Anthem Blue Cross Introduces New Innovative Health Plan Option for Bay Area Consumers and Employer Groups

A technology-driven approach that is simplifying healthcare by reinventing the consumer experience

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anthem Blue Cross (Anthem) is introducing a new health plan option designed specifically to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Bay Area businesses and their employees. Anthem’s Blue Connection is an affordable network designed to improve health outcomes, deliver a better member experience and help lower healthcare costs.

“Blue Connection provides members with a more engaging way to access the healthcare delivery system that is both simple and affordable," said Beth Andersen, president Anthem Blue Cross commercial plans. “We’re committed to improving lives and communities by providing access to affordable healthcare, and we are excited to tailor this to the specific needs of businesses and consumers in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.”

Offered as an Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), Blue Connection includes direct access to more than 3,500 high-quality doctors and healthcare professionals across the Bay Area, including more than 2,500 behavioral health providers. Anthem has joined forces with leading providers including Hill Physicians, Dignity Health, John Muir Health, MarinHealth, and Santa Clara County IPA.

“Our provider partners were selected based on their willingness to support an affordable network and enhanced incentive models that focus on innovative approaches to member experience,” said Andersen.

Blue Connection empowers both care providers and consumers with digital tools and a concierge experience that guide consumers through their healthcare journey. Designed with the member-provider experience in mind, the new health plan option offers a suite of comprehensive services including a user-friendly interface to help select a primary care physician, online timely appointment scheduling for office visits, and follow-up care with specialists both digitally and telephonically.

For employers, Blue Connection offers up to 25 percent savings compared to Anthem’s standard PPO. In addition to cost savings, Blue Connection offers integrated pharmacy benefits through IngenioRx and access to Sydney Health, Anthem’s new artificial intelligence personal health assistant app.

“As California’s second largest health plan, providing health care services to more than 8.6 million health plan members in California, we are deeply invested in the health and well-being of all Californians, workers and their families,” said Andersen.

About Anthem Blue Cross

Anthem Blue Cross has been serving the health insurance needs of California residents since 1937 and is the second largest health plan in the Golden State. Together with its branded affiliates, Anthem Blue Cross provides health care services to more than 8.6 million health plan members in California, including 1.2 million Medicaid members, and boasts a broad network of more than 65,000 care providers. Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of Blue Cross of California. Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Life

and Health Insurance Company are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association. To learn more, visit www.anthem.com/ca. Also, follow us on Twitter or Facebook.