Introduction
In June 2022, Anthem, Inc., one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States, officially changed its name to Elevance Health. This rebranding marked a significant transformation not only in name but in vision, signaling a broader commitment to improving whole-person health across America. The transition reflects the company’s evolution from a traditional health insurance provider to a comprehensive health solutions organization. This article explores the journey of Anthem, Inc., the motivations behind its transformation, its current operations as Elevance Health, and its growing impact on the American healthcare landscape.
History and Growth of Anthem, Inc.
Anthem, Inc. was established in 2004 following the merger of Anthem and WellPoint Health Networks. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company rapidly grew into a powerhouse in the healthcare industry, primarily through a series of strategic acquisitions and mergers with regional Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans.
Anthem operated under the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association in several states, serving millions of Americans through employer-sponsored insurance, individual and family plans, Medicare, and Medicaid. The company’s scale and network allowed it to offer competitive premiums and comprehensive provider access.
By the 2010s, Anthem had become a Fortune 50 company and one of the largest health insurers in the United States, competing with the likes of UnitedHealth Group, Aetna, and Cigna.
From Insurance to Health Solutions: Why the Name Change?
The name Elevance Health is a portmanteau of “elevate” and “advance,” encapsulating the company’s commitment to elevating the experience of care and advancing whole-person health. The rebranding effort was more than cosmetic—it reflected a major strategic shift.
There are several key reasons behind the change:
- Expanding Beyond Insurance: The company recognized that the future of healthcare involves more than just paying claims. True health outcomes depend on addressing social determinants of health, behavioral health, and access to personalized care. Elevance Health aims to be a partner in health, not just a payer.
- Emphasis on Whole-Person Care: Elevance Health seeks to address mental health, chronic conditions, and lifestyle factors that affect wellbeing. This shift aligns with the growing understanding that physical health cannot be effectively managed without attention to emotional, behavioral, and social health.
- Tech-Driven Innovation: The digital health revolution has created new opportunities to engage patients, manage care, and improve outcomes. Elevance Health has heavily invested in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital platforms to enhance care coordination and patient experience.
- Market Diversification: Elevance Health is no longer solely focused on traditional insurance. It now encompasses pharmacy services, healthcare navigation, behavioral health, and other services through subsidiaries like Carelon and IngenioRx.
Elevance Health Today: Business Units and Strategy
As of 2025, Elevance Health operates through three core business segments:
- Health Benefits: This is the traditional insurance arm that includes commercial, Medicare, Medicaid, and federal government programs. It covers over 47 million members nationwide, making it one of the largest insurers in the country.
- Carelon: A newly branded segment that consolidates the company’s healthcare services and technology capabilities. Carelon focuses on care delivery, behavioral health, complex care management, and home-based services. It includes units like CarelonRx (pharmacy benefit management) and Carelon Behavioral Health.
- Corporate Strategy and Investments: Elevance Health invests in health tech startups and innovative care models through venture arms and partnerships. This approach helps the company stay ahead of healthcare trends and integrate new technologies into its ecosystem.
Addressing Health Disparities and Social Determinants
One of the key areas of focus for Elevance Health is addressing health disparities and social determinants of health (SDOH). These include factors such as housing, food insecurity, transportation, education, and economic stability—all of which significantly impact health outcomes.
Elevance Health collaborates with local organizations and governments to connect individuals to resources that support their wellbeing. The company also uses data analytics to identify at-risk populations and intervene earlier with care coordination and support services.
Behavioral and Mental Health Integration
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for integrated behavioral health services. Elevance Health has expanded access to mental health care through telehealth, partnerships with behavioral health providers, and digital platforms that offer therapy and self-help resources.
Carelon Behavioral Health, a major division under the Elevance umbrella, is one of the largest behavioral health service providers in the country. It offers care coordination, crisis intervention, substance use treatment, and employee assistance programs.
Digital Innovation and Artificial Intelligence
Digital tools play a central role in Elevance Health’s strategy. The company uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to:
- Predict which members are at risk for chronic illness
- Suggest preventative measures
- Optimize care plans
- Identify gaps in care
- Improve medication adherence
Its digital platform allows members to access virtual care, schedule appointments, manage prescriptions, and track their health data in real time. Elevance Health’s goal is to empower consumers to take an active role in their health journey.
Public Policy and Advocacy
Elevance Health is also active in healthcare policy advocacy, supporting efforts to expand access to care, improve healthcare affordability, and advance health equity. The company frequently engages with lawmakers, healthcare associations, and public agencies to promote value-based care and reduce system inefficiencies.
Through partnerships with Medicaid agencies and state governments, Elevance Health administers plans that serve vulnerable populations and delivers community-based services.
Financial Performance and Outlook
As of 2025, Elevance Health continues to demonstrate strong financial performance. The company reported revenues exceeding $170 billion, driven by growth in Medicaid enrollment, Medicare Advantage plans, and its Carelon services.
Despite challenges in the industry—including regulatory pressures, rising healthcare costs, and labor shortages—Elevance Health has maintained a stable outlook. Analysts view its diversified model and tech-forward strategy as key competitive advantages.
Conclusion
The transformation from Anthem, Inc. to Elevance Health is emblematic of a broader shift in the healthcare industry—from reactive, fee-for-service models to proactive, whole-person health strategies. Elevance Health is not just changing its name but reshaping what it means to be a health company in the 21st century.
