Adults with Empire BlueCross BlueShield coverage (now Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield) researching rehab options can verify their benefits at The Villa Treatment Center. Villa accepts members of most major insurance plans. Verification takes 15 minutes by phone or 24 hours by online form, and confirms what your plan covers and any other costs. To know more, call (818) 639-7160.
What is Empire BlueCross BlueShield?
Empire BlueCross BlueShield was for nearly 90 years the largest health insurer in New York, serving more than 4.8 million members across the state. On January 1, 2024, the company rebranded under the Anthem name: Empire BlueCross BlueShield (downstate New York) became Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and Empire BlueCross (upstate New York) became Anthem Blue Cross.
The rebrand did not change member ID numbers, provider networks, or coverage. The company remains part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and Elevance Health (parent of all Anthem-branded plans across 14 states).
Plans cover commercial group coverage, individual marketplace, Medicaid managed care, Medicare Advantage, and the Federal Employee Program (FEP Blue) for federal employees in New York.
Behavioral health benefits, including substance use and mental health treatment, are part of standard coverage under the ACA’s essential health benefits and federal parity requirements (MHPAEA), plus New York state parity protections. Villa accepts members from Empire-branded and Anthem BCBS NY plans.
Is Empire BCBS The Same as Anthem? And What About Anthem in California?
Yes, Empire BCBS is now Anthem (in New York), as of January 1, 2024. The Empire name has been retired; new plans are issued under the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield brand. Existing members with Empire-branded ID cards retain the same coverage and Member ID.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New York (formerly Empire) is one of 14 state-level Anthem plans operated by Elevance Health. Each state’s Anthem plan is a separate entity with its own provider network. For example, Anthem Blue Cross of California and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New York are separate plans with separate networks, even though both are owned by Elevance Health.
If you have Empire BCBS or Anthem BCBS NY and you’re seeking treatment in California, your plan applies based on its NY-issued terms. Verification confirms what your plan covers and any other costs. To know more, call us at (818) 639-7160.
What Empire BCBS / Anthem BCBS NY Plans Typically Cover For Rehab
Most Empire BCBS and Anthem BCBS NY plans cover the addiction treatment services we provide. For more information about what your plan covers, call us at (818) 639-7160.
Villa accepts members from Empire-branded and Anthem BCBS NY plans, so you don’t need to worry about which name appears on your card.
Verification confirms the specifics of your benefits and any other costs.
Where additional steps may apply
- Prior authorization: certain admissions may require prior authorization from your plan. Villa’s admissions team submits the request on your behalf and walks you through the timing.
- Concurrent review: during longer stays, your plan may review continued care. Villa’s clinical team documents progress as part of standard practice.
- Out-of-state coordination: because your plan is NY-issued and treatment is in California, some administrative coordination steps may apply. Villa’s admissions team handles this directly with your plan.
How to verify Empire BCBS / Anthem BCBS NY Coverage at The Villa
Verification at The Villa takes 15 minutes by phone or 24 hours by online form. You’ll need three things to get started:
- Your member ID number, from the front of your insurance card (Empire-branded or Anthem-branded; both work, the Member ID number is the same)
- Your date of birth, for benefit verification
- The policyholder’s name, if the policy is in someone else’s name (spouse, parent, employer-sponsored)
After verification, admissions walks through what your plan covers, any other costs, and the next steps in the admissions process.
How Empire BCBS / Anthem BCBS NY Members Typically Pay for Rehab
Three financial pathways apply to most members researching treatment at Villa. Verification walks through which apply to your situation.
- Use your insurance benefits. Most Empire BCBS and Anthem BCBS NY commercial plans cover addiction treatment under the behavioral health benefit, and Villa accepts members from Empire-branded and Anthem BCBS NY plans. Our admissions team handles prior authorization, claims, and carrier coordination throughout your stay, so you can focus on recovery.
- Single-case agreement. Negotiated with your plan per-admission when specialized care isn’t available locally in New York. Villa’s admissions team handles the negotiation as part of intake.
- Self-pay rates and financing. Villa offers self-pay rates and payment plans, with treatment financing through My Treatment Lender. Admissions walks through the options on the verification call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Empire BCBS / Anthem BCBS NY cover treatment at Villa in California?
Coverage depends on your specific plan. Villa accepts members of most major insurance plans. Verification confirms what your plan covers and any other costs. To know more, call us at (818) 639-7160.
Is Empire BCBS the same as Anthem?
Yes, since January 1, 2024. Empire BlueCross BlueShield became Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (downstate New York), and Empire BlueCross became Anthem Blue Cross (upstate New York). The rebrand did not change Member ID numbers, networks, or coverage. Members with Empire ID cards retain the same coverage.
Is Anthem in New York the same as Anthem Blue Cross in California?
No. They share the Anthem brand and parent company (Elevance Health), but each state’s Anthem plan is a separate entity with its own provider network. Anthem Blue Cross of California and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New York are separate plans with separate networks, even though both are owned by Elevance Health.