Is Anthem Healthkeepers the Same as Blue Cross Blue Shield? Exploring the Differences

Got some questions on your mind regarding Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield? Well, we are here to help you out. So let’s start with the most commonly asked question – is Anthem Healthkeepers the same as Blue Cross Blue Shield? Well, the short answer is yes! Anthem Healthkeepers is simply a name that’s used by Virginia’s Blue Cross Blue Shield company. It’s essentially a health care provider network that’s been created to provide you with a variety of affordable health care plans.

But just because Anthem Healthkeepers is a part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield company doesn’t mean it’s the same as all the other Blue Cross Blue Shield networks out there. Every state has its own Blue Cross Blue Shield organization, which means that the policies and coverages can vary from one state to another. Even within the same state, you may find that different BCBS networks offer different coverage plans and options.

However, despite these variations, the core values and mission of the Blue Cross Blue Shield organization remain the same. Whether you are dealing with Anthem Healthkeepers or any of the other Blue Cross Blue Shield networks, their primary goal is to provide you with affordable, comprehensive health care that meets your unique needs. So if you are wondering whether or not Anthem Healthkeepers is the same as Blue Cross Blue Shield, know that no matter where you are, BCBS has got you covered!

Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield: Introduction

When it comes to health insurance, two names that often come up are Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield. While both are health insurance companies, many people wonder if they are actually the same.

Before we delve into the details, let’s first introduce both of these companies.

Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield: Company Overview

  • Anthem Healthkeepers is a health insurance company that serves the state of Virginia. They offer a variety of health insurance plans for individuals and employers, including HMO, PPO, and POS plans.
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield, on the other hand, is a federation of 36 separate health insurance organizations that operate across the United States. Each organization is independently owned and operated, and their plans vary by state.

Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield: Are They the Same?

The short answer is no. While Anthem Healthkeepers is a subsidiary of Anthem, Inc., which is a member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, they are not one and the same.

While both companies offer health insurance plans, Anthem Healthkeepers is specific to the state of Virginia and offers its own unique plans. Blue Cross Blue Shield, on the other hand, offers plans in 36 states and their plans vary by state.

Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield: Key Differences

While both companies offer health insurance plans, there are a few key differences between them:

Anthem Healthkeepers Blue Cross Blue Shield
Operates in Virginia Operates in 36 states
Offers HMO, PPO, and POS plans Offers a variety of plans, which vary by state
Is a subsidiary of Anthem, Inc. Is a federation of 36 separate health insurance organizations

While both Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield offer health insurance plans, it’s important to do your research and compare plans to determine which is the best fit for your specific healthcare needs.

History of Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield

Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield are both well-known names in the health insurance industry, providing coverage to millions of people across the United States.

Blue Cross Blue Shield was founded in 1929 and is the oldest health insurance company in the country. It began as a group of individual plans, each protecting a specific group of people. Over the years, these plans grew and merged, eventually forming a national network of independent companies that share the Blue Cross Blue Shield name and branding. Today, there are 36 independent companies that make up the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, which serves over 106 million people in all 50 states.

  • Anthem Healthkeepers, on the other hand, is a subsidiary of Anthem Inc., which was first founded in the 1940s as a mutual insurance company. Over the years, it grew and expanded, eventually becoming a publicly traded company. In 2004, Anthem Inc. acquired WellPoint Health Networks Inc., and three years later, changed its name to Anthem Inc.
  • Today, Anthem Inc. is one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States, serving over 40 million people across all 50 states. Anthem Healthkeepers is one of several subsidiaries that provide health insurance coverage to individuals and families in Virginia.
  • While Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield are both well-known names in the health insurance industry, they operate independently of each other and offer different plans and coverage options.

Overall, both Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield have long histories of providing quality health insurance coverage to their members. Each company has grown and evolved over the years, adapting to changes in the healthcare industry and the needs of its members.

As the healthcare landscape continues to shift and change, it will be interesting to see how these companies and others like them continue to innovate and provide affordable, high-quality healthcare coverage to individuals and families across the country.

Company Founded Number of Members
Blue Cross Blue Shield 1929 106 million
Anthem Healthkeepers (Anthem Inc.) 1940s 40 million

As the table shows, both Blue Cross Blue Shield and Anthem Healthkeepers have grown significantly over the years, serving millions of people and adapting to the changing needs of the healthcare industry.

Coverage and Benefits of Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield

When it comes to healthcare coverage, it can be challenging to determine which plan is the best option for you and your family. Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield are two popular insurance providers, but are they the same? Let’s take a closer look at their coverage and benefits to help you make an informed decision.

