Affordable health plans for you and your family

 

 

The Empire Difference

Our Company

A long-time leader in the health care industry
Established in 1934, Empire has grown from a New York City-based hospital insurance provider to one of the largest health insurers in the United States. We offer a broad portfolio of managed care plans and insurance products, including HMO, POS, PPO, EPO and CDHP plans, available through a variety of funding arrangements. 
Empire has 75 years of experience serving accounts in all market segments and of all sizes. Unlike other health insurers that rent their networks, we directly own and manage our networks at the local level. And that's why Blues plans are able to collaborate directly with providers to give employers customized benefit designs, access to the highest level of care and new opportunities for cost efficiencies.
 
We stand out from the competition through the following key differentiators:
 

Our large provider networks

A diverse product portfolio

Our 360° Health® total management solution

Robust member and employer websites

Cutting-edge technology

Superior service

Strong business partnerships with data integration

A seamless implementation process
 
Empire is a subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc., the largest publicly traded commercial health benefits company in terms of membership in the United States (hereafter referred to as our parent organization). Empire is part of an organization that serves over 35 million members through its parent company and Blue plan affiliates in 14 states and its non-Blue branded operations in other states. 
As one of the country's largest health benefits company in term of membership, our parent organization, together with Empire, is best positioned to control medical costs and improve quality of care. 
 
Our Network
Large, top-quality networks of accredited providers
We've been around for a long time. And as a leader in the industry, we know that short-term fixes often cost more in the long run. Instead, we focus our energy on long-term solutions. Like teaming with our network physicians and hospitals on ways to help promote, encourage and reward quality care. Because we believe access to quality care ultimately leads to lower health care costs and a healthier health care system. 
 
Largest network:

The BlueCard® PPO/EPO network is larger than that of our nearest competitor, with more 784,000 provider locations and more than 5,800 hospitals nationwide.1 
More than 94 percent of hospitals and 84 percent of physicians in the nation participate in the BlueCard network.2 

Our POS and HMO plans provide access to over 66,000 providers and 200 hospitals in our local service area.

Our pharmacy network includes an extensive retail network of approximately 56,000 participating pharmacies, including most major chains as well as many independent neighborhood pharmacies.

Our dental network offers employees access to one of the largest networks of dentists and specialists with competitive discounts.

Our vision network offers a broad, convenient, national network of more than 44,000 providers and provider locations. The network includes independent optometrists, ophthalmologists and national retail locations like LensCrafters®, Target Optical®, Sears OpticalSM, JCPenney® Optical, Pearle Vision® and New York based Empire Vision and Davis Vision Centers.
 
Quality network:

The BlueCard PPO network provides access to 95 percent of U.S. News and World Report's Best Hospitals.3 More of the Best Doctors as rated by New York magazine for the 9th year in a row.4 
 
Network size relates to network usage = a healthier bottom line
Access to a robust provider network equals value. And we have the proof. Due to the size and strength of our PPO network, we have seen an average of 96 percent in-network utilization, which can lead to healthier employees and a healthier bottom line for employers. Plus we offer access to care when traveling abroad BlueCard Worldwide is the international hospital and provider network of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, with in-network facilities available in most tourist destinations. So your employees can feel confident they can get the care they need when out of the country. 
 
Our Products
Every company's needs and objectives are unique.
That's why our integrated portfolio of health, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and disability benefits is flexible enough to meet the ever-changing requirements of New York businesses. We work closely with our clients to understand their needs and provide affordable, convenient benefit plans that can address total health. 
 
Health plans
Empire offers a wide portfolio, including HMO, POS, PPO, EPO and Consumer-Driven Health Plan (CDHP) products, through a variety of convenient funding arrangements. All plans are designed to help members improve their health while also helping to improve our clients' bottom line. 
Working with the strength of our parent company, we manage our networks at the local level, allowing us to collaborate directly with providers. What does this mean for our clients? Customized benefit designs, access a high level of care, and new opportunities for cost efficiencies. 
 
Health care management
Our 360° Health program is a comprehensive suite of integrated health care programs and services that work together to help achieve optimal health outcomes. Member information is gathered from pharmacy, lab, medical and other sources to help identify members' needs. Then we provide many ways for members to get engaged with the specific types of care and services they need, whether it's by phone of online. We also do targeted direct outreach to members who may benefit from additional coaching and guidance. 360º Health empowers and engages members so they can take control of their health. This innovative program takes a proactive approach to help members get healthy, stay healthy and live better lives by surrounding them with the resources, tools, guidance and support they need to help make better health care decisions. 
 
Prescription drug plans
Our prescription drug plans include an extensive retail network of approximately 56,000 participating pharmacies, including most major chains as well as many independent neighborhood pharmacies. An Empire Prescription Drug Plan can also include drug list, home delivery, and generic pricing programs - all with one ID card and customer service number. 
 
Dental, vision, life and disability for a complete benefits package and a single point of contact.

If you're offering only medical coverage to your employees, you're just getting part of the rewards, savings and benefits that could be available to you. In addition to our health plans, innovative wellness and care management programs, and pharmacy capabilities, we also offer total health solutions that include dental, vision, life and disability - all with a single point of contact. By eliminating the hassles of working with multiple carriers, we make plan administration a snap. Not to mention the savings and security that comes from our integrated benefits portfolio served by an experienced staff.



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Empire Blue Cross
Information Brochure
Empire Blue Sheild Brochure.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [4.9 MB]