Anthem unveils Foster Care Specialty Plan enhancing health access for Virginia youth

The Provider Q/A Session for the New Cardinal Care Managed Care (CCMC) took place on June 17, 2025, focusing on enhancing health care accessibility and support for Virginia's Medicaid Program. The meeting highlighted several key initiatives aimed at improving member services and addressing ongoing challenges in health care delivery.

One significant topic discussed was the integration of technology into health care services. Anthem, a key provider, announced the availability of free cell phones equipped with digital health apps, which aim to facilitate 24/7 access to urgent care through various devices. This initiative is designed to eliminate transportation barriers that many members face when seeking health care.

Anthem also introduced a range of lifestyle benefits intended to support members' everyday needs. These benefits include personal hygiene products, home-delivered meals post-hospitalization, home safety items, and assistance with obtaining identification. Such services are aimed at helping members maintain a dignified standard of living while focusing on their health.

A notable addition to Anthem's offerings is the Foster Care Specialty Plan, which targets children in foster care, adoptees, and young adults transitioning out of the system. This plan provides tailored benefits to meet the unique wellness needs of these individuals, emphasizing the importance of a supportive environment for their health and development. Anthem committed to partnering with providers to ensure high-quality care for these vulnerable populations.

The meeting also addressed the importance of dedicated support lines for providers, ensuring that member-related concerns can be resolved efficiently. Anthem's specialized support team is available to assist providers in navigating care management, including coordinating medical and behavioral health visits, transportation, and pharmacy needs.

Furthermore, Anthem expressed its commitment to enhancing the capacity of clinicians caring for youth in foster care by offering specialized training on trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices. This initiative aims to empower providers with the necessary skills to deliver effective care tailored to the unique challenges faced by these young individuals.

The session concluded with a reaffirmation of Anthem's dedication to member rights, emphasizing fair treatment, privacy, and the ability for members to participate in their health care decisions. Members can file grievances or appeals regarding service denials, with processes in place to ensure timely responses.

Overall, the meeting underscored Anthem's proactive approach to improving health care access and quality for Virginia's Medicaid members, particularly those in foster care, while fostering strong partnerships with providers to enhance care delivery.