We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.
So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners.
Anthem vs. Blue Cross Blue Shield: Medicare Advantage Comparison
Anthem is a BCBS company, but its numbers fall below the BCBS collective average.
Kate Ashford, CSA® Lead Writer | Medicare, retirement, personal finance
Kate Ashford is a writer and NerdWallet authority on Medicare. She is a certified senior advisor (CSA)® and has more than 18 years of experience writing about personal finance. Previously, she was a freelance writer for both consumer and business publications, and her work has been published by the BBC, Forbes, Money, AARP, LearnVest and Parents, among others. She has a degree from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. Kate has appeared as a Medicare expert on the PennyWise podcast by Lee Enterprises, and she's been quoted in national publications including Healthline, Real Simple and SingleCare. She is based in New York.
Holly Carey joined NerdWallet in 2021 as an editor on the team responsible for expanding content to additional topics within personal finance. She currently leads the Medicare team. Previously, Holly wrote and edited content and developed digital media strategies as a public affairs officer for the U.S. Navy. She is based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
You’re following Kate Ashford, CSA® Visit your My NerdWallet Settings page to see all the writers you're following.
Anthem-branded Medicare Advantage plans are available in only 14 states, and Anthem’s average star ratings and member experience scores from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) fall below average. Anthem also offers 4-star plans in only three states.
Blue Cross Blue Shield, which is a collective of 33 independent companies, offers plans in most U.S. states, but ratings vary across companies — some perform better than others. Member experience ratings overall are above average for major providers. Benefits available vary by BCBS company.
Here’s a look at how Anthem and BCBS compare.
Anthem Medicare Advantage
Anthem
3.45
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Anthem's plans offer a range of benefits and flexible care, but plans are available in only 14 states and receive below-average star ratings.
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Low (49% or less)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
2.89 (Below average)
Pros
Most plans cover prescription drugs and offer some coverage for dental, hearing and vision care.
Anthem's "Essential Extras" benefits let members choose extra plan benefits that meet their needs, such as $500/year toward assistive devices or $150/quarter toward household utilities.
Cons
Available in only 14 states.
Below-average overall star rating and member experience scores from CMS.
4-star rated plans available in only three states.
States available
14 states
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Low (49% or less)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
2.89 (Below average)
Pros
Most plans cover prescription drugs and offer some coverage for dental, hearing and vision care.
Anthem's "Essential Extras" benefits let members choose extra plan benefits that meet their needs, such as $500/year toward assistive devices or $150/quarter toward household utilities.
Cons
Available in only 14 states.
Below-average overall star rating and member experience scores from CMS.
4-star rated plans available in only three states.
Other factors to consider
Provider size
Part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield collective, which is the 3rd-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans.
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Blue Cross Blue Shield plans are widely available and affordable, but some companies earn higher marks than others on member satisfaction.
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 89%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.39 (Above average)
Pros
BCBS companies offer plans in 48 states and Puerto Rico.
$0-premium BCBS plans are available in 44 states and Puerto Rico.
BCBS plans offer extra benefits like chronic condition management and preloaded debit cards for over-the-counter items.
Cons
Ratings and member satisfaction vary among BCBS companies, and some score lower than others. You may not have access to a highly rated BCBS company.
BCBS companies offer special needs plans in only half of U.S. states.
States available
48 states and Puerto Rico
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 89%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.39 (Above average)
Pros
BCBS companies offer plans in 48 states and Puerto Rico.
$0-premium BCBS plans are available in 44 states and Puerto Rico.
BCBS plans offer extra benefits like chronic condition management and preloaded debit cards for over-the-counter items.
Cons
Ratings and member satisfaction vary among BCBS companies, and some score lower than others. You may not have access to a highly rated BCBS company.
BCBS companies offer special needs plans in only half of U.S. states.
What are the plan’s costs? Do you understand what the plan’s premium, deductibles, copays and/or coinsurance will be? Can you afford them?
Is your doctor in-network? If you have a preferred medical provider or providers, make sure they participate in the plan’s network.
Are your prescriptions covered? If you’re on medication, it’s crucial to understand how the plan covers it. What tier are your prescription drugs on, and are there any coverage rules that apply to them?
Is there dental coverage? Does the plan offer routine coverage for vision, dental and hearing needs?
Are there extras? Does the plan offer any extra benefits, such as fitness memberships, transportation benefits or meal delivery?
