Oct 10, 2018
Anthem Blue Cross Q1 2019 plans are now available for quoting with slight rate increases across all regions. The following is a summary of significant changes that Anthem Blue Cross is making to be more competitive in the marketplace.
- Full HMO 2%
- Limited HMO 2%
- Full PPO 2.5%
- Limited PPO 2.1%
- Full PPO HSA 0.6%
- Limited PPO HSA 0.2%
New Plans
The new Silver HMO 55 plans offer rich benefits with a $0 deductible and flat copays. The new Gold EPO plans offer members greater flexibility within the network. Anthem’s Gold EPO plans use the Full PPO network for in-state and the Blue Card network for out-of-state.
- Silver HMO 55
- Silver Select HMO 55
- Gold EPO 35/1700/20%
- Gold EPO 35/500/20%
Plan Terminations
- Gold PPO 2000/20%/4000
- Gold Select PPO 2000/20%/4000
- Gold HMO 500/20%/5000
- Gold Select HMO 500/20%/5000
- Gold HMO 1000/30%/4000
- Gold Select HMO 1000/30%/4000
- Silver HMO 1500/35%/7350
- Silver Select HMO 1500/35%/7150
- Bronze PPO 4500/35%/6550w/HSA
- Bronze Select PPO 4500/35%/6550w/HSA
Cost-Share Changes
Anthem removed out-of-pocket amounts in all plan names. HMO plans list metal/plan type/copay. PPO/EPO plans list copay/deductible/coinsurance amount. Anthem is making changes across the board in the following categories:
- Out-of-pocket maximums
- Deductibles
- Coinsurance amounts
- PCP/Specialist visits
- Pharmacy/Medical combined on most PPO/PPO HSA plans
- Urgent Care copays aligned to PCP (HMO) or Specialist (PPO) copays
- HMO plans are modified to a flat copay structure.
- $0 LiveHealth online copay for the first 3 visits on PPO and HMO plans. It does not apply to PPO HSA plans
- The Future Moms programs includes breastfeeding support visits with a lactation consultant at no charge
Underwriting Extended Through February 15, 2019
- IFP is valid waiver
- Dual HMO
- No DE-9C for Groups 6+, excludes virgin groups
- 25% Relaxed Promo for Groups 5+
- 65% Relaxed Promo for Groups 1-4
- 24-48 Hours Turn-Around
Enhancements
Anthem is offering:
- A New Health Guide to promote awareness of available benefits and resources for members
- Expanded customer service hours and improved service level to promote white glove customer service experience
- Live API connections with EaseCentral
- Producer Tool Box enhancements that allow brokers to manage their book all-in-one place and track progress of cases and commissions real time
- Increased service levels for the ACE Program
Important Dates
- October 5: Rates available on Ebix/HealthConnect
- October 11: Producer news article release
- October 19: Renewals are posted to Producer Toolbox (no longer mailed)
- October 25: Group are renewals mailed
- October 29: Group are renewals posted to Employer Access
Please be sure to ask your LISI Regional Sales Manager about LISI’s heat maps and to see where Anthem sits in your market.
