THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anthem Blue Cross (Anthem) announced today that, beginning January 2019, consumers enrolled in its Medicare Advantage health plans will be able to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medications and health-related products at CVS Pharmacy stores using their health plan’s allowance. The addition of CVS Pharmacy to Anthem’s network of OTC retailers is part of the company’s continued commitment of making healthcare simpler for consumers and improving their health and well-being.
“Creating an enhanced healthcare experience for Californians and giving them easier access to the products and services that aid consumers in leading healthier lives requires us to develop meaningful solutions for the individuals enrolled in our plans,” said Josh Martin, President of Anthem’s Medicare West Region. “We are pleased to work together with CVS Pharmacy because we share the common goal of helping individuals manage their health in more effective ways. We believe that collaborations like this can make a tremendous difference for consumers who often are managing chronic medical conditions.”
With nearly 900 stores in California, CVS Pharmacy provides a convenient shopping option for consumers enrolled in Anthem’s Medicare Advantage plans. CVS Pharmacy carries a wide assortment of products and solutions that help consumers get well and stay well, including first aid supplies, support braces, pain relievers, and more. To use their OTC allowance at CVS Pharmacy, individuals must purchase the OTC medications and health-related items in-store.
“CVS Pharmacy is pleased to partner with Anthem Blue Cross to offer plan consumers increased access to the products they need to care for themselves,” said Hank Casillas, Division Vice President, CVS Pharmacy. “This collaboration ensures that Anthem Medicare Advantage plan consumers are able to purchase medications and other health-related products at one of hundreds of CVS Pharmacy locations in California, helping them achieve their best health.”
Many of Anthem’s 2019 Medicare Advantage plans offer a significant OTC allowance – as much as $300 per quarter. These types of benefits can be important to older adults who are often on a fixed income. According to the Social Security Administration, nearly a quarter of married seniors and four out of 10 unmarried older adults rely on their Social Security benefit, which averages just over $1,400 a month, for at least 90 percent of their income.
Anthem also collaborates with other retailers to give consumers increased access to OTC medications and health-related products through the use of a plan’s OTC allowance. If a consumer would like to use one of these other retailers, the company will work with him/her to find the option that best fits his/her needs.
Anthem Blue Cross is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Anthem Blue Cross is an HMO DSNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the California Medicaid program. Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company is an LPPO CSNP plan with a Medicare contract. Anthem Blue Cross is an HMO CSNP plan with a Medicare contract. Anthem Blue Cross is an HMO ISNP plan with a Medicare contract. Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company is an LPPO plan with a Medicare contract. Anthem BC Health Insurance Company is an LPPO plan with a Medicare contract.
About Anthem Blue Cross
Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of Blue Cross of California. Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross name and symbol are registered marks of the Blue Cross Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/anthemBlueCross and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AnthemBlueCrossCA.
