What is another name for Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Asked by: Dr. Tanner White PhD  |  Last update: October 19, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (26 votes)

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, also known as BCBS, BCBSA, or The Blues, is a United States–based federation with 33 independent and locally operated BCBSA companies that provide health insurance to more than 115 million people in the U.S. as of 2022.

What is Blue Cross called now?

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Nationwide Health Insurance | bcbs.com | Blue Cross Blue Shield. Need to access your benefits? We can help you find your local BCBS company. Login and look up your plan.

Are Blue Cross and Blue Shield the same company?

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is a national association of 33 independent, community-based and locally operated BCBS companies. The Association owns and manages the BCBS trademarks and names in more than 170 countries around the world.

Is Anthem the same as Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Since Anthem licenses with Blue Cross Blue Shield, it only offers its own health insurance brands in certain states, including California, New York, and a dozen more. If you don't live in a state with Anthem health insurance, you may want to search for your own regional Blue Cross Blue Shield regional company.

Is Anthem the new name for Blue Cross Blue Shield?

As of January 1, 2024, the Empire BlueCross BlueShield and Empire BlueCross names are Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Anthem Blue Cross. This will not impact your coverage, access to care, or level of support.

BCBS Basic vs. Standard: What You Need To Know!

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Is Blue Cross Blue Shield the same as Aetna?

Aetna and Anthem are different health insurance companies. Aetna has broader availability, especially with Medicare Advantage plans. Aetna sells health insurance in 49 states plus Washington, D.C.. Anthem is a brand of the Blue Cross Blue Shield network. It only operates in 14 states.

Why did Blue Cross Blue Shield change its name?

We will continue to do business as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Why the change? The upcoming name change reflects the company's strategy to elevate the importance of whole health and to advance health beyond healthcare for our customers, their families, and our communities.

What is the difference between UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Blue Cross Blue Shield is a collective of 33 different companies, and star ratings and member experience scores vary among providers. UnitedHealthcare offers the largest Medicare Advantage network of all companies, with more than 1 million network care providers.

Is BCBS a healthcare provider?

Blue Cross Blue Shield insurers offer some form of health insurance coverage in every U.S. state. They also act as administrators of Medicare in many states or regions of the U.S.

What happened to Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Court issues preliminary approval of $2.8 billion Blue Cross Blue Shield provider settlement. A $2.8 billion settlement from Blue Cross Blue Shield to health care providers resolving a 12-year antitrust lawsuit received preliminary approval yesterday from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.

Which BCBS plan do I have?

Your plan type

If you forget or aren't sure what type of health insurance plan you have (like an HMO or PPO), you can find out on your BCBS ID card. If you have an HMO, your card may also list the physician or group you've selected for primary care.

What is the best healthcare insurance?

Investopedia's analysis ranks Kaiser Permanente as the best health insurance company for 2025 because of its blend of affordability and low customer complaints. UnitedHealthcare and Aetna also earned top marks. We evaluated nine insurers using dozens of criteria, such as customer satisfaction, plan types, and costs.

Is Regence the same as Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a widely recognized insurance provider in the United States. In our region, it's administered through two key subsidiaries: Regence and Premera.

What is BCBS Medicare called?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) Blue Cross and Blue Shield offers great plan options that can maintain your coverage after you turn 65.

What is the abbreviation for BCBS?

This guide offers an overview of Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) ID cards, including what the symbols mean and how to use the information on them.

What is the disadvantage of UnitedHealthcare?

Cons About UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage

You may only have access to certain HMO or PPO plans in your area. And while UnitedHealthCare has competitive pricing, your location may only have access to plans with higher deductibles, more copays, and fewer additional benefits.

Is Blue Cross Blue Shield the same as CareFirst?

In 1969, Maryland Hospital Service, Inc. (Blue Cross) and Maryland Medical Service (Blue Shield) changed their names to Maryland Blue Cross and Maryland Blue Shield. In 1998, the Maryland and District of Columbia companies merged to form CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield.

What is Blue Cross Blue Shield company name?

Anthem is the Largest of all the Blue Cross Companies. It has $92 Billion Per Year in Revenue and is the major Blue Cross Health Insurance Company in California, New York, Georgia and other states.

Who bought Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Elevance Health's $2.5 billion acquisition of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (BCBSLA) is on pause yet again amid concerns about the impact on competition.

Is Blue Shield and Anthem Blue Cross the same company?

Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield are related, but they are not the same company. While they are both top health insurance providers in the USA, the big difference is that Blue Cross Blue Shield is the umbrella that is made up of several independent companies, and one of these smaller companies is Anthem.

What is Aetna called now?

Aetna Inc.

Since November 28, 2018, the company has been a subsidiary of CVS Health. Aetna Inc. Aetna's headquarters in Hartford, Connecticut.

Why is Aetna so expensive?

Factors influencing Aetna insurance monthly costs

Plans with broader coverage and extensive benefits, such as lower deductibles, co-pays, and comprehensive services like dental and vision care, often come with higher monthly costs.