Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia Announces Continued Collaboration and Long-term Contract with Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters to Support Access, Affordability, and Children’s Health

NORFOLK, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia announced renewal of its managed care contract with Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD), the only full-service, freestanding children’s hospital in Virginia.

The multi-year contract ensures Anthem members have uninterrupted access to comprehensive pediatric care across the region and reinforces a shared commitment to affordability, coordinated care, and long-term investment in the health and well-being of children and families throughout greater Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, northeastern North Carolina, and beyond.

“We are deeply committed to working alongside trusted pediatric partners to ensure children receive the right care, at the right time, close to home,” said Monica Schmude, President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia. “Our renewed agreement with CHKD reflects our shared focus on access, affordability, and high-quality, family-centered care for our communities.”

Anthem members will retain access to CHKD’s full continuum of pediatric services, including medical, surgical, and mental health care. The agreement supports responsible, sustainable care delivery while helping families and employers manage healthcare costs.

“We’re pleased that Anthem recognizes CHKD’s unique role in our region,” says CHKD President and CEO, Amy Sampson. “As the regional referral center for all pediatric medical and surgical subspecialty care and the home of comprehensive inpatient and outpatient mental health services, CHKD is essential to the health and well-being of our children. Anthem’s contract renewal with CHKD reassures families that their children can find the care they need without leaving the region.”

Anthem’s relationship with CHKD is part of a broader, long-standing commitment to advancing children’s health through collaboration, philanthropy, and community engagement. A hallmark of that commitment is Anthem LemonAid, one of the region’s most impactful pediatric fundraising events. This year marked the 25th anniversary of Anthem LemonAid, raising more than $2 million for CHKD since its inception. Notably, 100% of funds raised stay local, directly supporting pediatric hematology and oncology services and benefiting children and families across the Commonwealth.

“At Anthem, our work with children’s hospitals like CHKD—and our long-standing support of initiatives such as Anthem LemonAid—reflect our deep belief that community health begins with caring for our youngest patients,” said Schmude. “For decades, we’ve been proud to stand alongside pediatric providers, our employees, and community partners to support children and families in meaningful, lasting ways. These efforts embody our mission to advance health and hope across the communities we serve.”

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is available at www.anthem.com. Follow us on X @AnthemBCBS and on LinkedIn.

About Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters

Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters is the only full-service, freestanding children’s hospital in Virginia and the heart of a comprehensive pediatric health system. CHKD provides specialized medical, surgical, and mental health care for children across greater Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, northeastern North Carolina, and beyond, delivering compassionate, high-quality care close to home. Learn more at www.chkd.org.