Anthem BlueCross: Everything You Need to Know About This Health Insurance Provider
If you’re looking for a reliable health insurance provider, you’ve probably come across Anthem BlueCross. With over 80 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Anthem BlueCross has become a well-known name in the United States, serving millions of members across 14 states. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what Anthem BlueCross has to offer, including its history, coverage options, and how to sign up.
What is Anthem BlueCross?
Anthem BlueCross is a subsidiary of Anthem Inc., one of the largest health insurance providers in the United States. The company was founded in 1930 as Blue Cross of California and has since expanded to cover 14 states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Anthem BlueCross offers a wide range of health insurance plans, including HMOs, PPOs, EPOs, and traditional indemnity plans. These plans provide coverage for various medical services, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and more
From the 1930s to Today: The Fascinating History of Anthem BlueCross
As mentioned earlier, Anthem BlueCross was founded in 1930 as Blue Cross of California. In 1996, Blue Cross of California merged with Blue Cross of Pennsylvania to form the nationwide company, WellPoint Health Networks Inc. In 2004, WellPoint acquired Anthem Inc. and adopted the Anthem name.
Today, Anthem BlueCross continues to provide quality health insurance plans to millions of members across the United States. The company’s mission is to improve the lives of the people it serves and the health of its communities.
How to Choose the Right Coverage Option for You and Your Family
Anthem BlueCross offers a variety of health insurance plans to meet the needs of individuals, families, and businesses. These plans include:
- HMOs: Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) provide coverage for medical services through a network of providers. Members typically choose a primary care physician (PCP) who manages their healthcare needs and refers them to specialists as needed.
- PPOs: Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) also provide coverage through a network of providers. However, members have the option to see providers outside of the network, although they may have to pay higher out-of-pocket costs.
- EPOs: Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs) are similar to PPOs in that they have a network of providers. However, members typically do not have coverage for out-of-network services.
- Traditional Indemnity Plans: These plans provide the most flexibility in terms of choosing providers. Members can see any provider they choose, but may have to pay higher out-of-pocket costs.
In addition to these plans, Anthem BlueCross offers dental, vision, and life insurance coverage. The company also provides Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans for eligible individuals.
How to Sign Up
If you’re interested in signing up for an Anthem BlueCross health insurance plan, you can visit the company’s website or contact a licensed insurance agent. The website provides a variety of resources, including plan comparison tools, provider directories, and online enrollment.
To enroll in a plan, you’ll need to provide some basic information, such as your name, date of birth, and address. You’ll also need to select a plan that meets your healthcare needs and budget.
Once you’ve enrolled, you’ll receive a member ID card and other important information about your plan. You can also create an online account to manage your coverage, view claims, and more.