Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield: A Comprehensive Company Overview
Introduction to Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is one of the most recognized and extensive health insurance providers in the United States, operating under the umbrella of Elevance Health, Inc. (formerly Anthem, Inc.). Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Elevance Health is a leading healthcare enterprise that serves approximately one in three Americans through its affiliated health plans. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield operates as a licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) in multiple states, delivering high-quality, affordable health benefits with a strong focus on improving the lives and health of individuals and communities.
As part of a vast network, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield provides access to over 1.9 million healthcare professionals and tens of thousands of hospitals across the country. Its offerings encompass individual and family plans, employer-sponsored health coverage, Medicare and Medicaid plans, and a range of digital health solutions. Notably, the company also emphasizes convenient access to medical services, including urgent care, reinforcing its commitment to prompt and efficient healthcare solutions under the banner of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Company History and Evolution of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
The roots of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield date back to the mid-20th century. The company began as Mutual Hospital Insurance Inc. and Mutual Medical Insurance Inc. in Indiana in 1946. Over time, these entities evolved into Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Indiana, which laid the foundation for what would become Anthem, Inc.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Anthem expanded through multiple mergers and acquisitions, eventually becoming one of the largest for-profit managed healthcare companies in the United States. Key milestones in the company’s history include:
1989: Acquisition of American General Insurance’s group life and health insurance business.
1991: Acquisition of Shelby Insurance Company, expanding the organization’s reach.
2001: Anthem went public on the New York Stock Exchange.
2004: Merger with WellPoint Health Networks Inc., forming the largest health benefits company in the United States by membership.
2014: Company rebranded back to Anthem, Inc. from WellPoint, Inc.
2022: Officially rebranded as Elevance Health, Inc., symbolizing a broader focus beyond traditional health insurance.
These changes reflect the organization’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape and deliver value-driven services across the nation.
Major Acquisitions and Expansions
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s growth has been significantly fueled by strategic acquisitions and expansions. These have enhanced the company’s market presence, broadened service offerings, and strengthened its position in the healthcare sector.
Lumenos (2005): Acquired for approximately $185 million, Lumenos pioneered consumer-driven health plans, helping Anthem improve its offerings in health savings accounts and high-deductible health plans.
WellChoice (2005): This $6.5 billion acquisition extended Anthem’s reach into the New York market through Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
American Imaging Management (2007): Expanded Anthem’s capabilities in diagnostic imaging management, contributing to cost containment and quality improvements.
Resolution Health (2008): Provided clinical analytics tools to identify gaps in care and promote evidence-based practices.
DeCare Dental (2009): Enhanced Anthem’s dental insurance offerings, enabling the company to provide comprehensive oral healthcare solutions.
CareMore (2011): A Medicare Advantage plan and care delivery system focusing on seniors, improving integrated care and outcomes.
Amerigroup (2012): Acquired for $4.9 billion to expand Anthem’s Medicaid business across several states.
Simply Healthcare (2015): Strengthened presence in Florida’s Medicaid and Medicare markets.
Beacon Health Options (2020): Enabled expansion into behavioral health, supporting mental wellness services.
InnovaCare Health Puerto Rico (2021): Added Medicare and Medicaid operations in Puerto Rico.
Integra Managed Care (2022): Expanded Anthem’s capabilities in New York’s managed long-term care sector.
Each acquisition has strategically contributed to Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s growth, diversifying its portfolio and enhancing its capacity to deliver holistic healthcare solutions.
Key Metrics: Membership, Revenue, Coverage and Employees
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, under Elevance Health, reports robust metrics that reflect its expansive scale and influence.
Number of Members: As of 2022, Anthem-affiliated plans serve over 46.8 million members, making it one of the largest health insurance entities in the U.S.
Annual Revenue:
2020: approximately $121.9 billion
2021: approximately $138.6 billion
2022: approximately $156.6 billion
- 2023: approximately $171.3 billion
These figures showcase consistent financial growth, attributed to strategic investments and expanded membership.
Coverage States: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield operates in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Number of Employees: As of 2024, Elevance Health employs approximately 104,200 professionals, underscoring its scale and resource base to manage extensive health services.
These key metrics reflect the organization’s financial strength, operational capacity, and broad reach across the U.S. healthcare market.
Products & Services Offered by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield delivers a comprehensive range of health benefit solutions designed to meet diverse needs across individual, employer, Medicare, and Medicaid markets.
Plan Types Offered:
Individual and family health insurance plans (PPO, HMO, EPO, POS)
Employer-sponsored group plans
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans A, F, G, N
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
Medicaid plans in select states
Provider Network: Anthem plans feature one of the largest provider networks in the U.S., including:
Over 1.9 million physicians
Tens of thousands of hospitals
Access to nationwide care via the BlueCard program
Digital Tools:
Mobile app for benefit details, digital ID cards, and claims tracking
Care and cost finder tools
Telehealth and virtual care services
Online provider search for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Urgent Care locations
These products and services underscore Anthem’s commitment to accessible, affordable, and innovative healthcare delivery.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Urgent Care: Access and Coverage
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Urgent Care services offer members convenient access to non-emergency medical care. This is especially valuable for patients seeking treatment for minor illnesses and injuries when their primary care provider is unavailable.
