Actions include premium credits, extension of cost share waivers for COVID-19 treatment and telehealth services, and additional community support.
Throughout the response and the ongoing recovery to COVID-19, Anthem is proud to lead with our commitment to improving lives and communities, serving as a trusted partner and resource to consumers and care providers in the communities where we live and work. To that end, Anthem is providing
'At Anthem, we understand the important role we play in supporting recovery and care as we navigate the ongoing impacts of COVID-19,' said
Anthem's coordinated response efforts are focused on increasing access and coverage, adapting tools and policies to assist consumers and care providers, and leveraging data and advanced analytics to provide innovative solutions. Moreover, we are committed to addressing health challenges and inequities facing communities across the country. Details regarding the company's actions to support customers, care providers and local communities during the pandemic include:
Supporting Those We Serve
Premium Credits. Delays to routine care and elective procedures, combined with shelter-in-place orders across the country, resulted in lower volumes of healthcare claims for our affiliated health plans. As a result, Anthem affiliated health plans are supporting customers by providing a one-month premium credit to members enrolled in select Individual plans and fully insured employer customers ranging from 10-15 percent. In addition, individuals in stand-alone and group dental plans will also receive a 50 percent credit. Consumers and employer customers will receive the premium credit in July. Anthem's health plan affiliates are also working with some employer groups on special payment arrangements as a bridge to continue to provide insurance for their employees during this difficult time.
Extending cost share waivers for COVID-19 treatment. Anthem's health plan affiliates will continue to waive cost sharing for in-network COVID-19 related treatment for members enrolled in fully insured employer plans, Individual plans and Medicare Advantage plans through
Extending access to coverage and waiving cost shares for virtual care. Until
Addressing food insecurity and other needs for the most vulnerable. Anthem and its affiliated health plans are working with state partners to accelerate funds to care providers who treat the most vulnerable, particularly those with chronic conditions, behavioral health, and other special healthcare needs. Anthem's health plan affiliates are also reaching out to Medicaid beneficiaries to facilitate connections with state and social services, helping newly eligible and at risk members enroll in the
Addressing health disparities. As we look to the future, Anthem will continue to make a difference in improving health across the nation, including addressing health disparities facing minority and underserved communities disproportionally impacted by this pandemic and other health inequities. Anthem is focused on empowering individuals to understand and take action on the health risks that affect them, including racial and ethnic risk factors, social drivers of health and pre-existing conditions. Through our efforts to collaborate with care providers, health advocates and community leaders we are working to address gaps in care and provide data and resources to effect positive health outcomes for members and communities at large.
Supporting Our
As the care provider community continues their work on the frontlines treating and caring for consumers, Anthem has continued to support care provider partners of its affiliate health plans and allow them to focus on caring for patients. Among the programs Anthem has implemented are:
Funding Support. Anthem is providing funding to support care providers' telehealth capabilities, quality-based programs and PPE, and extending additional funding to provide critical support to targeted independent primary care physician organizations and multispecialty groups who are facing financial pressure during this crisis. Additionally, Anthem is actively working with care providers to accelerate claims processing for outstanding accounts receivables, resolving claims where possible and appropriate, as well as accelerating payments to support state specific Medicaid programs.
Dental PPE Credit. Understanding the costs associated with increased PPE utilization, Anthem will provide in-network dental providers a PPE Credit of
Suspending Prior Authorizations. Anthem is simplifying access to care by temporarily suspending prior authorization requirements for respiratory services and medical equipment critical to COVID-19 treatment including Durable Medical Equipment such as oxygen supplies, respiratory devices, continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP devices, non-invasive ventilators, and multi-function ventilators.
Extending Existing Prior Authorizations. Anthem's health plan affiliates are temporarily extending prior authorizations on elective inpatient and outpatient procedures, issued before
Supporting Our Communities
With many individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 crisis in a variety of ways, Anthem is committed to lifting-up our local communities through partnership and relief. Together with our philanthropic arm, the
More than
In addition to the Foundation matching associates' donations to nonprofits and promoting virtual volunteer opportunities, Anthem launched the Anthem Medical Associate Volunteer Program, allowing associates with professional medical training to take paid leave and volunteer to serve on the frontline in communities in need.
About
Anthem is a leading health benefits company dedicated to improving lives and communities, and making healthcare simpler. Through its affiliated companies, Anthem serves more than 108 million people, including more than 42 million within its family of health plans. We aim to be the most innovative, valuable and inclusive partner. For more information, please visit www.antheminc.com or follow @AnthemInc on Twitter.
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