Which health insurance company is the best option for you and your family? Compare Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield side by side.
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In 2004, WellPoint Health Networks Inc and Anthem, Inc. merged and became the nation’s leading health benefits company. In December 2014 WellPoint Inc. changed its corporate name to Anthem, Inc. The Anthem companies offer health care plans and related services like dental, vision, behavioral health, life insurance and disability insurance benefits as well as long-term care insurance and flexible spending accounts. Anthem has about 40 million members and is ranked 33rd on the Fortune 500.
Blue Cross was formed in 1929 as a partnership between Baylor University Hospital and its patients who were struggling financially. The administrators of the hospital wanted to make healthcare more affordable for some patients, many of whom were Dallas public school educators on restricted budgets. The initial payment plan set up by Baylor University Hospital consisted of a 50-cent prepay each month for up to 21 days of hospitalization per year. The success of the program lead to enrollment by employees in other professions across Dallas.
To learn more about each company, you can check out the Anthem Overview and Blue Cross Blue Shield Overview.
Which health insurance company is better? We've made it easy to compare companies side by side. See how Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield ranked among the industry ratings.
Comparison | Anthem | Blue Cross Blue Shield |
---|---|---|
Year Founded | 2004 | 1929 |
BBB Rating | A+ | A- |
NAIC Complaint Index | 0.30% for individual health insurance | |
Market Share Percentage | 6.3 | 14.1% |
Financial Strength | Excellent | Excellent |
S&P Rating | A+ |
The Anthem Medicaid app is only available to policyholders in 5 states. Indiana, Kentucky, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Virginia. The app allows users to find doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies, view claims, pay your bill, and manage your prescriptions.
Each State has its own Blue Cross Blue Shield app on iTunes and GooglePlay. The app allows users to find doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies, view claims, pay bill, and manage prescriptions.
Anthem Mobile App | ||
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iOS | 2.2 | 42 users |
Android | 2.9 | 101 users |
Blue Cross Blue Shield Mobile App | ||
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Blue Cross Blue Shield mobile app varies by State |
Anthem
Anthem is available through the health insurance marketplace or you can get several free quotes here. Each state has their own marketplace. If you’re not sure where to begin, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield is available through participating employers for group insurance. You can also buy an individual or family plan directly from Blue Cross Blue Shield, the health insurance marketplace or you can get several free quotes here.
You can also contact 888.630.2583 to learn more about Blue Cross Blue Shield options for individuals and families or find a local BCBS company by visiting here.
Anthem
Make sure you use the claim form from your benefit plan because each type is different. You’ll need to get procedures codes from your doctor’s office. File the paperwork within the time limit. Include pre-approval if it’s needed.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
If you use a network doctor or hospital, your claims will be submitted by that provider. If you see an out-of-network provider, you need to submit the claim yourself. You must submit a completed claim form or alternative documentation via fax or mailing address. As an alternative to sending a claim form, supply a description of services, a bill of charges from the provider and any medical documents you received from your provider.
For medical and/or dental services in the U.S. Puerto Rico or the U.S Virgin Islands, Use these claim forms. For anywhere else or on a cruise ship outside the U.S. use the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core international claim forms. For prescriptions inside or outside the U.S. or U.S. territories: Use these claim forms.
Anthem
Your policy number is the same as your ID number, which should be on the front of the card.
Your Anthem health insurance will cover diabetic glucose monitoring under the category called Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Costs vary per individual and plan.
Anthem HealthKeepers is a Point of Service (POS) plan. Participating providers in the HealthKeepers network accept a set free as payment for covered services, keeping costs low.
Some Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield plans cover weight loss surgery while others do not. Contact your agent to find out if weight-loss surgery is included in your plan.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross and Blue Shield took their partnership a step farther, by consolidating staff and operations, forming the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association in 1982. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is a federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) offers employer-provided health insurance or group health insurance. BCBS also offers individual and family health plans.
Blue365 is a free health and wellness discount program offered to members. It includes discounts on gym memberships, fitness gear, healthy eating options and more.
For people living or working abroad for an extended period of time, there are GeoBlue plans available through BCBS.
Anthem Contact Info | |
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Address | 220 Virginia Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46204 |
Phone | 1 (800) 331-1476 |
Website | https://www.anthem.com/ |
https://www.facebook.com/AnthemBlueCrossBlueShield/ | |
Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCInrJqNqrSpvHwNErijbVyg |
https://twitter.com/AnthemInc | |
https://www.linkedin.com/company/antheminc/ |
Blue Cross Blue Shield Contact Info | |
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Address | 225 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601 |
Phone | 1 (888) 630 - 2583 |
Website | https://www.bcbs.com/ |
https://www.facebook.com/AnthemBlueCrossBlueShield/ | |
Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/user/bluecrossblueshield |
https://twitter.com/BCBSAssociation | |
https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-association/ |
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