What is the difference between Anthem and Blue Cross?
Asked by: Cade Waelchi | Last update: July 10, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (43 votes)
Are Anthem and Blue Cross the same thing?
Anthem is part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield group. Blue Cross Blue Shield is made up of independent companies. Anthem is one of these companies. Other Blue Cross Blue Shield brands include Highmark, Regence and CareFirst.
Is Empire BlueCross BlueShield the same as Anthem?
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. Want to know more about Anthem?
Why is Blue Cross Blue Shield now an Anthem?
The Blues plans are unique and how they work has been largely answered. Anthem is a brand--a brand that's owned by a company called ``Elevance Health''. They were formerly called ``Anthem'', but rebranded in 2022. They held on to the Anthem brand because of the strength it has across its footprint.
Is Anthem the same as Blue Card?
BlueCard PPO gives you access to Anthem PPO benefits all across the nation by uniting Anthem's network with those of other Blue Cross and Blue Shield licensed companies. In fact, more than 85 percent of all hospitals and physicians throughout the U.S. contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.
Kaiser Permanente vs Anthem Blue Cross in CA! Individual, Medicare and Small Business Markets
What are the 14 states covered by Anthem?
The fourteen U.S. states served by Anthem health insurance plans include: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Why did I get an Anthem card?
When you sign up for an Anthem plan, as a Medicare member, we will send you an Anthem ID card in the mail. For other types of members, we will send you an ID card unless you or your employer have already opted in to digital ID cards.
Did Anthem buy out Blue Cross Blue Shield?
In 1996, The Associated Group changed its name to Anthem Insurance Company. In August 1997, Anthem acquired Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut. It also sold Acordia to management. In 1999, Anthem acquired Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Hampshire and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado and Nevada.
Does Anthem cover anesthesia?
The spokesperson added, "To be clear, it never was and never will be the policy of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services. The proposed update to the policy was only designed to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia consistent with well-established clinical guidelines.”
What is the lawsuit against Anthem Blue Cross?
The Los Angeles City Attorney's Office's lawsuit alleged that Anthem Blue Cross used secret internal units to identify and target policyholders who became ill. Furthermore, the lawsuit alleged 500,000 consumers were tricked into buying ultimately worthless insurance policies because of the company's false advertising.
Is BlueShield part of Anthem?
Yes. We will retain the Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Blue Cross in our name. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Anthem Blue Cross are our local health insurance companies in our 14 Blue-licensed markets and will continue to be our local health plan brands in those states, which now includes New York.
How do I know which Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield I have?
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.
Is Blue Cross Blue Shield private insurance?
Blue Cross Blue Shield is a private insurer that offers Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. The plans they offer have various pros and cons, including cost and coverage.
How good is Anthem insurance?
Is Anthem good insurance? Anthem is a good insurance company for most people. The policies are usually popular in states where they're available, and the company has a large network of doctors and hospitals. Keep in mind that Anthem's customer service reputation varies widely depending on where you live.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover all 50 states?
With access to the largest provider network in the world, your Excellus BlueCross BlueShield plan offers a world of options. Our members have access to medical assistance services, doctors, and hospitals in all 50 states and more than 200 countries and territories around the world.
Is Anthem Blue Cross changing their name?
The new name, pending shareholder approval, will be Elevance Health. We will continue to do business as Anthem Blue Cross. Why the change?
Is Anthem the same as Blue Cross?
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.
What is Anthem out of pocket maximum?
$6,600 Individual / $13,200 Family for Anthem Preferred PPO Providers. $8,600 Individual / $19,200 Family for Out-of- Network Providers. UC Select and Anthem Preferred PPO Out of Pocket maximum amounts cross accumulate.
How much does anesthesia cost out of pocket?
Local anesthesia, often used in office-based procedures, may cost less than $500. However, regional or general anesthesia administered by an anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist in a hospital setting can range from $500 to $3,500 or more, depending on the complexity and duration of the procedure.
What is the cheapest health insurance in California?
Affordable health insurance in California for 2025
L.A. Care has the cheapest rates in California, and it's the cheapest health insurance company for about a quarter of the people in California. But you can only get L.A. Care if you live in Los Angeles County.
Does Blue Cross cover anesthesia?
"As a result, we have decided to not proceed with this policy change," an Anthem spokesperson wrote in an email. "To be clear, it never was and never will be the policy of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services.
Who is buying out 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.
What is another name for Anthem insurance?
Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of In California: Blue Cross of California, Anthem Blue Cross Partnership Plan, Anthem BC Health Insurance Company and Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association.
Can I use my Anthem benefits card at Walmart?
Using your Anthem OTC benefit in a store
You can find participating stores via your online portal. *Note that you can use your Anthem OTC card at participating Walmart stores, but you cannot use the card on the Walmart website.
What is the spending card for seniors?
Older adults enrolled in Medicare Advantage (Part C) may be eligible for flex cards, which are debit cards used to pay for extra expenses. Flex card money could be used for groceries, assistive devices, utilities and more depending on your insurance plan.