Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona To Acquire Steward Health Choice Arizona

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona has wrapped up a deal that allows it to serve a wider range of patients.

The not-for-profit insurance provider announced the completion of regulatory approval to acquire Steward Health Choice Arizona from Dallas-based Steward Health Care System LLC.

Plans for the deal were revealed back in November.

As a result, BCBSAZ can now serve Arizonans eligible for Medicaid and those who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

The expansion includes the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) Complete Care plan and the “Generations” Medicare health plan.

AHCCCS is the state Medicaid agency that offers health care programs for residents who meet certain income and other requirements.

“We are excited to expand our work with the state of Arizona to offer an AHCCCS plan,” Pam Kehaly, president and CEO of BCBSAZ, said in a press release. “Our mission is to support Arizonans in achieving their optimal health and, as part of this acquisition, we are able to engage more Arizonans with their health care needs.”

Health Choice Arizona covers more than 200,000 AHCCCS members. It will continue to operate under BCBSAZ without significant changes, according to the release.

BCBSAZ already offered coverage through individual, employer and Medicare plans.

Click here to read the full press release.