Meeting the Changing Needs of Seniors with Industry-Leading Quality Care Plans

Every day, more than 11,000 Americans turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare, and that number continues to grow. Seniors—perhaps more than any group—are actively engaged in making decisions about their healthcare benefits, and able to assess the marketplace and select new coverage each year. The quality of the plan is one of the main factors consumers consider when making a Medicare Advantage choice. But, just two years ago, only a little more than 20 percent of consumers in Anthem's affiliated Medicare Advantage health plans were in plans rated either four Stars or better in quality ratings, with five being the best possible score, from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). So, in order to meet and exceed the needs of this active and engaged population, Anthem had some work to do.

Over the past several years, Anthem has been intensely focused on increasing the quality of and improving its plan offerings, and this effort has achieved impressive results. Now, more than 70 percent of Medicare Advantage consumers in Anthem's affiliated health plans are in plans that have achieved either four Stars or better. In addition, Anthem is now the only national healthcare company to offer five five-Star plans.

To achieve top ratings, Anthem health plans work closely with care providers to ensure that individuals who are enrolled in the plans receive the kind of care that improves their everyday lives. For instance, in one year, 73 percent of consumers enrolled in Anthem's Medicare plan in Texas received assessments to see how well they are able to do daily activities, such as dressing, eating, and bathing—a 13 percentage point increase from the previous year. And Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield's Medicare plan in Indiana nearly doubled the number of female consumers who, after experiencing a bone fracture, were enrolled in programs to manage their osteoporosis—either through bone density testing or prescription treatment.

We care about prevention. For 2017,* for consumers in Anthem affiliated Medicare Advantage plans:

68%of women had a mammogram to screen for breast cancer

94% of consumers received a body mass index assessment

65%of consumers had a screening for colon cancer

94%of consumers with diabetes received a kidney function test

*Percentages are from 2017 Rating Year, which is based on consumers' plan experience in 2015

While measuring our progress in numbers and Star ratings is important, ultimately, it is about helping each consumer to get the care they need. Della Gehl, a retired New York City communications professional, is enrolled in one of Anthem's affiliated health plans with high Star ratings and has witnessed firsthand the benefits of Anthem's increased focus on quality.

"Anthem has supported me in my health journey—before, during, and after my recent surgery—especially in helping me maintain an active lifestyle," she says. "That's why I don't hesitate to tell my friends about Anthem when they ask for a recommendation regarding a Medicare Advantage plan."

"All the doctors I see—from my primary care provider to my specialists—are covered so I've never had to go out-of-network," she says. "And I enjoy many other benefits, including the SilverSneakers^® fitness program. What's more, I've never had to wait long when I've reached out for assistance."