Anthem medicare review is essential reading for anyone approaching Medicare eligibility in 2026. Anthem, a subsidiary of Elevance Health, is one of the largest health insurers in the United States. The company traces its roots back to 1946 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Today, Elevance Health generates over $175 billion in annual revenue.
It serves more than 112 million consumers through its family of brands. Anthem operates Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in 14 states. The company covers more than 2.2 million Medicare Advantage beneficiaries nationwide. For seniors weighing their Medicare options, this anthem medicare review breaks down everything from financial strength to plan benefits and customer satisfaction.
Anthem Overview and Financial Strength
Anthem has nearly eight decades of experience in the health insurance industry. The company was originally known as Mutual Hospital Insurance Inc. In 2004, it merged with WellPoint to form a national powerhouse. Elevance Health became the official corporate name in June 2022. However, the company still markets its Medicare plans under the Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield brand. Anthem is headquartered in Indianapolis and employs over 100,000 people across its subsidiaries.
Financial stability matters when choosing a Medicare plan. AM Best affirmed Anthem’s Financial Strength Rating at “A” (Excellent) in December 2024. This rating indicates a strong ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations. For comparison, this puts Anthem on par with Aetna but slightly below UnitedHealthcare’s “A+” rating. The CMS Star Ratings tell a more mixed story. Anthem’s Medicare Advantage plans earned an enrollment-weighted average of 3.64 stars out of 5 for 2026. That falls below the industry average of 3.98 stars. However, roughly 53% of Anthem’s MA members are now enrolled in contracts rated 4 stars or above.
The NAIC complaint data shows Anthem performing near the national average. Anthem members file complaints about 1% less often than the average Medigap insurer. In the J.D. Power 2025 Medicare Advantage Study, Anthem scored 680 out of 1,000 in Ohio. That ranked highest in the state for the second consecutive year. The Better Business Bureau does not accredit Anthem, which is common among large insurers. Below is a summary of Anthem’s key ratings across major evaluation sources.
| Rating Source | Score / Grade |
|---|---|
| AM Best Financial Strength | A (Excellent) |
| CMS Star Rating (2026 avg.) | 3.64 / 5.0 stars |
| NAIC Complaint Index | Near average (1% below mean) |
| J.D. Power (Ohio, 2025) | 680 / 1,000 |
| BBB Accreditation | Not Accredited |
Anthem Medicare Review: Medicare Plan Options
This anthem medicare review covers the full range of products Anthem offers. The company sells Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Medicare Advantage, Part D prescription drug, and Special Needs Plans. Medigap plans are available in approximately 14 states. These include California, Connecticut, Indiana, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Plan availability varies by state. For example, Ohio residents can choose Plans A, F, and G but do not have access to Plan N.
Plan G is Anthem’s most popular Medigap option for new enrollees. It covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs after the Part B deductible. Plan N offers a lower premium in exchange for small copays. Typically, Plan N members pay $20 for doctor visits and $50 for emergency room visits. Plan F remains available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. In most cases, seniors enrolling today choose between Plan G and Plan N based on budget and risk tolerance.
Anthem’s Medicare Advantage lineup includes HMO, PPO, and HMO-POS plan types. Many of these plans carry a $0 monthly premium. The company also offers Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) for people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) serve members with specific diagnoses like diabetes or heart failure. Most Anthem MA plans bundle Part D prescription drug coverage. You can search for specific plans in your area using the Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov.
Anthem Medicare Rates and Enrollment
Any thorough anthem medicare review must address pricing. Medigap rates depend on your age, location, gender, and tobacco use. For 2026, Anthem Plan G premiums generally range from $180 to $260 per month. Plan N premiums fall between $110 and $180 per month. However, these figures vary significantly by state and county. Anthem uses attained-age rating in most markets. As a result, premiums increase gradually as you get older.
Medicare Advantage enrollment follows the federal Annual Enrollment Period. This runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. Coverage begins January 1. New Medicare beneficiaries can also enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period. Anthem accepts enrollments online, by phone, and through licensed insurance agents. For Medigap plans, the best time to apply is during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. During this window, Anthem cannot deny coverage or charge more due to pre-existing conditions.
Comparing rates across carriers is critical before choosing a plan. Anthem’s Medigap premiums are competitive but not always the lowest. In some states, smaller regional carriers may undercut Anthem by $20 to $40 per month. However, Anthem’s financial strength and brand recognition provide peace of mind. Many retirees also review other insurance needs at this stage. For example, you can compare home insurance rates at Home Insure Guide to make sure your homeowners coverage keeps pace with your retirement budget.
Anthem Additional Benefits and Perks
This anthem medicare review highlights the extra benefits that set Anthem apart. Medicare Advantage plans often include perks beyond Original Medicare. Anthem MA plans frequently offer dental, vision, and hearing coverage at no additional cost. Routine dental benefits typically cover exams, cleanings, and X-rays. Vision benefits may include eye exams, frames, lenses, and contact lenses.
