Empire Is Now Anthem: What Changed for New York Members

Introduction

For decades, many New Yorkers knew their health plan as Empire BlueCross BlueShield, or just "Empire." Then the name on the card changed to Anthem. If you've wondered whether your coverage changed too, or whether a doctor who takes "Empire" still takes your plan, you're not alone.

The short answer is that the name changed, and very little else did. But there's a second source of confusion that catches many people. The Empire Plan, the health plan for New York State employees, has a similar name and is a different plan altogether.

At Morningside Medical, we want you to feel sure about your coverage before you book. We're in network with Anthem's employer, individual, and Medicare Advantage plans, and we also take the Empire Plan. In this article, we explain what changed when Empire became Anthem, what stayed the same, how the Empire Plan is different, and how to check that a clinician is in your network.

What changed on January 1, 2024

On January 1, 2024, Empire BlueCross BlueShield started using the Anthem name in New York. According to Anthem's notice about the change, two names changed:

• Empire BlueCross BlueShield became Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
• Empire BlueCross became Anthem Blue Cross.

The change applied across Anthem's plans in New York, and members got new ID cards with the Anthem logo.

That's most of what changed. Members didn't have to sign up again because of the new name.

What didn't change

Anthem's notice was clear that the new name didn't change how members use their coverage. According to Anthem:

• Your member ID number stayed the same. Only the logo on the card changed.
• Your network stayed the same. Anthem said the name change itself had no effect on its network of doctors and hospitals.
• Your benefits stayed the same. The name change didn't add or remove coverage.
• Existing approvals stayed in place. Prior authorizations already approved before the change didn't have to be redone.

So if a clinician's office lists "Empire" on its website or intake form, it most likely means the same plans that now carry the Anthem name. Networks do change from time to time for other reasons, though, so it's still worth checking before you book.

Finding your current card

If you still carry an old Empire card, you can get your current Anthem card in a few ways. Anthem says members can find it in the Sydney Health app or on Anthem's member website. You can also call the member services number on the back of your card to ask for a new one.

It helps to keep a photo of your card on your phone. Our article on how to read your insurance card explains what each part means. Many offices will ask for both sides when you book or check in.

The Empire Plan is a different plan

Here's where many people get confused. The Empire Plan sounds like Empire BlueCross BlueShield, but it's a separate plan with a different history.

The Empire Plan is part of the New York State Health Insurance Program, often called NYSHIP. According to NYSHIP's guide for 2026, it covers New York State employees and employees of some public employers, such as the Thruway Authority and the MTA, along with their covered family members.

Different companies run different parts of the Empire Plan. NYSHIP's 2026 guide lists them:

• Doctor visits and other medical care: UnitedHealthcare
• Hospital care: Anthem Blue Cross
• Mental health and substance use care: Carelon Behavioral Health
• Prescription drugs: CVS Caremark

This matters when you look for a clinician. For a regular doctor's visit on the Empire Plan, the network that counts is the medical program's network, which UnitedHealthcare runs. Anthem's network applies to hospital care. If you search only Anthem's directory for a primary care clinician, you may get the wrong answer.

NYSHIP has its own Find a Provider tool, organized by program. If you have the Empire Plan, start there.

Anthem plan types in New York

Anthem offers several kinds of plans in New York. Knowing which one you have tells you most of what you need to know about referrals and networks.

Employer plans. Many people get Anthem through work. These plans may be PPO, EPO, or HMO plans. The City of New York, for example, offers Anthem EPO plans to some employees.

Individual and family plans. According to Anthem's New York page, you can buy an Anthem Qualified Health Plan through NY State of Health, the state's health insurance marketplace. NY State of Health also enrolls people in Medicaid, the Essential Plan, and Child Health Plus, which work differently.

Medicare Advantage plans. Anthem also offers Medicare Advantage plans in New York. If you have one, your plan documents explain its rules.

Your member ID card shows your plan name and type. If it doesn't, the member services number on the back can tell you.

Do you need a referral?

A referral is an OK from your primary care provider to see a specialist. Whether you need one depends on your plan type. Anthem's own guide to plan types explains the general rules:

• PPO plans don't require a primary care provider, and you don't need a referral to see a specialist. PPO plans also cover some care outside the network, though it costs more.
• EPO plans cover only in-network care, except in an emergency. Most don't need a referral, but some do. The City of New York's Anthem Blue Access Gated EPO, for example, requires one, according to the City's plan summary.
• HMO plans may ask you to choose a primary care provider and get a referral before you see a specialist. Anthem's national guide notes that most of its HMO plans don't require either one, so check yours.

If your plan does need a referral, get it before your specialist visit. Otherwise, your plan may not pay.

Some services may also need prior authorization. That means the plan has to approve them first. Your clinician's office usually handles the request, but it's worth asking whether a test or procedure needs approval before it's scheduled.

