Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia and its Healthcare Services

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) is one of Georgia’s most prominent and leading health insurance companies, with nearly one-third of the state’s population carrying one of our cards. We employ over 3,000 people who generate millions of dollars in revenue for the local economy.

Furthermore, we have a positive picture for a healthy Georgia-to help improve the lives of individuals we serve and the health of our community members. We are a group of caring people who devote their best efforts and strategies to help develop innovative health policies solutions available to all Georgians in our service area. Customers have a wide range of options and flexibility when choosing a health insurance plan. These options are regularly fine-tuned to enhance customers’ access to cost-effective and high-quality medical care. 

Health Insurance Benefits to Georgia Residents

We provide multiple health insurance benefits to Georgia residents.

Health-care plans tailored to the needs of:

Small and large businesses

Individuals

Seniors (Medicare Supplemental Insurance)

We also provide:

Life and disability insurance for the entire group

Vision and dental insurance

360° Health, the most comprehensive health-benefits solution in the industry

Our State Program’s Commitment to Medical Care Services 

We serve over 3.2 million people in Georgia, including: 

approximately 53,388 seniors

A total of 235,614 individuals (not covered by an employer health plan)

260,763 members who are small companies and groups.

Our extensive network includes: 

192 hospitals 

16,348 primary care doctors and specialists

Nationwide and international access through the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association BlueCard Program.

We actively support health and well-being programs in Georgia.

Affordable Health Plan by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia offers comprehensive, low-cost health insurance policies to the citizens of Georgia. As an independent contracting party of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield Organization, Anthem BCBS of Georgia connects members with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia’s top doctors and facilities. BlueCross Blue Shield of Georgia collaborates with Anthem, its parent company, to offer plans on and off the Marketplace health insurance. These programs are divided into four metal categories: silver, gold, platinum, and bronze.

1) Bronze-Level Plans

Bronze health coverage plans feature low premium costs and higher deductibles. These plans are best for couples and individuals who have a limited number of doctor visits. And only want or need coverage for medical emergencies. 

2) Silver Packages

Silver health insurance plans have similar premiums to bronze plans but lower deductibles. Individuals and small families with average healthcare needs will benefit from these plans. Silver plans also provide cost savings to those who qualify.

3) Gold Plans

Gold health insurance plans have higher monthly premiums than silver plans but lower deductibles. They’re best for people or families with regular, ongoing medical needs. Gold plans cover the majority of routine healthcare costs.

Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield Introduces New Medicare Supplement Plans 

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia are committed to providing customers with high-quality, low-cost health insurance while reducing out-of-pocket expenses. BCBS of Georgia offers new Medicare Supplement programs to Georgia residents with Original Medicare as part of that commitment. Original Medicare, also known as Medicare Part A and Part B, doesn’t cover many healthcare costs like deductibles and copayments. Therefore, Original Medicare coverage often leaves consumers with high out-of-pocket costs. Anthem’s Medicare Supplement plans cover these expenses, reducing consumers’ out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

“Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield aim to meet consumers’ healthcare needs with innovative services and products that help them live healthier lives,” said Tomas Orozco, Chairman of the organization’s Medicare East Region. “We recognize that medical costs are a major concern for seniors. So, we strive to provide services that reduce their out-of-pocket expenses while ensuring they receive the best possible care.” 

Benefits of New Medicare Supplemental Plans

Medicare Supplemental plans A, G, F, and N cover many gaps in traditional Medicare with some coverage differences between plans.

For Example:

Medicare plans A, F, G, and N cover hospital and coinsurance costs associated with Medicare Part A. On the other hand, Medicare Supplement Plans F, G, and N cover the cost of skilled nursing facility care, whereas Plan A does not. Coinsurance is the percentage of medical expenses a beneficiary needs to pay when meeting their plan’s deductible. 

An additional benefit of Medicare supplemental plans is that there are no service provider networks. This means consumers can visit any healthcare provider who accepts Medicare patients.

Furthermore, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield will provide a free SilverSneakers membership to people who enroll in these Medicare Supplement plans. SilverSneakers engages millions of aging seniors and older adults in more frequent exercise, strength training, aerobics, and flexibility training through various venues and programming, allowing them to take control of their health.

Individuals who sign up for Anthem’s new Medicare Supplement Plans A, F, G, and N will be eligible for Georgia Extras, a program that assists consumers with their overall health. Members of Georgia Extras can choose from three plans, including vision and dental benefits, as healthy eyes and teeth are linked to overall health. Also, Georgia Extras provides other health options with more extensive coverage, such as travel assistance and older adult care. 