Many Anthem Medicare Advantage plans include a SilverSneakers fitness membership. This program provides free gym access at thousands of locations nationwide. It also includes live online fitness classes and on-demand workout videos. Some plans offer an over-the-counter allowance of up to $100 per quarter. Members can use this allowance for vitamins, pain relievers, first aid supplies, and dental care products. Telehealth services are available on most plans. As a result, members can consult a doctor from home without a copay in many cases.
Anthem also offers meal delivery and transportation benefits on select plans. Post-discharge meal programs help members recover after hospital stays. Non-emergency medical transportation helps seniors get to doctor appointments. These supplemental benefits are only available through Medicare Advantage plans. Medigap plans do not include these extras. However, Medigap offers broader provider choice since it works with any doctor who accepts Medicare. Many Medicare beneficiaries also carry a life insurance policy to protect their family. You can compare life insurance rates at Life Insure Guide to find affordable coverage alongside your Medicare plan.
Anthem Claims Process and Customer Service
An anthem medicare review would be incomplete without evaluating customer service. Anthem provides the Sydney Health mobile app for plan management. Members can use the app to view claims, find doctors, check benefits, and access digital ID cards. The online member portal offers the same features through a web browser. After a claim is processed, Anthem sends an Explanation of Benefits showing what was paid and what the member owes.
Customer service is available by phone using the number on the back of your member ID card. TTY users can dial 711. In the J.D. Power 2025 Medicare Advantage Study, overall industry satisfaction scored 623 out of 1,000. Anthem outperformed that average in several regional markets. However, trust scores declined across the entire industry by 39 points year over year. Anthem was not immune to this broader trend.
The NAIC complaint data for Anthem shows performance near the industry average. This is a positive sign for a company of its size. Larger insurers typically receive more complaints simply due to volume. Anthem resolves most complaints through its internal appeals process. For unresolved issues, members can file a grievance with their state insurance department or contact Medicare.gov for appeals guidance. In most cases, claims are processed within 30 days.
Pros and Cons of Anthem Medicare Plans
Pros:
- AM Best “A” (Excellent) financial strength rating backed by nearly 80 years in business
- Comprehensive plan lineup including Medigap G, N, Medicare Advantage HMO/PPO, Part D, and SNPs
- Rich Medicare Advantage extras like SilverSneakers, dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowances, and telehealth
- Strong regional J.D. Power satisfaction scores, ranking highest in Ohio at 680 out of 1,000
Cons:
- Medicare Advantage star ratings average 3.64 stars, below the industry average of 3.98
- Medigap plans available in only about 14 states, limiting access for many beneficiaries
- Not BBB accredited, and customer trust scores have declined alongside industry-wide trends
Who Is Anthem Best For?
After this detailed anthem medicare review, certain beneficiaries stand out as ideal Anthem customers. Anthem is best for seniors who want a financially stable carrier with a recognized Blue Cross Blue Shield brand. Plan G shoppers in states like California, Indiana, Ohio, and New York will find competitive rates and reliable coverage. Anthem Plan G covers virtually all Medicare gaps after the annual Part B deductible.
Anthem Medicare Advantage plans are a strong fit for budget-conscious retirees. Many plans carry a $0 monthly premium with built-in dental, vision, and hearing benefits. The SilverSneakers membership and OTC allowance add significant value. Dual-eligible seniors should consider Anthem’s D-SNP plans. These plans coordinate Medicare and Medicaid benefits into a single, simplified package. As a result, members receive extra support and care coordination.
However, Anthem may not be the best choice for everyone. Seniors who prioritize the highest CMS star ratings may prefer carriers with 4.5-star or 5-star plans. Those living outside Anthem’s 14-state Medigap footprint will need to look elsewhere. Typically, the best approach is to compare Anthem side by side with two or three other carriers in your county. This anthem medicare review confirms that Anthem is a solid choice for beneficiaries who value brand strength, plan variety, and supplemental benefits in their Medicare coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anthem a good Medicare Supplement provider in 2026?
Anthem holds an AM Best “A” (Excellent) financial strength rating. It offers Medigap Plans A, F, G, and N in approximately 14 states. However, availability and pricing vary by location, so comparing quotes from multiple carriers is always recommended.
What is the average star rating for Anthem Medicare Advantage plans?
For 2026, Anthem’s enrollment-weighted average CMS star rating is 3.64 out of 5. This falls below the industry average of 3.98 stars. However, about 53% of Anthem’s Medicare Advantage members are now in plans rated 4 stars or higher.
Does Anthem Medicare Advantage include dental and vision coverage?
Most Anthem Medicare Advantage plans include routine dental, vision, and hearing benefits at no extra cost. Dental coverage typically includes exams, cleanings, and X-rays. In most cases, vision benefits cover eye exams, frames, and prescription lenses.
Compare More Medicare Insurance Companies
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on Medicare plans, ratings, and enrollment:
- Medicare.gov (Official): medicare.gov
- CMS.gov (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid): cms.gov
- AM Best (Financial Strength Ratings): ambest.com
- NAIC (Complaint Ratios): naic.org
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): shiphelp.org
- Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): kff.org
Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.