What to know about Anthem Medicare plans

Understanding the plan types

Medicare offers several ways to get coverage, and it helps to know how they differ. The federal government runs these two parts, which make up Original Medicare. Part A mainly covers inpatient care, and Part B handles routine medical visits. These parts do not cover prescription drugs you need outside the hospital, and they do not provide 100% coverage for costs like deductibles and copays.

Private companies sell Medicare Supplement plans as extra coverage. These plans help pay the expenses that Original Medicare does not cover. Since these plans lack prescription drug coverage, consider buying a separate Part D plan. This combination allows you to keep Original Medicare while adding extra financial protection.

Medicare Advantage and Part D

Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, is an all-in-one plan that replaces Original Medicare. Private insurance companies sell these plans, and they must follow Medicare rules. Most of these plans cover hospital and medical care, and many also include prescription drug coverage. Many also add benefits like dental, vision, and hearing, which Original Medicare does not provide.

Prescription Drug Plans, or Part D, help pay for brand-name and generic prescriptions. They also pay for vaccines and the medical supplies needed for insulin injections. You can combine Part D plans with Medicare Supplement plans or keep them alongside Original Medicare. If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan, it often includes this drug coverage as part of the package.

Special needs and dual eligibility

There are specific plans designed for people with certain health situations or dual eligibility. Dual Special Needs Plans serve people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Often, these plans include allowances for healthy foods, transportation, and health items you buy without a prescription. Additional Special Needs Plans are available for individuals with specific health conditions.

Checking availability in your area

Not all plans are available in every location. Insurance companies choose whether to offer a plan statewide or only in specific counties. Because plan availability differs by region or county, check what is offered in your area. Enter your ZIP code to see which plans are open to you.

Every year, insurance companies may choose to join or leave Medicare. If a plan stops participating, you will have to join another plan or return to Original Medicare. It is also possible to be disenrolled if you move outside the service area or lose eligibility. In these situations, you have a grace period to review your options and ensure you continue to have the coverage you want.

Common questions

Last reviewed October 2026. Rules and prices can change; check the sources below for the official details.