Blue Cross of California now known as Anthem Blue Cross

Blue Cross of California, one of the state’s largest health plans, has changed its name to Anthem Blue Cross, the San Francisco Business Times reports. Anthem Blue Cross has 8.4 million members in California.

“We are taking on the Anthem Blue Cross brand since it more effectively symbolizes what our plans represent: the security of Anthem's heritage with the strength and stability of Blue Cross,” Peggy Hinz, public relations director, corporate communications, Anthem Blue Cross, tells Managed Healthcare Executive.

Hinz explains that the company wanted to introduce Anthem Blue Cross to its members and the community at large and at the same time share some of the efforts it has made over recent years to contribute to making communities stronger and healthier. “Two examples of this are our funding of community colleges to help strengthen their nursing programs and our commitment to helping in the fight against childhood obesity,” she says.