Anthem Blue Cross Life & Health Insurance Company
3500 Deductible (HSA Compatible)

IMPORTANT NOTE: AFTER SEPTEMBER 23, 2010 THE 3500 DEDUCTIBLE PLAN WILL NO LONGER BE AVAILABLE FOR NEW SALES. BECAUSE OF THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (PPACA) ANTHEM BLUE CROSS HAS DECIDED TO REMOVE THESE PLANS FROM THEIR PORTFOLIO. NEW PLANS WILL BE AVAILABLE AS SOON AS THEY RECEIVE REGULATORY APPROVAL FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

The Anthem Blue Cross 3500 Deductible (HSA Compatible) PPO

From Anthem BC Life & Health Insurance Company (Blue Cross) offers you the opportunity to combine a health savings account (HSA) with your health plan. High-deductible health plans work together with HSA's to provide valuable health coverage and potential tax advantages. Tax-deductible contributions to the HSA (and tax-free interest) can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses not covered by the health plan.

And, if you don't want to open an HSA, this plan features great benefits all on its own. The monthly premiums for the PPO 3500 (HSA-Compatible) Plan are among their lowest, and you pay $0 for most covered services after your annual deductible is met. The PPO 3500 (HSA-Compatible) Plan has a combined medical/pharmacy deductible, which means that your payments for prescription drugs apply toward your deductible and annual out-of-pocket maximum too. This plan does not offer maternity coverage.

Protect Your Health and Financial Future

Even if you're healthy, you could be caught off-guard by an unexpected illness, injury or serious accident. Medical care can quickly add up to staggering financial loss. The PPO 3500 (HSA-Compatible) Plan can help limit your out-of-pocket expenses, protect your assets and safeguard your future earnings. And the combination of this high-deductible health plan can an HSA can give you a strong financial strategy.

You can get even more value from your health plan by taking advantage of programs and services to help you stay healthy - such as screenings, health and wellness programs, 24-hour information by phone from registered nurses, and health living resources.

• The option to sign up for an HSA through JPMorgan Bank (Chase) or another bank
• Access to over 50,000 California network doctors and specialists and over 400 hospitals - so you're covered just about anywhere
• Significant savings for you - because we've negotiated lower fees with our network doctors and hospitals, your share of costs is less while meeting your deductible
• No charge for most covered services after meeting your annual deductible
• Out-of-state coverage that allows you to use your plan's benefits when traveling

Who was the PPO 3500 HSA-Compatible designed for?

• Those wanting low monthly premiums
• Individuals who don't want maternity coverage
• Self-employed Individuals
• Empty nesters and early retirees
• Those wanting a health plan that works hand-in-hand with a tax-advantages health savings account (HSA)

What is an HSA?

An HSA is a personal savings account that gives you more control over how you save for and manage your health care costs. It allows you to earn interest as you save for qualified medical expenses on a tax-advantage basis. Qualified medical expenses include your deductible, coinsurance, prescription drug copays and many other health expenses not covered by insurance. You must first be enrolled in a qualified high deductible health plan, such as the PPO 3500 (HSA Compatible) Plan, to set up an HSA. The two work together to provide you with the medical coverage your need, and an account to help you pay for what the plan does not cover.

Consult Your Tax Advisor

A high deductible health plan (HDHP) is not a health savings account (HSA). An HSA is a separate arrangement between an individual and a qualified financial institution. To take advantage of tax benefits, an HSA needs to be established. Consultation with a tax advisor is recommended. The PPO 3500 Deductible brochure provides general information only and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a qualified tax professional. If you are considering an HSA, you should consult your tax advisor who can evaluate you needs and circumstances.

HSA Advantages

• Contributions up to the annual IRS limit are tax-deductible
• Withdrawals are federally tax-free if used for qualified medical expenses
• Savings can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses not covered by the PPO 3500 (HSA Compatible) Plan.
• Savings can cover some or all of out of pocket expenses
• Money not spent rolls over to following year
• Potential exists to build significant, nest egg balances after years of tax advantages contributions and interest earnings