About Anthem Blue Cross of California
Anthem Blue Cross
is the 2nd largest health insurer in California. They are the original innovator
of some of the most popular plans in the state. Many of the top selling plans offered
by other insurers are based off of Blue Cross plans. Some of the newest plans offered
by Blue Cross include their new Smart Sense series of plans and The Right Plan 40.
Blue Cross recently changed their name to Anthem Blue Cross.
Anthem Blue Cross Smart Sense are a new plan offering from Blue Cross in 2008. These
plans are among the lowest max out of pocket, and lowest premium of all individual
health plans offered today. The Smart Sense plans are a
PPO plan
with limited office visits. The first three office visits are covered with a $30
copay. Then the following office visits are covered at 70% of the costs after the
deductible. Deductible options include $500, $1500, $2500, and $5000 dollars for
individuals, and $1000, $3000, $5000, and $10,000 for families. The Smart Sense
plans then go to co-insurance after the deductible is met, where the insured pays
only 30% up to another $2500 max out of pocket. Truely revolutionary, these plans
carry over the deductiblefrom the last quarter of the calendar year to the first
quarter of the new year. With Smart Sense, gone are the days of the deductible starting
over fresh every January 1st!
The Right Plan 40 remains a very popular plan despite recent rate increases and
increased competition from competitors with nearly identical plans. In some counties
it is still very popular. It is a PPO plan that has a zero deductible for labs,
tests, and x-rays with 40% coinsurance. Hospitaliation has a $500 per day co pay,
plus 40%. The coinsurance applies up to a maximum out of pocket of $7500 per individual.
Prescription drug coverage is offered as None, Generic Only with a $10 co pay, or
Generic and Brand Name Formulary. The Right Plan 40 Combination Rx plan has a $750
annual brand name deductible, then a $35 co pay. It does not cover non-formulary
brand names.
Plans similar to the Right Plan 40 include the
Aetna MC First Dollar Open Access Plans, and
the
Blue Shield Active Start 25 and 35.
Tonik Plans
The Tonik plans offered exclusively on an Tonik online application have many innovations
consistent with Blue Cross's tradition of innovation. The plan is well designed,
has simplified expedited underwriting, and a cutting edge online application process.
However, in the interest of simplicity Blue Cross has opted for a one application
one insured policy. This creates a level of difficulty for couples, families, and
single parents with children in applying. Each person must apply individually on
their own application. Also, billing is separated out. So if you want one bill each
month, the Tonik plan is not for you. However if you are looking for a simple quick
online application, expedited and automated underwriting, and a quick decision,
Tonik may be what you are looking for.
The Luminos plans are for people who want to take more control of their health care
expenses. These deductible only plans cover preventitive care, immunizations, and
screening tests all before the deductible applies. Sickness visits, related lab
work, and prescriptions medications are all subject to the deductible, then covered
at either 100% or 70% after the deductible. If you have never considered an HSA
style plan, it is a good idea to
learn more about HSA plans. They are a
very popular and affordable health insurance option.
PPO Share Plan
The Blue Cross PPO Share series of plans started out as the Premier PPO plan
in California. The PPO Share plans have deductibles ranging between $500 and $5000.
As the plans have aged, Blue Cross has changed the benefits of this very popular
series of plans. All the Share series plans still offer maternity coverage, and
the PPO Share 5000 is a great option for someone looking for maternity coverage
but that may be particularly price conscious. The richer plans, like the PPO Share
1500 are on the higher price side. But you cannot get a better plan than the PPO
Share plans, if your wallet can stand it. If like most our clients, you are also
looking to save some money, then the PPO Share plans may not be for you. They get
too pricy in many cases, and there are often alternative plans from competitive
carriers with low deductibles that still offer maternity coverage.
Looking for some good news about comprehensive health coverage? The Blue Cross
Select HMO for individuals and families is one of the best priced HMO
plans on the market, with very competitive benefits. On individual plans, HMO's
are generally more expensive than PPO plans. The Select HMO biggest draw back is
its reduced network of doctors. Many of the most popular doctors, provider groups,
and hospitals are out of network on this plan. If your are willing to reduce choice
for price, and want the benefits of an HMO style plan, then the Select HMO is a
great option.
Other Options
The other two Blue Cross HMO plans, the Blue Cross HMO Saver and
their HMO plan are very expensive plans with somewhat limited doctor’s network selection.
In general you can find a better HMO plan for less money with one of Blue Cross’s
competitors. Call us today at 877-758-7587 for a free quote, or complete a quote
online. There is no cost or obligation.
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