  • Network Coverage – Both Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield offer comprehensive networks of healthcare providers, including hospitals, doctors, and specialists. Depending on your plan, you may even have access to out-of-network providers.
  • Plan Options – Each provider offers a variety of plan options to fit your specific needs and budget. Anthem Healthkeepers has HMO and PPO plans, while Blue Cross Blue Shield has PPO, HMO, EPO, and POS plans.
  • Prescription Coverage – Prescription coverage is essential when choosing a healthcare plan. Both companies offer prescription drug coverage, and you may be able to save money by opting for generic medications instead of brand-name drugs.

One significant advantage of Anthem Healthkeepers is their commitment to preventative care. They offer various wellness programs, including health coaching and smoking cessation resources, to help their members stay healthy and avoid costly health issues down the road.

On the other hand, Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a variety of additional benefits, including mental health and addiction treatment coverage, dental insurance, and even pet health insurance. They also have a program called Blue365, which offers discounts on health and wellness products and services.

Anthem Healthkeepers Blue Cross Blue Shield
Network Coverage Comprehensive network of providers Comprehensive network of providers
Plan Options HMO and PPO plans PPO, HMO, EPO, and POS plans
Prescription Coverage Prescription drug coverage included Prescription drug coverage included
Additional Benefits Wellness programs Mental health and addiction treatment coverage, dental insurance, pet health insurance, Blue365 discount program

Overall, both Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield are reputable healthcare providers with comprehensive coverage options. It’s essential to consider your specific healthcare needs and budget when choosing a plan. Take advantage of their resources and experts to help you select the best option for you.

Differences Between Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield

Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield are two well-known health insurance providers in the United States. While they share some similarities, such as providing coverage for medical treatments, there are also some notable differences between the two. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at four key differences between Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Coverage Area

  • Anthem Healthkeepers is a regional provider that operates primarily in Virginia.
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield, on the other hand, operates in all 50 states and offers a range of plans that vary depending on location.

Plan Options

Both Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield offer a variety of plans, but there are some differences between the plans each provider offers.

  • Anthem Healthkeepers offers HMO plans that require patients to obtain referrals from their primary care physician before seeing a specialist.
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield offers HMO plans as well, but they also offer PPO and POS plans that allow patients to see doctors outside of their network without a referral.

Premiums and Deductibles

Another difference between Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield is the cost of their premiums and deductibles.

  • Anthem Healthkeepers tends to have lower premiums but higher deductibles, meaning patients may pay more upfront for medical services before insurance coverage kicks in.
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield tends to have higher premiums but lower deductibles, meaning patients may pay less upfront but more in monthly premium costs.

Network of Providers

Finally, the network of healthcare providers that each insurance provider works with can also differ.

Provider Network Anthem Healthkeepers Blue Cross Blue Shield
Hospitals 120+ hospitals in Virginia Over 90% of hospitals nationwide
Doctors 28,000+ in-network providers Over 1.7 million in-network providers nationwide

As you can see, while Anthem Healthkeepers has a strong network of providers in Virginia, they can’t compete with Blue Cross Blue Shield’s nationwide network, which includes a vast majority of hospitals and providers across the country.

In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield, it’s important to consider these key differences in plan options, coverage area, premiums and deductibles, and network of providers to determine which provider is the best fit for your individual healthcare needs.

Choosing Between Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield

When it comes to choosing between Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield, there are several factors to consider. While both companies offer health insurance plans, their policies and coverage options vary, making it important to carefully evaluate your options before making a decision.

  • Cost: One of the most important factors to consider when choosing between Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield is the cost. Look carefully at the premium, deductible, and co-pay options for each plan to determine which one fits within your budget.
  • Coverage: Another key factor to consider is the coverage that each plan provides. Make sure to evaluate each plan’s network of healthcare providers, prescription drug coverage, and any other specific services that are important to you.
  • Customer service: While it’s not always a factor that many people consider, good customer service can make a big difference in your experience with your health insurance provider. Consider researching each company’s customer service reputation to ensure that you’ll receive the support you need when you need it.

When evaluating each company’s offerings, it’s important to consider your unique needs and preferences. Make sure to ask plenty of questions and do your research before choosing a plan to ensure that you’re making the best decision for yourself and your family.

To make it easier to compare the two providers, here is a table highlighting some of the key differences between Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield:

Company Network Size Premiums Deductibles
Anthem Healthkeepers Large Lower Higher
Blue Cross Blue Shield Very Large Higher Lower

Remember, choosing the right health insurance plan can make a big difference in your health and well-being. Take the time to evaluate your options carefully to ensure that you’re making the best decision for yourself and your family.

