Is Anthem the same as Anthem Blue Cross?

Editorial team Published on

Yes, Anthem and Anthem Blue Cross are closely related, as Anthem Blue Cross is simply the regional brand name and operating subsidiary used by the parent company (Anthem, Inc., which later rebranded to Elevance Health) in specific states like California.

The Relationship Explained

  • Anthem (the company): This is the large, publicly traded health insurance corporation (and the largest for-profit licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association).
  • Anthem Blue Cross (the brand): This is the specific local name used in states where Anthem operates as an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
  • Other Regional Names: Depending on the state, the same parent company operates under different local titles, such as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in states like Ohio or Colorado, or Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield in parts of New York.

Is there a difference between Anthem and Anthem Blue Cross?

Anthem and Anthem Blue Cross are closely related, as "Anthem Blue Cross" is simply the specific regional brand name used by the parent company Anthem (owned by Elevance Health) in certain states like California.

The Relationship

  • Anthem: This is the corporate brand and name of the large health insurance company (formerly known as WellPoint) that operates as a licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association in 14 states.
  • Anthem Blue Cross / Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield: This is the actual name printed on your insurance card if you live in one of Anthem's specific service states (such as California, New York, Ohio, or Virginia).

Key Details

  • Same Company: If your card says Anthem Blue Cross, your underlying insurer is Anthem.
  • Geographic Specifics: Anthem uses the "Blue Cross" or "Blue Cross and Blue Shield" portion of the name locally because of its licensing agreement with the national Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
  • Network Access: Plans under the Anthem brand typically give you access to local networks as well as the national BlueCard program for out-of-state care.

Is Anthem actually Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Anthem is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, meaning it is legally a separate company but licensed to use the Blue Cross and Blue Shield brand names in 14 specific states.

The Relationship Explained

  • Licensee Status: The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association does not sell insurance directly; instead, it licenses its brand names to independent, locally operated companies.
  • Corporate Ownership: Anthem (owned by parent company Elevance Health) is the largest for-profit licensee in the association.
  • Network Access: Because Anthem is part of the broader network, Anthem members usually have access to the national BlueCard network when traveling outside their home state.

Key Differences

  • Geographic Limits: Anthem only operates under the Blue Cross/Blue Shield name in 14 states (such as California, New York, Ohio, and Virginia). In other states, different independent companies own and operate the local BCBS plans.
  • Not Every BCBS is Anthem: If you have a Blue Cross plan issued in a state where Anthem does not operate (like Illinois or Texas), your insurer has no corporate connection to Anthem.

What insurance owns Anthem?

Anthem is owned by its parent company, Elevance Health (formerly known as Anthem, Inc. until it rebranded in June 2022).

Key Details

  • Parent Company: Elevance Health is a major American health benefits company and the largest for-profit managed care organization in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
  • Name Change: The corporation officially changed its name from Anthem, Inc. to Elevance Health in 2022 to reflect its expansion into broader healthcare services beyond traditional insurance.
  • Operations: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield continues to operate as a leading health plan brand under Elevance Health across 14 states, alongside other subsidiaries like Wellpoint and Carelon.

How do I know what Anthem plan I have?

You can find your specific Anthem plan details by checking your physical or digital member ID card on the Anthem Member Resources page.

Ways to Check Your Anthem Plan

  • Member ID Card: Look at the front or back of your physical or digital card. It lists your plan type (such as HMO, PPO, or EPO), group number, and plan name.
  • Sydney Health App: Download the Sydney Health App or log into your online Anthem Account to view your exact digital insurance card, coverage level, and benefit details.
  • Employer HR Department: If your insurance is through your job, your human resources or benefits administrator can confirm your exact enrolled tier and policy details.
  • Anthem Customer Service: Call the phone number printed on the back of your insurance card to speak directly with a representative about your coverage.

Leonard Cohen - Anthem (Official Live in London 2008)

9 related questions found

Is Anthem cheaper than Blue Cross?

Anthem is not consistently cheaper or more expensive than other Blue Cross Blue Shield plans because each local Blue Cross company and Anthem sets its own rates independently based on your location and specific plan.

