Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Annual Wellness Visit

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem) Medicare Advantage plans include coverage of an annual wellness visit. Learn about this benefit and how you can find Anthem Medicare Advantage plans in your area.  

Original Medicare, which consists of Medicare Part A and Part B, includes coverage for a wide range of services and items. And among the covered services is an annual wellness visit.

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem) Medicare Advantage plans contain all of the benefits found in Original Medicare, including the annual wellness visit. In this article, we take a look at what’s included in the annual wellness visit, how it’s covered by Anthem Medicare Advantage plans and more.

What is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?

The annual wellness visit that is covered by Medicare Part B and Anthem Medicare Advantage plans is similar to a physical but includes no actual physical examination aside from some basic measurements and a blood pressure check.

The goal of an annual wellness visit is preventive health, and the appointment is a time for you and your doctor to note any changes to your health from the previous year’s appointment and identify any early warning signs that may need a follow-up. 

What Does an Annual Wellness Visit Cover?

An annual wellness visit may include the following services.

1. A review of your health history to identify any increased risks.
2. A cognitive impairment assessment to look for signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia or to gauge depression or other mood disorders.
3. Reviewing and updating a list of current doctors and prescriptions in order to better coordinate care or make lifestyle recommendations.
4. Advance care planning, which involves planning for your care should you become unable to speak for yourself.
5. Personalized health advice that includes a list of risk factors, treatment options and a screening schedule for recommended preventive services.

Does Anthem Offer an Annual Wellness Visit?

As previously mentioned, an annual wellness visit is covered by Medicare Part B. Medicare Advantage plans are required by law to include coverage for everything that is found in Medicare Part A and Part B. Therefore, an annual wellness visit will be covered by all Anthem Medicare Advantage plans.

Does Anthem Cover Routine Physicals?

Some Medicare Advantage plans extend coverage to include more traditional physical examinations as well as the annual wellness visit. An Anthem Medicare Advantage plan may cover an annual check-up along with certain vaccines, tests and screenings.

A licensed insurance agent can help you determine if there is an Anthem Medicare Advantage plan available in your area that includes coverage of routine physicals.

What is a Welcome to Medicare Visit?

The “Welcome to Medicare” visit is available to those who are newly enrolled in Medicare and is covered by Medicare Part B and Anthem Medicare Advantage plans.

The appointment is similar to the annual wellness visit and allows your doctor to establish a baseline for your health that can be used to measure against future wellness visits. Like the annual wellness visit, the “Welcome to Medicare” visit does not include a physical examination and will follow the same general format and services.

How Do I Enroll in an Anthem Medicare Plan?

Contact a licensed insurance agent for help enrolling in an Anthem Medicare Advantage plan. An agent will be able to review your eligibility, help you compare Anthem Medicare Advantage plans in your area and enroll you right over the phone once you’ve found a plan that best fits your budget and needs.  

It’s important to note that there are only certain times of the year that you may enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, so be sure you are prepared for your next opportunity to do so.