Customer Service and Support Comparison of Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield

When it comes to selecting a health insurance provider, customer service and support are crucial factors to consider. You want assurance that you can easily obtain assistance when questions or issues arise. Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield are two of the biggest names in the industry, but how do they compare in terms of customer service and support? Here’s what you need to know.

  • Both Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield offer customer service hotlines that are accessible 24/7.
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield has a wider range of support options, including a mobile app and online chat support.
  • Anthem Healthkeepers offers a unique feature called the “Ask a Nurse” service, which connects you with a registered nurse for medical advice.

It’s worth noting that customer satisfaction ratings for both providers vary by region. However, overall, Blue Cross Blue Shield tends to receive higher ratings for customer service and support.

If you need to contact customer service, you should be prepared for long wait times. However, both providers offer call-back options so that you don’t have to stay on hold for extended periods.

Customer Service and Support Comparison Anthem Healthkeepers Blue Cross Blue Shield
Phone support availability 24/7 24/7
Mobile app availability No Yes
Online chat support availability No Yes
“Ask a Nurse” service availability Yes No
Customer satisfaction ratings Varies by region Generally higher

In summary, both Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield offer strong customer service and support options. However, Blue Cross Blue Shield has a wider range of support options and tends to receive higher customer satisfaction ratings overall. Regardless of which provider you choose, be sure to familiarize yourself with the available support options and have the necessary information on hand when contacting customer service.

Network and Provider Options of Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

When it comes to choosing an insurance provider, the network and provider options are crucial factors to consider. Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield are both reputable insurance providers that offer various network and provider options to their clients.

Let’s take a closer look at the network and provider options offered by Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield:

  • Network Options:
    • Anthem Healthkeepers: Anthem Healthkeepers has a large network of providers, with over 37,000 doctors and 162 hospitals under their network. Their network is available in Virginia only.
    • Blue Cross Blue Shield: Blue Cross Blue Shield has a massive network of providers, with over 1.7 million healthcare providers under their network. They are available in all 50 states, making them an ideal choice for those who travel often or live in different states throughout the year.
  • Provider Options:
  • Both Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield offer various provider options for their clients. These options include:

    Provider Options Anthem Healthkeepers Blue Cross Blue Shield
    In-Network Providers 37,000+ doctors and 162 hospitals 1.7+ million healthcare providers
    Out-of-Network Providers Available, but with higher out-of-pocket costs Available, but with higher out-of-pocket costs
    Virtual Visits Available Available
    Urgent Care Centers Covered under in-network benefits Covered under in-network benefits
    Retail Health Clinics Covered under in-network benefits Covered under in-network benefits
  • Conclusion:
  • Overall, Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield both offer extensive network and provider options to their clients. While Anthem Healthkeepers has a more limited network in terms of location, they still have a robust network of providers available. On the other hand, Blue Cross Blue Shield has a massive network of providers available in all 50 states, making them an ideal choice for those who travel or move frequently. When choosing between the two, it’s essential to consider your location, medical needs, and travel habits to determine which provider is the best fit for you.

Is Anthem Healthkeepers the Same as Blue Cross Blue Shield: 7 FAQs

1. Are Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield separate entities?

Yes, Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield are separate entities, but are both part of Anthem, Inc.

2. Do both companies offer health insurance?

Yes, both Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield offer health insurance. However, their plans, networks, and coverage may vary by state or region.

3. Are the plans offered by Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield identical?

No, the plans offered by Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield are not identical, but they do share some similarities. It is important to compare and contrast the plans offered by both companies to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.

4. Are the provider networks the same for Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Provider networks may vary for both companies depending on the area. It is important to check the provider directories for both companies to see if a specific healthcare provider is included in the network.

5. Can I use my Anthem Healthkeepers insurance at a Blue Cross Blue Shield facility?

It is best to check with your insurance company before seeking care at a healthcare facility. Some facilities may accept both Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, while others may not.

6. What types of insurance plans are offered by Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Both companies offer a range of insurance plans, including HMOs, PPOs, and POS plans. Additionally, they both offer Medicare and Medicaid plans.

7. Are the pricing and coverage different between Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Yes, pricing and coverage may differ between Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield. It is important to compare the plans and pricing of both companies to determine which one best fits your budget and healthcare needs.

Closing Thoughts: Thanks for Reading!

We hope that this article has provided you with a better understanding of the differences and similarities between Anthem Healthkeepers and Blue Cross Blue Shield. It’s important to research and compare both companies before making a decision on which insurance provider to choose. Thanks for reading, and visit us again later for more helpful articles!