Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (8120068996)

Richardson August 2019 09 (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas)

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Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield - Des Moines, Iowa (24344459140)

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is a federation of 36 separate United States health insurance organizations and companies, providing health insurance to more than 106 million Americans. BCBSA was formed in 1982 through the merger of the Blue Cross Association and the Blue Shield Association, which were originally established in the 1920s and 1930s, respectively. The association is known for offering health insurance plans directly to members, as well as through employer-sponsored plans.

History

The origins of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association can be traced back to the early 20th century. The first Blue Cross plan was founded in 1929 by Justin Ford Kimball, at Baylor University in Dallas, Texas. It was initially created to ensure teachers had access to hospital care. Shortly thereafter, the Blue Shield concept emerged in the Pacific Northwest and was aimed at providing physicians' services. These two entities operated separately for many years, focusing on hospital and medical coverage, respectively, until they merged into the current association in 1982.

Structure

BCBSA operates as a federation of independently owned and operated companies. This structure allows each member company to adapt to the specific healthcare needs and regulations of the state or region it serves. Despite this independence, all member companies collectively own the Blue Cross and Blue Shield trademarks and names, which are among the most recognized brands in American healthcare.

Products and Services

BCBSA member companies offer a variety of health insurance products and services, including traditional health insurance, HMO plans, PPO plans, and plans that are compatible with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). In addition to individual and family health insurance plans, BCBSA members also provide Medicare products for seniors and Medicaid services for low-income individuals and families.

Member Affiliated Companies

These companies operate under the Blue Cross Blue Shield license in various states across the U.S.

Single-State and Regional Members

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming – Located in Gillette, Wyoming.
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
• Blue Shield of California
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida – Also covers Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, branded as "Triple-S Management" and locally known as Florida Blue.
• Blue Cross of Idaho
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina
• BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
• Capital Blue Cross – Central Pennsylvania.
• Capital Health Plan – Big Bend region of Florida.
• Florida Health Care Plans
• Hawaii Medical Service Association
• Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
• Independence Blue Cross – Philadelphia, Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Multi-State Private Companies

• CareFirst – Serves the District of Columbia, Maryland, and parts of Virginia.
• Health Care Service Corporation – Operates:
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
• Highmark – Operates in various regions:
  • Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield – Western and Northeastern Pennsylvania.
  • Highmark Blue Shield – Eastern & Central Pennsylvania.
  • Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware.
  • Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York.
  • Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia.
  • Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York.
• Premera – Operates:
  • Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska.
  • Premera Blue Cross of Washington.
• Cambia Health Solutions – Operates:
  • Regence BlueShield of Idaho.
  • Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon.
  • Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah.
  • Regence BlueShield of Washington.
• Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield – Serves Iowa and South Dakota.

Publicly Traded Companies

• Elevance Health (formerly Anthem) – Operates under various regional brands:
  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield – Serves Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri (excluding 30 counties in the Kansas City area), Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Virginia (excluding certain northern counties), Wisconsin.
  • Anthem Blue Cross – California.
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia.
  • Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield – New York.

Companies outside of the United States

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Canada
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Costa Rica
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Panama
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Uruguay

Innovation and Technology

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is committed to innovation in healthcare. It invests in technology and research to improve healthcare quality, access, and affordability. This includes initiatives in digital health, such as telemedicine services, and programs aimed at combating the opioid epidemic, improving mental health services, and managing chronic diseases.

Challenges and Controversies

Like many large healthcare organizations, BCBSA has faced its share of challenges and controversies. These include lawsuits over antitrust issues, concerns about healthcare affordability, and debates over the role of insurance companies in the American healthcare system. Despite these challenges, BCBSA continues to play a significant role in the U.S. healthcare landscape.

Community Involvement

BCBSA and its member companies are actively involved in community health initiatives. These efforts range from sponsoring local health fairs and wellness programs to investing in community health centers and supporting national health awareness campaigns.

Future Directions

The future of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is likely to be shaped by ongoing healthcare reform debates in the United States, technological advancements in healthcare delivery, and the evolving needs of the American population. BCBSA is positioned to continue its role as a key player in the U.S. health insurance industry, adapting to changes and seeking to improve health outcomes for its members.

See Also

• Health insurance in the United States