Cost and Structure Facts

  • Independent pricing: Rates change by state, county, and the specific tier of coverage (such as HMO, PPO, or EPO).
  • What Anthem is: Anthem is actually a for-profit licensee and part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield association, operating as a primary health insurer in specific states.
  • Comparing options: Similar metal-tier plans (Bronze, Silver, Gold) from different regional providers can sometimes price closely together, but one is rarely universally cheaper across the entire country.

Is Anthem a good medical plan?

Anthem medical plans offer extensive nationwide coverage through the Blue Cross Blue Shield network, though customer satisfaction and ratings vary widely by region.

The Pros of Anthem Plans

  • Large Network: Members get access to a massive network of doctors, specialists, and hospitals across the United States.
  • Plan Variety: Anthem provides multiple types of plans, including HMO, PPO, and EPO options, depending on your state.
  • Digital Tools: The Sydney Health app lets you view ID cards, check benefits, chat with support, and find local care providers.
  • Extra Perks: Many plans include $0 preventive care screenings and virtual doctor visits.

The Cons of Anthem Plans

  • Customer Service: User ratings on platforms like Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Reviews highlight frequent complaints about long phone wait times and slow claim processing.
  • Approval Delays: Some members report difficulties or long wait times getting specialized procedures or medications approved.
  • Medicare Ratings: According to the Anthem Medicare Advantage Review from NerdWallet, their Medicare plans average a 3.3/5 rating with higher-than-average member complaints.

Is It Right for You?

Anthem is generally a solid choice if your preferred local doctors and hospitals accept their network. However, your experience will depend heavily on the specific tier of coverage you choose (Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum) and your local state rules. Always check their provider directory before signing up.

What name did Anthem change to?

Anthem, Inc. changed its corporate name to Elevance Health (NYSE: ELV) effective June 28, 2022.

Key Details of the Rebrand

  • Meaning: The name "Elevance" combines the words "elevate" and "advance" to represent whole health and services beyond traditional insurance.
  • Local Plans: Consumer-facing health plan names, such as Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, did not change in the 14 states where they operate.
  • Impact: The corporate rebrand did not affect member benefits, coverage, or customer identification cards.

Why are doctors dropping Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Doctors and hospital systems drop Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) mainly due to contract disputes over low reimbursement rates and controversial policy changes like automated downcoding.

Key Reasons for the Split

  • Low Reimbursement Rates: Providers state that BCBS payout rates fail to keep up with high inflation and surging operational costs, including a dramatic rise in drug and medical supply expenses. Some private practices report that BCBS pays a fraction of what other payers or Medicare provide.
  • Controversial Downcoding Policies: Insurance policies like the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois downcoding policy automatically reduce claim payments for longer or more complex medical and mental health visits without a manual chart review.
  • Stalemates in Contract Renewals: Major health systems (such as Michigan Medicine or Memorial Hermann) frequently reach deadlocks with BCBS during routine contract negotiations, where insurers try to cut or freeze payments and hospitals demand higher rates to stay solvent.
  • Medicare Advantage Strain: Many clinics and hospital groups are dropping or narrowing participation in private Medicare Advantage plans backed by major insurers due to excessive administrative denials and financial losses.

What is the best healthcare insurance?

Kaiser Permanente is ranked as the overall best and most affordable health insurance company in the United States, though the right choice depends heavily on your location and specific medical needs.

Top-Rated Health Insurance Companies

  • Kaiser Permanente: Best overall and best for low costs, featuring high customer satisfaction and low complaint ratios, though availability is limited to eight states and Washington, D.C.
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield: Best for nationwide network flexibility and PPO options, making it a top choice for families.
  • Aetna: Best for low customer complaints and competitive marketplace coverage.
  • UnitedHealthcare: Great for customer satisfaction and large nationwide availability, with strong out-of-pocket maximum caps.

Key Factors to Consider

  • Availability: Many top-performing plans are regional and depend strictly on your ZIP code.
  • Plan Types: HMO and EPO plans cost less but limit you to in-network doctors, while PPO plans allow out-of-network visits at a higher price.
  • Metal Tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers reflect how you and the insurer split costs, not the quality of medical care. You can explore official options and check subsidies on HealthCare.gov.