Consumers in Kentucky with Original Medicare will be able to enroll in a Medicare Supplement Innovative Plan F or Innovative Select F from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky (Anthem), with coverage starting February 1, 2018. Anthem's Innovative Plan F and Innovative Select F provide hearing and vision benefits as well as 24/7 nursing support via Nurse HelpLine. These benefits are in addition to those offered in a standard Plan F and may not be available with Plan Fs offered by other insurers. Anthem developed the Medicare Supplement Innovative Plan F and Innovative Select F to protect members' overall health.

"We are pleased to offer Medicare-eligible Kentuckians our Innovative Plan F and Innovative Select F Medicare Supplement plans – competitively priced plans that help members better control their out-of-pocket healthcare costs through aspects such as the coverage of co-insurance of Medicare Parts A and B, as well as hearing and vision benefits," said David McNichols, President of Anthem's Medicare Central region. "Anthem is committed to providing Medicare insurance options that meet consumers' demands. We are one of just a few companies offering a Medicare Supplement plan that contains preventive healthcare benefits, helping our members stay healthy and lead the lives they've earned."

Enrollees of Anthem's Innovative Plan F or Innovative Select F will have coverage for vision and hearing benefits, including exams, eyewear, and hearing aids. Eye exams can often uncover symptoms of significant health problems – including carotid artery blockages, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes. An annual eye checkup is a simple, low-stress way for consumers to keep track of their eyes and their overall health. The American Optometric Association recommends annual eye examinations for everyone over age 60.

Detecting hearing loss early can also improve quality of life. Age-related hearing loss is generally a slow, progressive hearing loss that can affect both ears equally.

In addition, Anthem offers SilverSneakers as a value-added program at no cost to all new enrollees no matter what plan they enroll in. SilverSneakers helps millions of baby boomers and older adults take greater control of their health by engaging participants in more frequent exercise, strength training, aerobics, and flexibility training through a variety of venues and programming.

With Anthem's Nurse HelpLine, members can speak directly with a registered nurse who can help answer health-related, non-emergency questions – 24 hours/7 days a week. The always-available Nurse HelpLine can triage symptoms and offer advice for the appropriate level of care. This helps members get the information they need, when they need it – giving them peace of mind.

Anthem already offers standardized benefit Plans A, F, G, and N as well as Select F, G and N to Medicare-eligible individuals in Kentucky.

Medicare Supplement plans are sold by private companies to cover certain costs Original Medicare doesn't, such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. They require participation in Medicare Parts A and B and a separate premium.

Anthem offers members discounts for paying annually, having payments automatically deducted from a bank account or having more than one member living in the same household. Most Medicare Supplement members pair their plan with one of Anthem's many Part D plans, which cover medications.

For more information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicare plans in Kentucky, call 1-855-715-5316 or visit www.anthem.com/shop.

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About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of Kentucky, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross 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 Kentucky is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AnthemBCBS_News and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AskAnthem.