Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans

Logo of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans

The Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans (CABCP) is a federation of regional not-for-profit health insurance providers in Canada. The association is part of the larger international Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, which operates in various countries around the world. The Canadian Blue Cross plans offer a range of health and travel insurance products to individuals, families, and businesses.

History

The origins of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans date back to the early 20th century, when the concept of prepaid health insurance was first introduced in North America. The Blue Cross symbol was adopted in Canada in the 1930s, and the first Canadian Blue Cross plan was established in Manitoba in 1939. Over the following decades, additional regional plans were developed across the country, each operating independently but under the common Blue Cross brand.

Structure and Governance

The CABCP is composed of seven regional Blue Cross plans, each serving a specific geographic area in Canada. These plans include:

• Alberta Blue Cross
• Pacific Blue Cross
• Manitoba Blue Cross
• Medavie Blue Cross
• Ontario Blue Cross
• Québec Blue Cross
• Saskatchewan Blue Cross

Each regional plan is governed by its own board of directors and operates as a not-for-profit organization. The CABCP itself is governed by a board composed of representatives from each of the regional plans.

Services and Products

The Canadian Blue Cross plans offer a variety of insurance products, including:

• Health insurance: Coverage for prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and extended health benefits.
• Travel insurance: Emergency medical coverage for Canadians traveling abroad or within Canada.
• Life and disability insurance: Financial protection in the event of death or disability.
• Group benefits: Customized insurance solutions for businesses and organizations.

Role in Canadian Healthcare

The CABCP plays a significant role in the Canadian healthcare system by providing supplementary health insurance that complements the publicly funded healthcare services. Blue Cross plans help cover costs that are not included in provincial health insurance, such as prescription medications, dental care, and vision care.

Community Involvement

The regional Blue Cross plans are actively involved in their communities, supporting various health and wellness initiatives. They often partner with local organizations to promote healthy living and provide funding for health-related programs and research.

Related pages

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
• Health insurance in Canada
• Publicly funded health care