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.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has notified us that the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and The James Cancer Hospital will no longer be in its Medicare Advantage network, effective Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.

We have worked in good faith with Anthem for more than a year to renew our contract that would allow the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and its providers to remain in Anthem’s Medicare Advantage network. Unfortunately, Anthem is unwilling to agree on a new, fair contract.

We’re disappointed in Anthem’s decision to remove the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and The James from its Medicare Advantage network. We are willing to continue negotiating with Anthem on Medicare Advantage should the insurance company’s position change.

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 Open Enrollment period is going on now and continues through Saturday, Dec. 7. During this period, you can make changes to your Medicare plan if you wish. Here’s a list of Medicare Advantage insurance carriers accepted by the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and the OSUCCC – James as of Jan. 1, 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.
• You’ll have another opportunity to make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan in 2025 during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period, from Jan. 1 through 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.

It’s important to know that the Wexner Medical Center and the OSUCCC – James remain in network with your Anthem Medicare Advantage plan for the rest of 2024. You should keep all appointments through the end of the year to ensure you continue to receive the care you need.

Information about your Medicare options

Medicare 2025 annual enrollment period
Oct. 15-Dec. 7, 2024

• During this period, you can make changes to your Medicare plan if you wish.

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.