Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield introduces online doctor’s visits to Medicare Advantage Plans in Wisconsin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:

scott.larrivee@anthem.com, Twitter: @AnthemPR_WI

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Introduces Online Doctor’s Visits to Medicare Advantage Plans in Wisconsin

People over Age 65 Are Becoming More Comfortable Accessing Services on the Internet

MILWAUKEE – Nov. 20, 2014 – Members of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Medicare Advantage plans in Wisconsin will have a convenient new, no-cost way to access care in 2015 through the use of technology. LiveHealth Online, powered by American Well Corp., allows members to visit a board-certified doctor on a secure connection over the Internet via a smart phone, tablet or computer.

LiveHealth Online is available around the clock, including holidays. To participate, members need only a computer with Internet access, a web browser and web camera. According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, six out of 10 people age 65 and over go online and 47 percent have a high-speed broadband connection at home.[i]

“More and more older adults are becoming comfortable using technology,” said Michael Carson, Medicare president of Anthem’s east region. “This is a great tool for those who are Internet savvy to use to access health care on evenings and weekends when their primary care physician might not be available. It is also valuable for people living in rural areas, those busy Boomers who travel, as long as telehealth is permitted in their destination state, and those who may have mobility issues.”

Another benefit, he said, is members can avoid being exposed to germs in waiting rooms and other common areas. This is important since immune systems can become less effective as people age, exposing them to possible dangerous infections.[ii]

Participants are encouraged to use LiveHealth Online for many non-emergency situations only, such as colds, sore throats, flu, allergies, infections, and wellness and nutrition advice. These online doctors can send prescriptions directly to a member’s pharmacy where they may be paid by the member’s Medicare Advantage or Medicare prescription drug plan. A summary of each visit is created and can be forwarded to the patient’s primary care doctor with their permission, supporting continuity of care and collaboration among providers.

There is no additional charge to Medicare members in Anthem’s plans for using LiveHealth Online, which is a great savings from an emergency room or urgent care visit. Anyone wanting more information about any of Anthem’s Medicare plans, including those with LiveHealth Online, can call (855) 878-1113.

Anthem is a PPO plan and an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Anthem depends on contract renewal. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information, contact the plan. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, provider network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on Jan. 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Other hospitals are available in our network.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin (BCBSWi), which underwrites or administers the PPO and indemnity policies; Compcare Health Services Insurance Corporation (Compcare), which underwrites or administers the HMO policies; and Compcare and BCBSWi collectively, which underwrite or administer the POS policies. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthJoinIn, or visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin.