Who Owns Blue Cross California? A Tale of Blue
So, you want to know who owns Blue Cross California? Let's dive into this ocean of blue and see if we can find some answers.
The Blue Cross Blues
First off, let's clear something up: there's a bit of a naming confusion here. You see, there's Blue Cross and there's Blue Shield. They're like peanut butter and jelly, often found together but completely different entities.
- Blue Cross typically covers hospital bills.
- Blue Shield usually covers doctor visits and other medical services.
In California, Blue Cross is actually part of Anthem, a for-profit company. So, to answer your question directly: Anthem owns Blue Cross California.
Blue Shield: The Independent Cousin
Now, Blue Shield California is a different story. It's a non-profit organization, which means it's owned by its members. So, technically, you could say that we all own Blue Shield California! Isn't that cool?
The Blue Confusion Continues
To make things even more confusing, there's a larger umbrella organization called the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. It's basically a club for all these Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies to hang out and share ideas. But they don't actually own any of the individual companies.
So, Who's Really in Charge?
In the end, the question of who "owns" Blue Cross California is a bit like trying to catch a blue butterfly. It's there, but it keeps fluttering away. The important thing to remember is that Blue Cross California is part of Anthem, a for-profit company, while Blue Shield California is a non-profit owned by its members.
How To... Blue Cross and Blue Shield FAQs
How to tell the difference between Blue Cross and Blue Shield?
- Remember, Blue Cross is usually for hospitals, while Blue Shield is for doctors.
How to find out if my doctor is in the Blue Cross network?
- Check your insurance card or call Blue Cross customer service.
How to file a claim with Blue Cross California?
- Follow the instructions on the back of your insurance card or visit the Anthem website.
How to find a Blue Shield doctor?
- Use the Blue Shield of California online directory.
How to lower my Blue Cross or Blue Shield premium?
- Explore different plan options, consider a higher deductible, or look into discounts.
So, there you have it. The world of Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a colorful one, full of twists and turns. Hopefully, this has cleared up some of the confusion.