Positioned for Future Success:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Enters Into Definitive Agreement to be Acquired by Elevance Health

Will there be any changes in member benefits?
There will be no changes to our members’ current benefits.

Can members still see their doctor/healthcare provider?
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana network is not changing. Members can continue to access the same providers as they do now under their current benefit plan.

Do members have the same choice of services?
At this time, there will be no changes to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana’s services.

Will Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana continue to provide Medicare Advantage products for seniors?
Yes. Our current Medicare Advantage products are not changing at this time.

Following the close of the transaction, Elevance Health will enhance the competitive Blue offering in the Medicare Advantage space. In doing so, BCBSLA can bring seniors in Louisiana more robust benefits and additional product offerings that are available with Elevance Health.

Who should BCBSLA members contact for questions about their benefits?
Members should continue to call the customer service number on the back of their membership ID card or access our website at www.bcbsla.com as they always have.

Are authorization/pre-approval rules changing?
Nothing is changing at this time. In accordance with our provider and state/federal contracts, we will notify members of any changes well in advance of their implementation.

Will BCBSLA members be required to move to an Elevance Health affiliated health plan now?
No, there will be no changes to our member’s current benefits.

Will members have access to new products and services as a result of this transaction?
Yes, after the transaction closes, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana members will be able to access a portfolio of solutions and capabilities developed by Elevance Health and its healthcare services organization, Carelon. Elevance Health has made more than $4 billion in investments over the past several years such as behavioral health, complex and chronic care programs, and innovative digital models.

These solutions have demonstrated success nationally in improving members' health and keeping them healthier.

What kinds of products and services will be available?
We will bring more effective and efficient solutions such as integrated pharmacy, care navigation, and member advocacy, which would help improve member health outcomes.

Will Elevance Health continue to invest in Louisiana?
Yes, Elevance Health is committed to continued investment in broadening its breadth of services to advance the whole health of its members.

Why is Elevance Health acquiring BCBSLA?
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is a financially strong and vibrant company, serving Louisiana for almost 90 years. As the leading health insurer in the state, we have a deep understanding of the unique needs of our members, our customers, the providers we work with, and the communities we serve. To meet those needs, we have had to evolve over time, and in the rapidly changing healthcare environment, the need to evolve and adapt is more important today than ever.

Across healthcare, scale has become increasingly important. That is why the BCBSLA board, the CEO and members of senior management initiated a formal process to identify a partner with the ability to help us secure a strong future for our company, and specifically a partner that could provide leading innovations, products, capabilities and services at a faster pace, and more comprehensively, than we could alone. We believe that aligning with a large, trusted organization will allow us to accelerate our mission of improving the health and lives of Louisianians.

What is Elevance Health?
Elevance Health is no stranger to us or Louisiana. BCBSLA and Elevance Health formed the Healthy Blue joint venture, where we have partnered together since 2017 to offer a Blue option to Louisiana’s Medicaid population.

Since forming Healthy Blue, it has become clear that our missions and cultures are aligned, with a focus on community, volunteerism, diversity, equity and inclusion.

Elevance Health is the parent company of 14 Blue Cross Blue Shield plans across the country and has a broad portfolio of whole health solutions.

More information on Elevance Health can be found at www.elevancehealth.com.

Will there still be Blue Cross and Blue Shield offices in Louisiana?
Yes, our headquarters will remain in Baton Rouge, and regional sales offices will still be located across the state, including the recently announced Medicare Advantage Center of Excellence in Monroe.

Will BCBSLA’s leadership team change?
We will continue to employ approximately 3,000 Louisianians, including teams who will focus directly on Louisiana-based providers, brokers, employers and members, and we expect the majority of our leadership team to remain the same.

Like Blue Cross, Elevance Health believes healthcare is best when delivered locally. That is why their 14 Blue Cross Blue Shield plans have state-based employees, along with local leadership who have the authority to make key decisions on how best to serve their customers.

When will the transaction close?
We do not know the date for closing, but anticipate it will occur within six to 12 months.

What are the terms of the transaction?
The financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed. However, as a result of the transaction, the people of Louisiana will benefit from a new multi-billion-dollar foundation focused on improving their health and lives.

What are the details of the new foundation?
The Accelerate Louisiana Initiative is being created to address the unique and complex needs of the people of Louisiana. Its mission - like ours - will be to improve the health and lives of the people of Louisiana. The foundation will focus on strengthening communities by addressing health inequities and broader community needs in Louisiana, which continues to lag the nation in many important health metrics.

Will the foundation only be focused on Louisiana?
Yes, the Accelerate Louisiana Initiative foundation will focus only on the unique and complex needs of Louisianians.

How can I find out more about the Accelerate Louisiana Initiative Foundation and apply for funding?
More information on the Accelerate Louisiana Initiative foundation will be shared following the close of the transaction.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana recently announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Elevance Health, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.

This acquisition will unite two organizations deeply rooted in the communities they serve and aligned in a mission to improve whole health. Together they will continue to prioritize what is best for Louisiana's members and customers by improving access, quality, affordability, and the experience that Louisianians have trusted for almost 90 years.

The acquisition will result in the establishment of a $3 billion private foundation aimed at addressing health inequalities across Louisiana. Called the Accelerate Louisiana Initiative, the foundation will address the unique and complex needs of the people of Louisiana.