Does Blue Cross Blue Shield go by another name?


Editorial team Published on

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) does not have a single alternate name, but it is often called "The Blues" or BCBS.

Instead of being one massive company, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a federation of 33 separate, independent, and locally operated companies. Because of this, they often go by local or corporate brand names depending on where you live:

  • Anthem / Elevance Health: Operates Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in several states (like California, New York, and Ohio).
  • Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield: Used in parts of New York.
  • Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC): The parent organization for plans in states like Illinois, Texas, Montana, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
  • Highmark: Operates plans in parts of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia.
  • GeoBlue: Formerly used for international coverage, now rebranded as Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions.