Medicare Questions Answered at Local Stores throughout Ohio by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Representatives

MASON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Representatives of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio will be in nearly 200 stores across the state during Medicare's Annual Election Period (AEP) to answer people's questions about Medicare and even assist in enrolling them in a plan.

The AEP began Oct. 15 and continues through Dec. 7. It is the time each year when most people purchase or switch Medicare plans.

“We have been very successful in reaching people who prefer face-to-face discussions about Medicare through these in-store kiosks,” said Erin Ackenheil, vice president of sales for the company's Medicare programs. “We are pleased to return to Giant Eagle, Kroger and Rite Aid, and to add Walgreens to the program for the very first time this year.”

Specific hours and locations vary.

In addition to answering questions about Medicare, representatives will be able to connect people with resources that may be available to them at no extra cost through the National Council on Aging's (NCOA) BenefitsCheckUp, including help with the cost of prescription drugs, rent, heating bills and meals. “Many people miss valuable programs that are available to them simply because they don't know they exist,” Ackenheil said. “We are hoping to close that gap.” Anthem's parent company is a NCOA sponsor.

Also during AEP, Anthem's representatives will play host to a number of community seminars and schedule in-home appointments. Additionally, those who would prefer can visit Anthem's online store at www.anthem.com/medicare where they can learn about products, compare plans, get a quote and enroll. “We are committed to reaching people however they are most comfortable, whether it's in person or over the Internet, “Ackenheil said.

For more information about BenefitsCheckUp, visit www.benefitscheckup.org/anthem. The service is free, confidential and it takes only a few minutes to fill out a questionnaire.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Community Insurance Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross 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 and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio is available at www.anthem.com. 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.

A health plan with a Medicare contract.

A stand-alone prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract.