Dramatic expansion increases choice for Wisconsinites and will help those transitioning due to the expected end of the federal public health emergency
MILWAUKEE — October 17, 2022 — Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin is creating greater access to affordable health care for tens of thousands Wisconsin consumers seeking coverage through the Wisconsin Health Care Marketplace. Anthem is expanding Marketplace coverage options to nearly 60 additional Wisconsin counties, increasing from nine counties concentrated in Southeast Wisconsin in 2022 to 68 counties across the state in 2023. The increase in access was made possible through collaborative agreements with several health systems throughout the state, including Ascension Wisconsin, ProHealth Care, Children’s Wisconsin and others.
This expansion comes at a critical time as the federal public health emergency, which extended eligibility for Medicaid health plans, is expected by many to come to an end sometime in 2023.
“Ensuring access to quality care is our top priority, and this broad expansion of health benefit plan offerings gives consumers more options that may better suit their needs and help them get the care they need at a price they can afford. This couldn’t come at better time because the potential end of the public health emergency will require many people to select new health coverage in 2023,” said Paul Nobile, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin.
Anthem will offer plans at all “metal” levels in 68 counties and has created a dedicated support center for Wisconsin health care navigators assisting consumers with choosing health plans for 2023. The Navigator Support Center is available by phone at (866) 735-4749 or by email at NavigatorSupport@Anthem.com.
“Should the public health emergency end at some point next year, we expect a number of people to lose coverage through Medicaid. But they could be eligible for subsidies to help cover the cost of comprehensive plans through the Marketplace. We’re pleased to expand our offerings across Wisconsin,” Nobile added.
Enrollment for 2023 Marketplace health plans begins Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 15, 2023, though health plan information and offerings are available now at HealthCare.gov. Anthem has also set up a dedicated website at Anthem.com/wi/individual-and-family/health-insurance with guidance, information, and zip code-specific plan availability in Wisconsin.