Many Medicare Supplement plan members combine their coverage with a Part D plan from Anthem, Inc.’s Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Georgia. Part D plans cover prescription medication costs.

Consumers can preview different coverage options available in Medicare Supplement plans using resources such as Medicare.gov or medicareleads.com.

Private companies, such as Anthem, sell Medicare Supplement plans, which have premiums and require participation in Medicare Parts A and B.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Offer Support to its Medicare Members

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia have launched several support initiatives to assist its beneficiaries, community members, and Georgia residents who have been affected by natural disasters. BCBS of Georgia is working with emergency relief organizations to help impacted residents and first responders.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia updated their guidelines to make it easier for Medicare plan members to get the support they need during this time. These modifications include the following:

• Affected members can seek treatment from both in-network and out-of-network doctors and service providers.
• In-network pharmacists would allow impacted individuals to request prescriptions refills if the approved medication was lost or damaged in flood.
• Members can request alternatives for medical supplies and equipment damaged or lost in the floods.

“We’re working with our members to make it easier for them to access healthcare services so they can focus on other things during this difficult time,” said David McNichols, chairperson of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia’s Medicare plans. “We remain committed to assisting our members and communities in Georgia with their recovery from catastrophic events. 

This announcement is only for BCBSGa Medicare health plan members. Earlier this week, BCBSGa broadcasted revised policies to help individual, small group, and large group plans impacted by Hurricane in getting needed prescription drugs by allowing them to have their medications refilled at any pharmacy. 

BCBSGa Collaboration with American Red Cross Company

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia’s parent company foundation, has partnered with American Red Cross to support impacted residents as a $1 million-level member of its Annual Disaster Giving Program. Moreover, Local Red Cross personnel and refuges will provide relief supplies, meals, support, and other benefits to area residents and first responders countrywide.

The Red Cross has shelters ready to serve at least 120,000 evacuees impacted by Hurricane Irma as part of its usual disaster preparedness planning. People are encouraged to download and use Red Cross Emergency App. It will assist them in locating the closest shelter and assistance.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia or BCBSGa will work with the American Red Cross, first responders, and other disaster relief organizations to keep our members safe,” McNichols added. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the American Red Cross and first responders for everything they’ve done. Our associates recognize that this is a difficult time for many people. Therefore, they are working to help sufferers where they can.”

Furthermore, AmeriCares received a $75,000 grant from BCBSGa’s parent company foundation, to support its Emergency Response Partner Program (AERP), which provides medical supplies, medicine, and mental health services to those affected by disasters. 

Blue Cross Blue Shield members can contact the BCBSGa at the number available on the back of their registration card if they need help accessing services, replacing ID cards, understanding benefits, or have other questions about services. 

Is the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia Part of the Anthem?

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia is a part of Anthem Company. Furthermore, Anthem is a leading health-benefits company that provides health care services to millions of Americans. Anthem, Inc. and its affiliates serve more than 74 million people, including 40 million members of Anthem’s family health plans. Furthermore, Anthem serves more than 3.8 million people in Georgia. 

About Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. (AICI). AICI provides Medicare Supplement plans, while Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia offer Georgia Extras Packages. Furthermore, licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association are self-employed and work independently. Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered trademarks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. You can learn more about Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Georgia Inc. by visiting the anthem website.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a federal union of 35 Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that provide healthcare coverage to one out of every three Americans. Moreover, BCBSA provides medical care insights through the national BCBS Health Index and Health of America Report series. 

Does Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Georgia cover Aimovig Drug?    

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved “Aimoving”, a new self-injectable drug for migraine headache prevention. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Georgia Health plan will not add this drug to our formularies until our Therapeutics and Pharmacy Committee reviews the product and clinical outcomes. 

You should be aware of the following:

• If Aimovig is recommended for inclusion in our formulary, we will classify it as a specialty pharmacy drug that requires prior authorization through CVS Specialty, our preferred specialty pharmacy vendor. 
• CVS Specialty is a division of CVS Health. It is an independent company that manages pharmacy benefits and provides specialty pharmacy services for Blue Cross and Blue Choice members. Patients under neurologist care who have tried and failed 12 weeks of prophylactic therapy are likely to be covered.
• If you currently have a patient that needs this medication, you can request a formulary exception by calling the precertification number on the back of the member’s ID car

If you have any questions about prescription drug coverage, you can contact New Medicare at 844-844-3049. You can also submit your queries using our Contact.