Protecting Your Access to Trusted Care

Protecting your access to trusted care at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and the OSUCCC – James

Thank you for trusting The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) with your care. We want to share an important update about our participation with Medicare Advantage and what it may mean for you as a valued patient.

During contract negotiations, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Ohio State did not reach agreement on the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and The James Cancer Hospital remaining in the Anthem Medicare Advantage network for 2025.

Ohio State patients with Anthem Medicare Advantage coverage will lose in-network access to our care beginning Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.

Patients who wish to continue their care through Medicare Advantage at Ohio State have an opportunity to switch to another Medicare Advantage plan that is in-network with the Wexner Medical Center and The James during the open enrollment period from Jan. 1-March 31, 2025.

We know how important it is for you to have access to the high-quality care, providers and services you depend on at the Wexner Medical Center and the OSUCCC – James. Here are some resources to help you make informed decisions about your future care:  

• The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period runs from Jan. 1 through March 31, 2025.
  • Original Medicare and all Medicare supplements 
  • Aetna Medicare 
  • Buckeye – Wellcare 
  • CareSource Medicare Advantage Ohio 
  • The Health Plan SecureCare 
  • Humana Medicare Advantage
  • Mount Carmel MediGold 
  • MedMutual Advantage 
  • Molina Medicare 
  • Perennial Advantage 
• Our partner, Chapter, is a company that provides no-cost counseling to existing and new Medicare patients who need help selecting the right plan to keep their doctors. The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and OSUCCC – James patients may call 866-571-0136 or schedule an appointment at askchapter.org/osu.

Important Exception Notice

There’s one exception for a small set of clinics and physician practices that remain in network. The following care sites will remain in Anthem’s Medicare Advantage network, meaning patients with Anthem Medicare Advantage plans can continue to see clinicians at these locations at in-network rates:

• Madison Health Primary and Specialty Care Locations
• OSUP Locations
  • Primary Care Crown Park
  • Dr. Robert Pema
  • Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
  • Neurologic Specialists
  • Primary Care Pickerington
  • Primary Care Stoneridge
  • Primary Care Gahanna Beecher Crossing

However, to maintain uninterrupted access to the clinicians and high-quality care and services at the Wexner Medical Center and The James, patients should switch to an accepted Medicare Advantage insurance carrier, speak with Chapter or be prepared to pay out-of-network rates.

Information about your Medicare options

Medicare Advantage 2025 Open Enrollment period
Jan. 1-March 31, 2025

• You may switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare or choose a different Medicare Advantage plan once during this period.

To switch plans:

• Call Chapter to access no-cost counseling to help you select the right plan to keep your existing doctors. You can reach them at 866-571-0136 or schedule an appointment at askchapter.org/osu.
• Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for assistance with switching plans.
• Visit Medicare’s website at Medicare.gov and use the Plan Finder tool to compare available Medicare Advantage plans.