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Anthem 2022 OTC catalog

If you are a member of an Anthem Medicare Advantage plan, information about the Anthem 2022 OTC catalog will e useful.  It is important to note that; all Medicare Advantage plans do not offer an OTC benefit.  Members can confirm the benefits offered by their plan either by checking the summary of benefits provided for their plan or calling the member services number listed on the back of your membership card.

What is an OTC (Over The Counter) benefit:

An OTC benefit is a specified amount provided to members of participating plans that covers approved over the counter(non prescription) health related items.  This benefit covers things such as; OTC pain relievers, antacids, band aids, oral care and vitamins, as well as various other non-prescription health items.

Please keep in mind; This benefit is provided on a quarterly basis.

On the first day of each quarter, your benefit amount is loaded to your card and available for use.   Any unused OTC benefit amount rolls over to the next quarter.  All unused OTC benefits expire on December 31 of the benefit year.

Click here to download the 2022 Anthem OTC catalog

There are a few different ways to order your OTC items:

1.  Shop for OTC items in one of the 4,700 Walmart, Neighborhood Market stores or in one of the other participating retail locations.  To find a participating retailer near you; you can either go to www.healthybenefitsplus.com or you an download the Healthy Benefits mobile app.  You can download the mobile app by going to either the Apple app store or Google play.
   1. Once you have installed the app, you can:
      Check the balance on your OTC card
      Review your recent orders
      Download a copy of your card
      Scan items in the store to see if they are eligible OTC items
      Order either a new OTC card or catalog

If you prefer not to leave your home; you an order items either online or over the phone:

1.   To order your items online;  just go to www.HealthyBenefitsPlus.com/AnthemBCBSOTC and click on the get started link.  Once you set up your account, click the buy at Walmart.com button, choose your OTC items and place your order.  Your order is delivered, at no cost, to your home.  If your order cost is over your benefit limit, you must add another form of payment for the overage amount.
2. If you would rather order over the phone; call 1-866-413-2582 (TTY: 711) and speak with customer service representative.  Be sure to have your OTC card and product name as well as the  item Id number ready before you call.

Additional Anthem 2022 OTC catalog information:

1.  This OTC benefit is solely for the use of the member.
2.  Both sales tax and shipping costs are added to your order total and deducted from your benefit amount.
3.   Items will arrive either by FedEx, UPS or individual courier from Walmart.
4.   If your order is damaged, lost or stolen; you can request a replacement by calling customer service at 1-833-235-2107 (TTY: 711)

Please note:  the prices of some catalog items are subject to change due to price changes after the catalog is printed.

Looking for a Medicare plan?  Click here to access a no obligation online quote.

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Compare Medicare plans

Medicare beneficiaries will feel confident with their choice when they have the option to Compare Medicare plans.

Most people feel overwhelmed when the time comes to enroll in a Medicare plan.  There are a lot of options available whether you are new to Medicare or changing plans during one of the election periods. 

There are couple options when it comes to choosing how to get your Medicare coverage:  

The First option is to take Original Medicare; this means Part A and Part B. If you decide to do this, you have the ability to add a Medicare supplement plan/Medigap plan as well as drug coverage or Part D.  These plans provide additional coverage when paired with original Medicare.   Medicare supplement plans pay the additional 20% of your Medicare approved costs that Medicare does not pay.  These plans do not require you to choose a network of providers and are offered by Medicare approved, private insurance companies.  You can use them with any provider who participates with Medicare.  You do not need referrals to see any doctor or specialist.  

Another option is to choose a Medicare Advantage Plan/Part C.  A Medicare advantage plan includes both Part A and Part B coverage. They take the place of your original Medicare coverage. These plans are offered by Medicare approved private insurance companies.  The Plans also require that you use a provider who participates in your plan’s specific network.  These companies offer either HMO or PPO plans.  Most of them also offer prescription drug coverage as part of the plan. 

CLICK HERE TO COMPARE MEDICARE PLANS

 You may be eligible to receive help paying for your Medicare coverage if you have limited income:

If you are within the eligible income level you may qualify for Medicaid.  Medicaid is both a federal and state program that provides help with medical costs.  There are also MSP programs sponsored by the state government that can help you pay medical expenses.  These programs help pay medical expenses such as; premiums, co-pays and prescription costs as well as deductibles.

Medicare also works with other types of health care coverage you may have such as, employer, union or veteran’s benefits.

There are many things to think about when it comes to your health.

We understand the importance of finding the right health care coverage to fit your individual needs and budget.  We are always happy to help you find the best plan for you.  You can reach us either by phone (203)796-5403 or by email at teal@croweandassocites.com.

Need to sign up for Medicare: Click here

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A number of our clients want to know how a Medicare Advantage plan works and how it is different from Medicare A and B and/or a Medicare Supplement plan.  The fact is that Medicare Advantage plans are very different from standard Medicare A and B and a Supplement.

A Medicare Advantage plan is offered by a private insurance company.  The plan takes over for Medicare A and B and is your primary insurance.  When you have an advantage plan, you show the advantage plan card.  The provider you see will then bill the advantage plan instead of billing traditional Medicare.  This is not a good or bad thing.  It is simply a different way to obtain you health and drug coverage.   Your own unique health care needs will determine if you should go with a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement with a drug card.  Here is a quick overview of the strengths and weaknesses of an Advantage plan.   Read our Medicare Guide for more information CLICK HERE FOR MEDICARE GUIDE

Wikipedia also provides a good summary of Medicare Advantage plans along with multiple government links CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE

Medicare Advantage Plans – Possitives

• $0 monthly premium on most plans
• Drug Benefit is included with the plan
• Preventative care is covered in full with no copays
• Works very well for those with VA coverage
• Extras such as Dental, Vision, Silver Sneakers, Etc…
• A number of plans and companies to choose from in most areas

Medicare Advantage Plans-  Negatives

• The plans have networks that you need to use.  Some plans allow in and out of network but the cost go up if you go out of network.
• You pay copays for services.  Copays are higher for more expensive services such as Hospitalization or major medical tests.
• There are pre authorization requirements for some services

If you doctor does not participate or if you are receiving high volume care, you may be better off with a Medicare Supplement Plan.