Anthem Blue Cross Offers Seniors Dental and Vision Care Through 'Anthem Extras Packages for Seniors'

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. April 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Dental and vision health are often tied to overall health, yet many seniors don't have coverage for these services. To fill the gap, Anthem Blue Cross is launching several new packages for seniors in California that include dental and vision benefits.

Called "Anthem Extras Packages," these packages are designed to complement a Medicare Supplement plan or Original Medicare. Premiums vary from $23 to $63 per month, depending on the package.

"Almost everything you read about baby boomers indicates that they are keenly focused on their quality of life," said Krista Bowers, senior vice president of California's senior business. "Anthem Extras Packages tends to areas seniors don't want to overlook, such as their teeth and eyes. The senior consumer is an active, well-informed and engaged consumer; therefore, we worked with our Specialty business to develop a robust portfolio that meets their health benefit needs."

Specifically, Anthem Extras Packages offers the following three packages:

• Standard – a basic package with preventive dental and standard vision
• Premium – a more robust package featuring preventive dental (including coverage for fillings, periodontal services, root canals and extractions), a standard vision plan and the SilverSneakers® fitness program (including a fitness center membership)
• Premium Plus – the most robust package featuring comprehensive dental, a more robust vision plan, SilverSneakers® and medical coverage for those who encounter a medical emergency while traveling

In addition to these three packages, the dental portion of Premium Plus package can be purchased on a stand-alone basis. This is important because only 22 percent of older persons are covered by private dental insurance, according to the Journal of the American Dental Association.

All of the Anthem Extras Packages plans have extensive networks across the country. The dental plan includes more than 60,170 dentists and dentist locations, while the vision plan includes more than 50,000 provider locations. For more information about Anthem's dental and vision networks, visit www.anthem.com.

"We created packages for every need and budget, while providing as much access as possible through one of the nation's largest networks," said Steve Martenet, president and general manager, Specialty. "By stressing convenience, we hope to eliminate any obstacles that exist between people getting the services they need, such as regular dental and vision care."

Anthem Extras Packages can be purchased year round. Underwriting isn't required. Those interested in learning more can visit www.anthem.com/anthemextraspackages or call (877) 391-3897.

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 names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Association. Also follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthJoinIn, or visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin.

SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross