Holders of Anthem Health Marketplace plans get in-network benefits

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Several area health-care systems are participating as preferred health-care providers for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Currently on the list of preferred providers for Anthem insurance plans that are part of the federal Health Insurance Marketplace (Exchange) in the Mahoning Valley are:

Surgical Hospital at Southwoods in Boardman

ValleyCare Health System of Ohio (Northside Medical Center in Youngstown, Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren, and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital in Howland).

Salem Regional Medical Center.

Humility of Mary Health Partners (St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown, St. Elizabeth-Boardman Health Center, and St. Joseph Health Center in Warren).

“We are continually evaluating our provider network, and the health-care systems could change in the future,” said Kim Ashley, Anthem spokeswoman.

Created as part of the Affordable Care Act, the Health Insurance Marketplace is where individuals and small groups may purchase federally qualified health-care plans.

Under the agreements, these hospitals will serve as preferred providers for northern Ohio residents who purchase Anthem insurance plans in the new Health Insurance Marketplace.

Anthem began offering product options on the Ohio Health Insurance Marketplace for both individuals and small employers Jan. 1.

Members choosing products through the exchange will have in-network benefits only by accessing those providers who collaborate with Anthem to help provide affordable, quality care, including Southwoods, ValleyCare, Salem and Humility of Mary Health Partners.

Ashley said, however, that Anthem plan members can access out-of-network hospitals, including those in Pennsylvania, but at higher out-of-pocket costs, depending on the member’s benefit plan.

“We are pleased to be able to find so many willing partners with proven track records of delivering quality health care to the Youngstown region,” said John Cooper, vice president of Individual and Small Group Sales for Anthem.

Ashley said consumers can find information at the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield educational website, www.MakingHealthCare-ReformWork.com, which provides a comprehensive guide to the law with detailed information on benefits, financial assistance, the enrollment process and other topics.