Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Introduces 'Zero, Zero, Zero' Medicare Advantage Plan to Clark, Washoe Counties in Nevada

Local PPO offers zero dollar premiums, zero dollar copays at a primary care doctor's office, zero dollar preventive services and zero dollar copays for preferred generic prescriptions

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 7, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) is introducing its "Zero, Zero, Zero" Medicare Advantage Local Preferred Provider Organization (LPPO) product to Clark and Washoe counties in Nevada for plans effective Jan. 1, 2011. This popular plan offers zero dollar premiums, zero copayments at in-network primary care doctors, zero dollar preventive services and zero dollar copayments for preferred generic prescriptions.

The plan is sold under the name Anthem Medicare Preferred Core (PPO).

"We are committed to helping members of the Medicare population enjoy better health at a reasonable price, including the many Baby Boomers who are entering the system for the first time," said Krista Bowers, senior vice president of the senior division of Anthem. "They shouldn't have to skip important doctor's visits or medications because they can't afford to pay for them."

Mike Murphy, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Nevada, added, "Zero, Zero, Zero plans provide financial relief and peace of mind for our Medicare Advantage members during these difficult economic times. We are pleased to be able to offer these plans in the Las Vegas and Reno areas."

The plan offers optional supplemental benefits, which can be purchased for a small premium, including a preventive dental package, a comprehensive dental and vision package, and a combination package that includes dental, vision, chiropractic and acupuncture. Other benefits vary by plan.

People eligible for Medicare can purchase a Medicare Advantage plan during the "annual enrollment period," which runs from Nov. 15–Dec. 31. For more information, visit Anthem's online store at www.anthem.com/shop where visitors can learn about products, compare plans, get a quote and even enroll in the plan that best suits their needs.

The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits. For more information, contact the plan. Members must continue to pay their Medicare Part B premium. Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Nevada is available at www.anthem.com.

SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Nevada