How to check that a clinician is in network

Before your first visit, take two minutes to confirm the clinician is in your network. Anthem gives you two ways to check:

1. Search Anthem's Find Care tool at anthem.com.
2. Call the member services number on the back of your card.

If you have the Empire Plan, use NYSHIP's Find a Provider tool for the medical program instead.

Check even if a practice's website lists your plan. Some practices take part in one network but not another. When you call, it helps to ask:

• Is this clinician in the network for my plan?
• Do I need a referral for this visit?
• What will I pay for this type of visit?
• Does this test or procedure need prior authorization?

It's also worth asking the practice whether it's accepting new patients and how soon you can be seen.

Networks still change for other reasons

The name change didn't touch your network, but networks do change over time. Insurers and hospitals or practices renegotiate their contracts, and sometimes a hospital or practice joins or leaves a network. In 2026, for example, Anthem announced a new three-year agreement with Mount Sinai Health System, which returns Mount Sinai to Anthem's network.

That's why it's worth checking your network before a first visit, and again if you haven't been to a practice in a while. A clinician who was in network a few years ago may not be today, and the reverse is true too.

If you change jobs or plans

The Empire-to-Anthem change didn't require any action, but other changes do. If you start a new job, switch plans during open enrollment, or move from an employer plan to Medicare, your coverage may change in ways that matter:

• You'll get a new member ID card, often with a new ID number.
• Your network may be different, even if the insurer is the same.
• Your plan may have different rules for referrals and prior authorization.

When that happens, check that your clinicians are in your new network before your next visit. If you're in the middle of treatment, ask your new plan whether it offers help moving your care over.

Your first visit with a new clinician

If you're looking for a new primary care clinician, it's fine if it's been years since your last checkup. A first visit is a chance to go over your health history, your medications, and any screenings you're due for. It's also a chance to see whether the practice feels like a good fit.

To make the most of it, bring:

• Your Anthem member ID card
• A list of your medications, including vitamins and supplements
• Any recent test results or records from other doctors
• A short list of questions or concerns

If you have an ongoing condition, like high blood pressure or diabetes, your clinician can help you plan follow-up care. If you need a specialist, they can help you decide where to go and whether your plan needs a referral first.

Plan words, in plain language

Insurance has its own vocabulary. Here are the terms that come up most often:

• Network: the group of clinicians, hospitals, and labs your plan works with. Staying in network usually costs you less.
• PPO: a plan that covers care in and out of network, and usually doesn't need referrals.
• EPO: a plan that covers only in-network care, except emergencies. Most don't need referrals.
• HMO: a plan that may ask you to choose a primary care provider and get referrals.
• Referral: an OK from your primary care provider to see a specialist.
• Prior authorization: approval from your plan before certain tests or treatments.
• Copay: a set amount you pay for a visit or service.
• Deductible: the amount you pay each year before your plan starts paying for some services.

Same-day care with Anthem

When you get sick, a same-day visit with a primary care practice is often a good first step. You can be seen for things like a sore throat, a urinary tract infection, or a rash, and the same practice can handle your follow-up. Many practices offer same-day visits, but their rules differ, so ask whether new patients can book them and whether you need an appointment first.

For a medical emergency, don't wait. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for severe chest pain or pressure, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke, or heavy bleeding.

Getting the most from your Anthem plan

A few simple habits can make your plan easier to use:

• Know your plan type. PPO, EPO, and HMO plans each work a little differently.
• Keep your card handy. Your member ID number didn't change when Empire became Anthem, but your card did.
• Know which network counts. Empire Plan members use UnitedHealthcare's network for doctor visits.
• Ask before you book. Confirm the clinician is in network for your plan.
• Use your preventive care. Ask your plan which checkups and screenings it covers at no cost.

How Morningside can help

Morningside Medical is in network with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, formerly Empire BlueCross BlueShield. That includes employer PPO, EPO, and HMO plans, individual and family Qualified Health Plans bought through NY State of Health, and Anthem Medicare Advantage plans. We also take the Empire Plan. You can see the details on our Anthem page.

All of our clinicians are accepting new patients. Same-day appointments are available during all open hours, Monday through Friday, and new patients can book them. We also offer telehealth visits, plus labs and ultrasound at our office. New rheumatology patients are being seen now. We don't take walk-ins, so please book first. Spanish translation is available.

If you have a different plan, our articles on EmblemHealth's GHI and HIP plans and NYCE PPO may help. For the basics of how plans work, see how health insurance works.

Please confirm your coverage with Anthem before your visit, since some details depend on your plan. Morningside Medical isn't affiliated with or endorsed by Anthem.

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk to your clinician about your specific situation.

You're always welcome to book an appointment.