with SundaySky to improve the support and guidance provided to members, particularly during their healthcare plan renewal phases.
Elevance Health may also utilize personalized video content to educate members about their specific account plans, possibly resulting in reduced inbound service calls and enhanced member satisfaction.
Comparing Elevance to Other National Health Care Providers
The Forbes Health editorial team’s assessment of national Medicare Advantage providers may include:
- Coverage across states
- Offered benefits
- CMS plan rankings
- Consumer feedback ratings by J.D. Power
These potential factors could be critical in comparing Elevance to its competitors.
Elevance Health’s core Blue Cross Blue Shield-branded insurance subsidiaries have received an A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best, indicating a solid financial position that supports its Medicare Advantage plans.
Leveraging Technology: Elevance’s Online and Mobile Resources
Elevance users can manage their Medicare Advantage plans through available digital tools on the Medicare website. The tools on the Medicare website allow users to:
- Log in or create an account
- Access their personal health information
- Find health and drug plans
- Locate care providers
- Receive support through customer service.
Summary
Some of Elevance Health’s Medicare Advantage plans may offer comprehensive coverage, tailored plans for special needs, and cost efficiency. With several plans available in numerous states and Puerto Rico, Elevance Health could be a great option for those seeking quality healthcare coverage. With the potential benefits, discounts, and high-quality customer support, Elevance Health may be rated as one of the top-rated providers in the Medicare Advantage market.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31. It allows you to make changes to your benefit plan, such as switching to a Medicare Advantage plan or updating prescription drug coverage.
→ What are Elevance’s Special Needs Plans?
Elevance’s Special Needs Plans are Medicare Advantage plans that have been tailored to individuals with disabilities, specific medical conditions, or dual eligibility for Medicaid and Medicare. They will likely cater to these individuals’ unique healthcare needs.
→ What additional benefits could Elevance offer?
In addition to traditional Medicare coverage, Elevance may sometimes offer dental, vision, and hearing coverage. These potential benefits could contribute to a comprehensive healthcare package for Medicare Advantage members.
→ Does Elevance offer any customer support services?
Yes, Elevance will likely offer personalized customer support services, which may include a single point of contact for issue resolution.
→ What is the geographical reach of Elevance Health’s Medicare Advantage plans?
Elevance Health’s Medicare Advantage plans are currently available in several states and Puerto Rico, with plans to expand into additional counties.
ZRN Health & Financial Services, LLC, a Texas limited liability company
Russell Noga is the CEO of ZRN Health & Financial Services, and head content editor of several Medicare insurance online publications. He has over 15 years of experience as a licensed Medicare insurance broker helping Medicare beneficiaries learn about Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap insurance, and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.