Elevance Health Inc., a health partner focused on supporting consumers, families and communities across their care journeys, has purchased Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, a non-profit health insurer based in New Orleans.

With this deal, the companies aim to improve access, quality and affordability of healthcare in Louisiana. The combination builds on the existing collaboration in Louisiana through joint ownership of Healthy Blue, which serves Medicaid and Medicare dual-eligible members.

“Elevance Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana will combine strengths to provide services unique to the needs of Louisiana to better serve members through a whole health personalized approach,” says Gail Boudreaux, president and CEO, Elevance Health. “As organizations aligned in our missions, we are excited at the opportunity to bring our leading, innovative whole-health solutions to BCBSLA’s members as we work together to become a lifetime, trusted health partner.”