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CareSource vs. Anthem Insurance
Which health insurance company is the best option for you and your family? Compare CareSource and Anthem side by side.
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 Written & Edited by Fran Majidi Fran MajidiFran Majidi manages content on SmartFinancial's website. She's had nearly a decade's worth of experience writing about i... Read more |
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CareSource vs. Anthem: What You Need to Know
In 1989, CareSource was founded on the premise of providing quality health care coverage for Medicaid consumers. Today it offers one of the nation’s largest Medicaid managed care plans. CareSource also offers private health insurance plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace, including Medicare Advantage and MyCare Ohio plans. CareSource has more than 1.9 million members across five states. The company employs about 3,800 people and is considered a nonprofit organization.
In 2004, WellPoint Health Networks Inc and Anthem, Inc. merged and became the nation’s leading health benefits company. In December 2014 WellPoint Inc. changed its corporate name to Anthem, Inc. The Anthem companies offer health care plans and related services like dental, vision, behavioral health, life insurance and disability insurance benefits as well as long-term care insurance and flexible spending accounts. Anthem has about 40 million members and is ranked 33rd on the Fortune 500.
To learn more about each company, you can check out the CareSource Overview and Anthem Overview.
What is CareSource and Anthem Insurance Rating?
Which health insurance company is better? We've made it easy to compare companies side by side. See how CareSource and Anthem ranked among the industry ratings.
| Comparison | CareSource | Anthem |
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2004 |
| Medicare Star Rating | 2.5 stars (out of 5) | |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| NAIC Complaint Index | 7.17% | 0.30% for individual health insurance |
| Market Share Percentage | 6.3% | |
| Financial Strength | Excellent |
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Pros & Cons of CareSource or Anthem
Pros
CareSource
- CareSource is one of a few options that lower-income, underserved communities have for a managed health plan.
- Affordable marketplace plans with different tiers of coverage.
Anthem
- Anthem Inc. is one of the largest providers of health insurance plans in the country, serving approximately 40 million members
- Anthem Inc. is a financially secure health insurance carrier.
Cons
CareSource
- CareSource has a high number of complaints.
Anthem
- Anthem received some bad press in 2014, for refusing to cover the hospitalization of a man with stage 4 cancers. Anthem ended up paying for coverage after public outcry.
- In 2017, Anthem was fined for untimely responses to complaints.
CareSource and Anthem Mobile Apps Options
The CareSource app allows you to view your digital ID Card, find a doctor, file claims, make payments and more.
The Anthem Medicaid app is only available to policyholders in 5 states. Indiana, Kentucky, Nevada, Wisconsin and Virginia. The app allows users to find doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies, view claims, pay your bill, and manage your prescriptions.
| CareSource Mobile App | ||
|---|---|---|
| iOS | 4 | 1K users |
| Android | 3.3 | 397 users |
| Anthem Mobile App | ||
|---|---|---|
| iOS | 2.2 | 42 users |
| Android | 2.9 | 101 users |
CareSource and Anthem Enrollment Process
CareSource
CareSource is available through the health insurance marketplace by searching plans here or you can get several free health insurance quotes here.
Each state has its own marketplace. If you’re not sure where to begin, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/. Also, remember that CareSource only covers Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana Georgia and West Virginia.
Anthem
Anthem is available through the health insurance marketplace or you can get several free quotes here. Each state has their own marketplace. If you’re not sure where to begin, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/.
How to File a Claim with CareSource and Anthem Insurance
CareSource
CareSource accepts claims in various formats, including paper and electronic claims. Reimbursement is based on the prevailing state Medicaid or Medicare fee schedule. With Marketplace Plans, you can make claims inquiries at (866) 286-9949 (Indiana), (855) 852-5558 (Kentucky), (937) 224-3300 (Ohio), (678) 214 7500, (Georgia) and (855) 202-1091 (West Virginia). Visit your app or www.caresource.com to find the right claim forms for the state in which you live.
Anthem
Make sure you use the claim form from your benefit plan because each type is different. You’ll need to get procedures codes from your doctor’s office. File the paperwork within the time limit. Include pre-approval if it’s needed.
Common Questions About Anthem and CareSource Insurance
CareSource
How to cancel CareSource insurance?
Cancellation inquiries can be made at (866) 286-9949 (Indiana), (855) 852-5558 (Kentucky), (937) 224-3300 (Ohio), (678) 214 7500, (Georgia) and (855) 202-1091 (West Virginia).
Does CareSource require prior authorization?
Some procedures, like MRIs, MRAs, CT scans, CTA scans and PET scans, require pre-authorization, unless they are provided in an emergency department. All services that require prior authorization from CareSource need to be authorized before the service is rendered.
What is CareSource24®?
CareSource24® is a free 24-hour nurse advice line. It is commonly used to manage pregnancy, asthma, diabetes and more.
What pharmacy accepts CareSource?
You can find a pharmacy using the CareSource app or your state’s CareSource state page. For Ohio members can Find a Pharmacy here.
Anthem
Are the Anthem Insurance reviews positive or negative?
The complaint ratio on individual health plans are lower than complaint ratios on group health plans. Both fall below the average number of complaints compared with other carriers.
Is Anthem medical insurance good?
Anthem is a trusted medical insurance provider which serves millions of Americans. Complaint ratios, however, tend to be a bit higher than average on group insurance plans.
How does Anthem deductible work?
Like most health care plans, Anthem has an annual flat-dollar deductible you must meet before your plan begins to pay your medical expenses.
Is Anthem Blue Cross the same as Blue Shield?
Anthem offers health insurance as a Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliate.
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CareSource and Anthem Insurance Contact Info
| CareSource Contact Info | |
|---|---|
| Address | 230 N. Main St., Dayton, OH 45402 |
| Phone | 1 (937) 224-3300 |
| Website | https://www.caresource.com/ |
| https://www.facebook.com/CareSource/ | |
| Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU8XjYqtJ-0 |
| https://twitter.com/caresource | |
| https://www.linkedin.com/company/caresource/ | |
| Anthem Contact Info | |
|---|---|
| Address | 220 Virginia Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46204 |
| Phone | 1 (800) 331-1476 |
| Website | https://www.anthem.com/ |
| https://www.facebook.com/AnthemBlueCrossBlueShield/ | |
| Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCInrJqNqrSpvHwNErijbVyg |
| https://twitter.com/AnthemInc | |
| https://www.linkedin.com/company/antheminc/ | |
Fran Majidi manages content on SmartFinancial's website. She's had nearly a decade's worth of experience writing about insurance-related topics. Prior, she was an arts and entertainment editor in New York City. She has a B.A. from Barnard College and an M.F.A. in writing from The New School. She writes books under her given name, Afarin Majidi.
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