Anthem Blue Cross FAQs

1. How do I contact Anthem Blue Cross?
   
2. When should I contact Anthem Blue Cross?
   
3. What happens if I receive a bill or claim for services by mistake?
   
4. How do I locate an Anthem Blue Cross HMO or PPO Provider?
   
5. How long should I expect to wait for an appointment with a physician?
   
6. I am not feeling well, it is after hours, and I don’t know if it is serious enough to go to an urgent care center or emergency room – is there someone I can call and get advice?
   
7. What Urgent Care Center should I go to?
   
8. How do I add or remove a spouse or dependent(s)?
   
9. How can I get a second opinion or what do I do if I am denied a second opinion?
   
10. How do I locate information about Prescription Drugs?
    
11. Is Prescription Mail Order Service available?
    
12. How do I file an appeal or grievance with Anthem Blue Cross?
    
13. How do I access the MEBA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?

1. You can contact Anthem Blue Cross by calling Member Services at the appropriate number listed on the back of your ID card (Service Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. or by going on their website at http://www.anthem.com/ca/meba/. Website inquires will be answered within 48 hours. (Back to Top)
   
   
2. You should contact Anthem Blue Cross to verify eligibility, check on a claim or benefit status, update your mailing address, order ID cards, change your primary care physician, and file appeals or grievances. (Back to Top)
   
   
3. Call Anthem Blue Cross Member Services as soon as possible, so they can appropriately process or route the claim. (Back to Top)
   
   
4. An HMO, POS or PPO Provider can be located on the MEBA microsite through Anthem Blue Cross at http://www.anthem.com/ca/meba/. Then click on “find a doctor” or you may simply call Anthem Blue Cross’ Member Services. (Back to Top)
   
   
5. If you do not receive an appointment within the accessibility standard shown in the table below, you should call Anthem Blue Cross Member Services at the number listed on the back of your ID card. (Back to Top)
   
   

   Type of Appointment	Accessibility Standard
   Access to preventive care with PCP, Nurse Practitioner, or Physician Assistant	Within 30 calendar days
   Access to routine, non-urgent symptomatic care appointment with member’s assigned PCP	Within 7 calendar days
   Access to routine, non-urgent symptomatic care appointment with specialists	Within 14 calendar days
   Access to urgent care appointment with your PCP, a specialist, a covering physician, or an urgent care provider	Within 24 hours
   Emergency Care	Immediate

   
   
6. Yes! Anthem Blue Cross has a nurse-line available to ask health related questions regarding you or a family member. Call (800) 337-4770 – it is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Have your insurance card available when you call. (Back to Top)
   
   
7. HMO: You are required to use your IPA/Medical Groups contracted Urgent Care Centers. Contact your Primary Care Physician (PCP) or IPA/Medical Group prior to seeking urgent care for instructions.
   
   PPO: You may use any urgent care facility that accepts Anthem Blue Cross PPO plans.
   (Back to Top)
   
   
8. If you want to add a dependent, contact your district no later than 31 days from the date of the event to enroll a newborn, legally adopted child, or newly married spouse or domestic partner. Dependents not added within this period, may not be eligible until the next open enrollment period. (Back to Top)
   
   
9. Call Anthem Blue Cross member services at at the appropriate number listed on the back of your ID card. A member services representative will assist you on how to obtain a second opinion. (Back to Top)
   
   
10. Go to the MEBA Microsite http://www.anthem.com/ca/meba/ and click on “pharmacy.” There you can locate information about drug coverage, formulary status, costs and generic alternatives, or drug interactions. You may also find a pharmacy in your area, or submit confidential questions to a pharmacist. (Back to Top)
    
    
11. To enroll in prescription mail order service go to http://www.mymeba.org, scroll over “Resources,” and click on “Forms” to download and print a copy of the form. Once you have mailed in the form, you can go to http://www.anthem.com/ca/meba/ and click on “Pharmacy.” Then go to WellPoint NextRx Mail Services to register to be able to check order status, order refills, and review your account. However, if you prefer, a representative may be reached at (800) 700-2541 to assist you with these same services. (Back to Top)
    
    
12. Call member services at Anthem Blue Cross at the number on the back of your ID card and verbalize your grievance. (Back to Top)
    
    
13. If you would like to use the MEBA Employee Assistance Program (EAP), there is information available on the MEBA website at www.mymeba.org. Just scroll over “Resources” and then click on “EAP” to be directed to newsletters and a direct link to the EAP site (http://www.ea55p33w4l.com/tools/loginb.asp). If you prefer, you may also call (800) 999-7222 to reach a representative. (Back to Top)
    

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