Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield are separate health insurance companies that have been operating independently for years. Anthem covers people in various states across the US, while Blue Cross Blue Shield has local plans in all 50 states. Both offer a range of health insurance plans, from basic coverage to comprehensive plans. While they have different names and operate separately, they both provide health insurance coverage to millions of people in the United States.
Anthem Blue Cross: History and Affiliation
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name for a family of health insurance companies that operate in various states and regions across the United States. Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) is a nationwide federation of 34 independent, locally operated health insurance companies that collectively provide health insurance coverage to over 107 million Americans.
While Anthem Blue Cross is a part of the BCBS family, it is not owned or operated by the BCBS Association. Rather, Anthem Blue Cross companies are independent licensees of the BCBS trademarks and service marks. Each Anthem Blue Cross company is a separate legal entity with its own board of directors, management team, and financial resources.
Anthem is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol “ANTM”.
BCBS was founded in 1929 by Justin Ford Kimball, a Baylor University professor. Kimball’s goal was to create a non-profit health insurance plan that would provide affordable coverage to low-income families. The first BCBS plan was offered in Dallas, Texas, and quickly spread to other parts of the country.
Over the years, BCBS has grown into one of the largest health insurance providers in the United States. Today, BCBS companies offer a wide range of health insurance plans, including individual and family plans, employer-sponsored plans, and Medicare and Medicaid plans.
Anthem Blue Cross Companies
Anthem Blue Cross companies are located in the following states and regions:
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
Relationship between Anthem Blue Cross and BCBS
The relationship between Anthem Blue Cross and BCBS is complex and has evolved over time.
- Anthem Blue Cross companies are independent licensees of the BCBS trademarks and service marks.
- Anthem Blue Cross companies are not owned or operated by the BCBS Association.
- Anthem Blue Cross companies are members of the BCBS family of companies.
- Anthem Blue Cross companies participate in the BCBS network of providers.
- Anthem Blue Cross companies offer a range of health insurance plans similar to other BCBS companies.
Comparison of Anthem Blue Cross and Other BCBS Companies
The following table compares Anthem Blue Cross to other BCBS companies:
| Characteristic | Anthem Blue Cross | Other BCBS Companies |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Independent licensees of BCBS trademarks and service marks | Independent licensees of BCBS trademarks and service marks |
| Operation | Independent legal entities | Independent legal entities |
| Network | Participates in the BCBS network of providers | Participates in the BCBS network of providers |
| Products | Offers a range of health insurance plans | Offers a range of health insurance plans |
| Customer service | Provides customer service through its own channels | Provides customer service through its own channels |
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## Are Anthem and Blue Cross the Same Insurance?
Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) are two of the largest health insurance providers in the United States. While they share some similarities, they are separate companies with distinct provider networks and availability.
Provider Networks
- Anthem: Anthem has a wide provider network that varies by region. The network includes hospitals, clinics, and healthcare professionals.
- BCBS: BCBS has a vast network of healthcare providers, but it is also region-specific. The network includes a wide range of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare specialists.
It’s important to note that the specific providers available in your area may differ between Anthem and BCBS.
Availability
The availability of Anthem and BCBS varies by state. Anthem is available in 15 states, while BCBS has plans in all 50 states.
| Availability | Anthem | BCBS |
|---|---|---|
| States | 15 | 50 |
When choosing between Anthem and BCBS, it’s important to consider the provider networks and availability in your area. Additionally, you should compare the plans offered by each insurer to determine which one best meets your specific needs and budget.
Customer Service and Satisfaction Ratings
Anthem and Blue Cross are two of the largest health insurance providers in the United States. While they have some similarities, they are actually separate companies with different customer service and satisfaction ratings.
Anthem Customer Service
- Anthem has a reputation for good customer service.
- The company has won numerous awards for its customer service, including the J.D. Power and Associates Customer Service Index Award.
- Anthem customers can access customer service 24/7 via phone, email, and live chat.
Blue Cross Customer Service
- Blue Cross also has a reputation for good customer service.
- The company has been recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for its customer service.
- Blue Cross customers can access customer service 24/7 via phone, email, and live chat.
Satisfaction Ratings
According to the 2022 J.D. Power U.S. Health Insurance Study, Anthem and Blue Cross received the following satisfaction ratings:
| Company | Overall Satisfaction Rating |
|---|---|
| Anthem | 823 |
| Blue Cross | 825 |
As you can see, Anthem and Blue Cross have very similar satisfaction ratings. This indicates that both companies provide a high level of customer service.
Thanks for sticking with me through this quick dive into the world of health insurance. I hope it’s helped clear up any confusion you had about Anthem and Blue Cross. If you have any more questions, feel free to drop me a line. In the meantime, stay healthy and visit again soon for more insurance insights and tips!