NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Empire BlueCross BlueShield, downstate, and Empire BlueCross, upstate, today announced the company name will become Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Anthem Blue Cross, respectively, on January 1, 2024.
The company retains the Blue Cross Blue Shield name and remains part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, which offers one in three Americans access to needed healthcare. Empire joined the Anthem family in 2006, and the new name represents the next stage in the company’s journey to combine the trust of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield brand and the national resources and capabilities of its parent company and affiliates. The Anthem companies are trusted leaders in health, operating in 13 states in addition to New York.
“The Anthem name has become synonymous with a commitment to whole health and better represents our commitment to materially and measurably improve the health of all we serve,” said Victor DeStefano, interim president of Empire BlueCross BlueShield. “At the heart of what we do is provide access to healthcare through our best-in-class networks. Our work continues by removing barriers to care and simplifying the healthcare experience for each person we serve, which is consistent with the Anthem brand. Our company has a nearly 90-year history in this market and our commitment to all New Yorkers is stronger than ever.”
Pending final approval by the New York Department of Health, the change will take place across Empire’s commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare lines of business, which serve more than 4.8 million members and over 38,000 businesses, unions, and small employers. During the migration to the Anthem name, members, customers, and care provider partners will not experience any changes to benefits, pricing, network, coverage, or service. Business operations will remain unchanged, and at the same high level of excellence New Yorkers have come to expect.
“As we move to Anthem we remain committed to ensuring business continues as usual, keeping our member experience central, strong, and seamless,” said Dr. Mark Levy, president, Medicaid. “Our Anthem teams represent the best of the communities we serve—we live and work throughout New York’s diverse neighborhoods, which is why we are so deeply committed to increasing equitable access to affordable, quality healthcare for all New Yorkers.”
Blue Cross Blue Shield has been a leading healthcare business in the New York market since 1934; the Empire brand has been in use since 1985.
In addition to the name update, the company will also refresh the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Anthem Blue Cross logos with a modern look which aligns to the company’s broader brand portfolio as part of a multi-year brand transition.
About Empire BlueCross BlueShield and Empire BlueCross in New York
Empire BlueCross BlueShield and Empire BlueCross (Empire) is on a mission to improve the health of New Yorkers. Empire is the largest health insurer in New York supporting more than four million members and more than 38,000 business, union, and small employers. Empire is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice Assurance, Inc., and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice HMO, Inc., independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, serving residents and businesses in the 28 eastern and southeastern counties of New York State. Additional information about Empire is available at www.empireblue.com.
