Generally, Kaiser Permanente and Anthem Blue Cross operate independently with separate provider networks. Kaiser Permanente facilities usually do not accept Anthem Blue Cross insurance.
Kaiser & Anthem Blue Cross
Kaiser Permanente and Anthem Blue Cross are separate health insurance companies. Both companies are different from each other.
Kaiser provides integrated healthcare services, in which they have their own health care services (like hospitals, medical offices, pharmacies, clinics, etc.) and their own health insurance. Kaiser requires members to receive care and insurance coverage within the Kaiser network, except – using out-of-network services in emergency care or urgent care.
Anthem Blue Cross, on the other hand, is a daughter company of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and operates independently from Kaiser Permanente. Anthem Blue Cross has its own network of healthcare providers and facilities.
The networks of Kaiser and Anthem Blue Cross generally do not intersect. The meaning is that healthcare services are not common for both companies; Blue Cross works with other groups of services, and Kaiser works with their own healthcare services.
So, overall, Kaiser does not accept Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance. But if you have insurance from Anthem Blue Cross and if you used Kaiser services in emergency cases, then you may generally get coverage from your insurance company.
In general, if you have Kaiser Permanente coverage, you would receive care within the Kaiser network, and if you have Anthem Blue Cross coverage, you would use providers within the Anthem Blue Cross network. This can be understood as Kaiser Permanente and Blue Cross are like train tracks that are generally parallel to one another, but they don’t intersect the majority of the time.
Conclusion
Kaiser typically does not accept the anthem blue cross; they accept it in emergency situations. Your insurance provides coverage in an emergency situation when you go to Kaiser. If you go to Kaiser for non-emergency services by taking Anthem Blue Cross insurance, your insurance may either not give you coverage or they will give you a part of it; overall, there is no guarantee of any coverage. Before going to any services, you must contact both Kaiser Permanente and Anthem Blue Cross to confirm network coverage and any out-of-network benefits.
FAQ
Generally, Kaiser Permanente and Anthem Blue Cross work independently with separate network services. Kaiser facilities typically do not accept Anthem Blue Cross insurance.
To get accurate information, contact both Kaiser Permanente and Anthem Blue Cross directly to inquire about any special arrangements or exceptions.
However, for emergency care or urgent care, Kaiser might accept, and your insurance company might provide coverage for you.
Emergency care is often covered, regardless of network affiliation.
Yes, you can switch from Anthem Blue Cross to Kaiser during the Open Enrollment Period, which usually happens once a year. For detailed information, you can contact both companies.