Top insurance agent Larry Hurwitz provides insight into Blue Cross of California’s recent decision to become part of the Anthem Blue Cross family of companies.
WOODLAND HILLS, California, April 6, 2008 – Blue Cross of California recently announced it will now do business Anthem Blue Cross. Veteran insurance agent and Blue Cross of California top producer Larry Hurwitz shares his perspective on the rebranding: I believe we have a unique perspective of the new branding of Blue Cross of California since my agency, BenefitPackages, has been a top ten agency for more than 5 years and representing Blue Cross for more than twenty years. I have seen Blue Cross roll out new plans, and I’ve seen top executives come and go. But whenever Blue Cross makes a large decision like this, there’s always one important question: “What will these changes mean to the consumer?”
The merger of WellPoint and Anthem is starting to pay dividends, as the carrier can draw from a vast array of products and talent to offer the consumer better choices. For example, Blue Cross of California has been offering the new Smart Sense health plan that has trumped most other plans. Packaged under another name, this plan has been a true winner in other Anthem Blue Cross states with a track record of success for both the consumer and the carrier. Anthem Blue Cross will be advertising it among 11 other health plans across the country.
Does the bigger size have draw backs? It is easy to get lost in the bureaucratic maze anytime you are working with such a large company. After all, 34 million people (1 in 9 Americans) are insured by Anthem Blue Cross. A lot of people don’t realize that it doesn’t cost any extra money to have an agency such as BenefitPackages.com help them with plan selection, enrollment, and servicing needs. You’re always a client to us, never a number.
What I like about the size of the new Anthem Blue Cross is the stability of a carrier that has a 2008 outlook of $62 billion in operating revenue and $3.7 billion in operating cash flow. With the average cost of a 3-day stay in the hospital up to $40,000, you want a big stable carrier to be there years down the road. That makes any Anthem Blue Cross health plan a smart investment in your health.
About BenefitPackages.com
BenefitPackages.com is owned and operated by Larry Hurwitz. Mr. Hurwitz has been in the insurance business since 1987, and is a second-generation insurance consultant. He is a graduate of Occidental College in Los Angeles, and the College for Financial Planning in Denver, Colorado. His agency represents many major medical insurance carriers, including Anthem Blue Cross, and helps individuals, families, and small businesses find the coverage they need. BenefitPackages.com is a designated Blue Cross Premier Agency.
BenefitPackages.com is based in Woodland Hills, California.