Dental, vision benefits for seniors from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Mar 9 2011

Dental and vision health are often tied to overall health, yet many seniors don't have coverage for these services. To fill the gap, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) in Colorado is launching several new packages for seniors in Colorado that include dental and vision benefits as well as other important benefits, such as gym memberships, travel assistance and behavioral health services.

Called "Anthem Extras Packages," these packages are designed to complement a Medicare Supplement plan or Original Medicare. Premiums vary from $20 to $52 per month, depending on the package.

"Almost everything you read about baby boomers indicates that they are keenly focused on their quality of life," said John Martie, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado. "Anthem Extras Packages tends to areas seniors don't want to overlook, such as their teeth and eyes, as well as their physical fitness and emotional well-being."

"The senior consumer is an active, well-informed and engaged consumer; therefore, we worked with our Specialty business to develop a robust portfolio that meets their health benefit needs," said Krista Bowers, senior vice president of Anthem's senior business.

Specifically, Anthem Extras Packages offers the following three packages:

• Standard – a basic package with preventive dental and standard vision.
• Premium – a more robust package featuring preventive dental (including coverage for fillings, periodontal services, root canals and extractions), a standard vision plan, the SilverSneakers® fitness program (including a fitness center membership), older adult care support resources, and a member assistance program with counseling services.
• Premium Plus – the most robust package featuring comprehensive dental, a more robust vision plan, SilverSneakers®, older adult care support resources, a member assistance program and medical coverage for those who encounter a medical emergency while traveling.

In addition to these three packages, the dental portion of Premium Plus package can be purchased on a stand-alone basis. This is important because only 22 percent of older persons are covered by private dental insurance, according to the Journal of the American Dental Association.

All of the Anthem Extras Packages plans have extensive networks across the country. The dental plan includes more than 59,190 dentists and specialists locations, while the vision plan includes more than 50,000 provider locations. Similarly, SilverSneakers® offers more than 10,000 locations. For more information about Anthem's dental and vision networks, visit www.anthem.com.

"We created packages for every need and budget, while providing as much access as possible through one of the nation's largest networks," said Steve Martenet, president and general manager, Specialty. "By stressing convenience, we hope to eliminate any obstacles that exist between people getting the services they need, such as regular dental and vision care."

Anthem Extras Packages can be purchased year round. Underwriting isn't required. Those interested in learning more can visit www.anthem.com/anthemextraspackages  or call (877) 391-3897.