Network Access:
Members can locate nearby urgent care centers via the Anthem online directory or mobile app
In-network urgent care clinics typically offer extended hours and walk-in availability
Covered Services:
Treatment for flu, cold, minor burns, sprains, and infections
Diagnostic services such as X-rays and lab tests
Virtual urgent care visits for certain conditions
Plan Integration:
Urgent care benefits are typically included in PPO, HMO, and EPO plans
Transparent copayments and cost-sharing structures
Anthem’s urgent care offering ensures members receive timely treatment while avoiding the higher costs associated with emergency room visits.
Market Sectors and Project Expertise
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has tailored its offerings to meet the needs of several distinct market sectors:
Individual and Family: Affordable ACA-compliant plans available through state and federal marketplaces
Employer-Sponsored (Group Plans): Small and large group plans with flexible benefit designs
Medicare: Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Prescription Drug Plans
Medicaid: State-specific managed Medicaid programs via Amerigroup and Simply Healthcare
Behavioral Health: Services via Beacon Health Options
Long-Term Care: Managed long-term services through entities like Integra
Project expertise includes population health management, integrated care models, chronic disease management, and community health initiatives.
Partnerships Shaping Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Network
Strategic partnerships support Anthem’s mission to improve healthcare access and efficiency. Key alliances include:
CVS Health: Pharmacy benefit management and prescription delivery
State Governments: Administration of Medicaid programs in eight states
Healthcare Providers: Through the BlueCard network and direct contracts
Large Employers: Partnerships with major U.S. employers offering group health coverage
These partnerships help deliver coordinated care and support Anthem’s focus on innovation and outcomes-based healthcare.
Awards and Recognitions Earned by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its parent company Elevance Health have received numerous accolades for corporate performance, diversity, and healthcare excellence:
S&P Dow Jones Sustainability Index: Recognized from 2018 to 2022 for sustainability leadership
Corporate Equality Index: Consistently named a “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality”
Fortune 100 Listing: Ranked #20 in 2022 based on total revenue
NCQA Accreditation: Many plans meet National Committee for Quality Assurance standards
These recognitions reflect the company’s commitment to ethical governance, employee inclusion, and customer satisfaction.
Licensing, Regulatory and CMS Star Ratings for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield operates under a complex regulatory framework:
Licensing:
Licensed in 14+ states with unique corporate entities (e.g., Anthem Blue Cross in CA, Empire BlueCross BlueShield in NY)
Regulated by state insurance departments and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
NAIC Code: Parent company Elevance Health NAIC code: 67105
CMS Star Ratings:
Vary by plan and state
Contracts such as 1076074MUCENMUB provide 2025 plan ratings
Ratings range from 3.5 to 5 stars, based on quality and customer satisfaction metrics
Insurance ID Numbers:
State-specific identifiers for policy administration and regulatory filings
This compliance structure ensures Anthem’s adherence to state and federal requirements across all service areas.
Why Choose Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield continues to be a leader in American healthcare, offering comprehensive, flexible, and innovative insurance solutions. With a legacy rooted in service, a broad network of providers, a focus on digital access and urgent care, and a dedication to high-quality member experiences, Anthem meets the needs of individuals, families, and employers alike.
Through strategic growth, customer-centric services, and regulatory compliance, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield remains a trusted partner in the health journeys of millions of Americans. Whether navigating chronic conditions, accessing urgent care, or planning for long-term well-being, members can rely on Anthem’s strength, stability, and support.
Profile Structure
Name: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Industry: Health Insurance (under Elevance Health, Inc.)
Founded: Began in 1946 as Mutual Hospital/Medical Insurance Inc.; evolved into Anthem through mergers in the 1980s–1990s
HQ: 220 Virginia Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204 USA
CEO: Gail K. Boudreaux, President and CEO of Elevance Health (formerly Anthem, Inc.) since 2017
Employees: Approximately 102,300 in 2022, growing to ~104,200 in 2024
Annual Revenue: ~$156 billion in 2022 (13.7 % growth over 2021)
Coverage: Licensed operations in 14+ U.S. states including CA, NY, IN, KY, CO, VA, GA, MO, CT, OH, NH, ME, WI, and NV; serves ~46–47 million members
Plan Types: Individual & family plans (HMO, PPO, EPO, POS); employer-sponsored group coverage; Medicare Advantage (Part C); Medicare supplement (Medigap Plans A, F, G, N); Medicare Part D; Medicaid managed‑care programs
Key Differentiator:
1. One of the largest provider networks in the U.S. (via BlueCard and affiliated providers)
2. Strategic integration of acquisitions (e.g. Amerigroup, Beacon Health) to serve Medicaid, Medicare, and behavioral health markets
3. Innovative digital member experience with tools for urgent care access (e.g. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Urgent Care) and telehealth
4. Strong financial scale and consistent growth under a Blue Cross Blue Shield Association franchise
Website: anthem.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/anthembcbs/
Leadership & Teams
Matt Pickett – President Colorado Commercial Plan
Aaron Lambert – President Anthem HealthKeepers Plus
Mark Levy – President and CEO Medicaid
Jane Peterson – President Ohio Commercial
Lindsey Villa – Regional Vice President of Sales
Monica Schmude – President Virginia
Amy Turner – Vice President Northern Virginia Region
Scott Perrin – Regional Vice President Sales
Erica Kloehn – Regional Vice President II Provider Solutions
David Ploesser – Regional Vice President
Paula Merritt – Regional Vice President of Sales, Southern Ohio
Andrew Ellis – Vice President, Provider Engagement and Contracting