Lantern for Specialty and Complex Care

My Favorites

Lantern for Specialty and Complex Care

We understand that navigating complex care—whether it’s a planned surgery or a serious diagnosis—can feel overwhelming. SMP’s new partner, Lantern, is here to make it easier beginning in 2026.

For procedures like joint and spine surgeries, Lantern helps you:

Connect with top-rated surgeons and specialists

Understand your options through 1:1 support

Secure faster access to appointments

Save money on planned, non-emergency surgeries

Your Care Advocate will match you with the best surgeon in Lantern’s network for your needs, answer your questions, and guide you through the entire process. Many members can also receive care close to home.

Eligibility

If you are enrolled in a Standard Motor Products medical plan, you and your covered family members, age 18 and older, are eligible for Lantern support. Inpatient and outpatient hospital care under the PPO Plan is waived when using Lantern. Member cost share under the HDHP Base Plan and HDHP Value Plan is waived after the minimum IRS deductible.

Get Ready

Keep an eye out for more information from Lantern before the end of the year. Eligible employees will be able to connect with Lantern after January 1, 2026, by visiting the Programs page on anthem.com, the Sydney Health app, or by calling Lantern at 1-855-317-4883. Lantern offers support for those who speak other languages, so everyone in your family can feel confident and cared for.

Coverage Highlights

Lantern can help with:

  • Joint replacements
  • Colonoscopies
  • Cardiac procedures
  • Disk replacements
  • Ligament repairs
  • Hysterectomies
  • And more

Lantern, step by step

  1. Call Lantern before scheduling care. A dedicated Care Advocate learns about your needs and explains your personalized options.
  2. Choose the right specialist. Lantern connects you to a board-certified surgeon with extensive experience.
  3. Lantern handles the details. From scheduling to paperwork to follow-up, you can focus on your health.

Why call Lantern?

  • Little to no out-of-pocket cost to members on surgery (see table below)
  • Access to board-certified surgeons near you
  • Personalized support from a Care Advocate every step of the way
  • Pre-paid debit card to cover travel, lodging, and meals for you and a loved one when traveling 100+ miles away
  • An exclusive benefit provided by SMP

Travel Support

Get the help you need to reach the care that’s right for you. Lantern offers travel support for members and a companion:

  • $25 for 0-99 miles
  • $50 for 100-199 miles
  • $100 for 200+ miles

Lantern can also support you by booking your flights and hotels, and providing a $35 per diem per person, per day, to cover meals and travel-related expenses.

Services performed by Lantern Surgery Care Providers are not subject to the applicable copay, deductible and coinsurance requirements of your applicable health plan, as detailed below:

Health Plan

Copay

Deductible

Coinsurance

Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum

PPO Plan

$0 (waived)

$0 (waived)

0% (waived)

$0 (waived)

HSA Base and Value Plan

$0 (waived)

IRS minimum ($1,700/$3,400)

$0 (waived)

$0 (waived)

What do I get with the Lantern benefit?

Beginning in 2026, if you are eligible, you’ll get access to top-rated surgeons and coverage for your surgery, including the procedure, hospital fees, and anesthesia—all with personal support every step of the way.

What does Lantern cover?

Thousands of planned (non-emergency) surgeries are covered, but some services like scans, imaging, and physical therapy may not be included. Call 1-855-317-4883 to check if your surgery is covered.

What’s the difference between Lantern and my regular health insurance?

Your insurance covers many providers, but Lantern connects you to a select network of top-rated surgeons who meet the highest standards—at a much lower cost to you.

Who will help me through the process?

Your benefit includes help from a Lantern Care Advocate who will:

  • Explain how your benefits work
  • Answer any questions you may have
  • Help match you with a top surgeon for your needs
  • Help you schedule appointments, request medical records, and more
  • Book travel for you, if needed

How do I know if a surgery is covered?

Your insurance covers many providers, but Lantern connects you to a select network of top-rated surgeons who meet the highest standards—at a much lower cost to you.

If I already have a surgeon, how do I know if they are in the Lantern network?

Call 1-855-317-4883 to talk with a Care Advocate. They can confirm if your surgeon is in network and help you find a covered surgeon if they are not.

What happens after my surgery?

A Care Advocate will follow up and ensure you received the highest-quality care and schedule any post-procedure appointments.

What will my surgery cost?

The cost of your surgery is significantly reduced.

What isn’t covered by Lantern?

Testing, scans, imaging, durable medical equipment, and physical therapy expenses may not be included. However, coverage may be available through your SMP medical plan.

Keep an eye out for more information from Lantern before the end of the year. Eligible employees will be able to connect with Lantern after January 1, 2026, by visiting the Programs page on anthem.com, the Sydney Health app, or by calling Lantern at 1-855-317-4883.

Hear From Lantern Members

Watch the video below to hear from members about their experience using Lantern.

Download and save the following resources from Lantern and SMP:

Notifications