Paul Sanchez
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a federation of 33 independent and locally operated companies that provide health insurance to more than 115 million people in the US. BCBS companies serve more than 17 million unionized workers, retirees and their families. BCBS offers health insurance plans for individuals and families, as well as small businesses with 2 to 50 or 100 employees. BCBS also acts as an administrator of Medicare in many states or regions of the US.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Health insurance |
| Coverage | Nationwide coverage in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico |
| Number of Members | 115 million+ as of 2022 |
| Number of Doctors and Hospitals under Contract | 2 million+ |
| Number of Companies | 33 independent and locally operated companies |
| Year Formed | 1982 |
| Headquarters | Aon Center at 200 E. Randolph Street in Chicago, Illinois |
| Trademark Control | Controls access to trademarks and names in the U.S. and over 170 other countries |
| Licensee | Offers licenses to affiliated companies for specific geographic service areas |
| History | Blue Cross founded in 1929; Blue Shield emerged in 1939 |
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What You'll Learn
History of Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
Blue Cross Blue Shield, also known as BCBS, BCBSA, or The Blues, is a United States-based federation with 33 independent and locally operated companies that provide health insurance to over 115 million people in the US. The association owns and manages Blue Cross and Blue Shield trademarked plans in over 170 countries and grants licenses to independent companies to use the names in exclusive geographic areas.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield were originally two separate companies. Blue Cross was founded in 1929 by Justin Ford Kimball, vice president of Baylor University's healthcare facilities in Dallas, Texas. The plan guaranteed teachers 21 days of hospital care for $6 a year, and soon expanded to other employee groups in Dallas and then nationally. Blue Shield emerged in 1939, covering physician services. It was developed by lumber and mining camp employers in the Pacific Northwest facing illnesses and occupational hazards. In 1948, nine plans adopted the Blue Shield symbol, and the group was renamed the National Association of Blue Shield Plans.
In 1960, Blue Cross became the Blue Cross Association, and Congress created the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), which would become the largest employer-sponsored group health insurance program in the world. In 1978, Blue Cross and Blue Shield consolidated staff and operations, and in 1982, they merged to form the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
Today, Blue Cross Blue Shield companies offer commercial, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid managed care, Medigap, Medicare Part D, and individual exchange plans. They also act as administrators of Medicare in many states or regions of the US. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP) is a nationwide option under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB). BCBS has been a trusted provider for over 90 years, shaping the history of the healthcare industry through innovation and leadership.
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BCBS companies and their services
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a federation of 33 independent and locally operated companies that provide health insurance to over 115 million people in the United States. The federation was formed in 1982 from the merger of its two predecessor organizations: Blue Cross, founded in 1929, and Blue Shield, founded in 1939.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance companies are licensees, independent of the association and each other, offering insurance plans within defined regions under one or both of the association's brands. Blue Cross Blue Shield insurers offer some form of health insurance coverage in every U.S. state, with affiliated plans in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. They also act as administrators of Medicare in many states or regions of the U.S. and participate in the nationwide health insurance program for employees of the United States federal government.
BCBS companies offer a personalized approach to healthcare, working closely with hospitals and doctors in the communities they serve to provide quality, affordable healthcare. They provide nationwide health care coverage for 118 million members, with more than 2 million doctors and hospitals contracting with BCBS companies—more than any other insurer. BCBS members have access to exclusive discounts on health and wellness products and services, as well as international healthcare coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield Global™.
Some examples of BCBS companies include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota (BCBSMN), founded in 1933, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi (BCBSMS), formed as a privately held company in 1954 and later converted to a mutual insurance company. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is another example of a non-profit health insurance company, headquartered in Rochester, New York.
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BCBS health insurance plans
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, also known as BCBS, is a US-based federation with 33 independent and locally operated companies that provide health insurance to over 115 million people in the US. BCBS has been a trusted health insurance provider for 90+ years, offering insurance plans within defined regions under its two brands: Blue Cross and Blue Shield. These brands developed separately, with Blue Cross providing coverage for hospital services and Blue Shield covering physicians' services.
BCBS offers health insurance for individuals and families, with plans tailored to meet specific healthcare needs and budgets. Their health plans cover a wide range of healthcare services, including dental, vision, and telehealth options. BCBS members also have access to exclusive discounts on health and wellness products and services. Additionally, Blue Cross Blue Shield Global™ provides international healthcare coverage for individuals who live, work, or travel abroad.
BCBS companies are licensees, operating independently of each other and the association, and are committed to making healthcare insurance easy, affordable, and attainable for all. BCBS members can access their benefits, coverage details, claims, and more through their secure online accounts.
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BCBS for families
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a federation of 33 independent and locally operated companies that provide health insurance to more than 115 million people in the United States. BCBS has been a trusted health insurance provider for over 90 years, offering a range of health insurance plans for individuals and families.
BCBS is committed to making healthcare insurance easy, affordable, and attainable for all. They offer a variety of health insurance plans to cater to different needs and budgets. You can compare the available plans and medical insurance options on the BCBS website or by visiting your local BCBS company website. BCBS companies are available in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, so you can easily find a local provider.
When you choose a BCBS health insurance plan for your family, you can be confident that you're getting quality care. BCBS's Blue Distinction Specialty Care programs help connect you with high-quality doctors and hospitals that provide exceptional patient care. BCBS members also have access to exclusive discounts on health and wellness products and services, adding further value to their insurance plans.
Additionally, BCBS offers international coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield Global. This program provides a full range of healthcare coverage solutions for individuals and families who live, work, and travel internationally. So, if your family has global healthcare needs, BCBS can provide seamless coverage no matter where you are located.
Overall, BCBS is a reliable and trusted option for family health insurance in the United States. With their wide range of coverage options, commitment to affordability, and access to quality healthcare providers, BCBS can help you find the right insurance plan to meet your family's unique needs.
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BCBS and Medicare
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a federation of 33 independent and locally operated companies that provide health insurance to over 115 million people in the US. BCBS companies are licensees, independent of the association and of each other, offering insurance plans within defined regions under one or both of the association's brands.
BCBS offers Medicare coverage options, including Medicare Advantage plans that include Part C and sometimes Part D. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover all medical expenses, so additional coverage through a BCBS Medicare Advantage plan could help limit out-of-pocket expenses. Part C includes hospital stays and doctor visits, as well as additional services such as wellness programs, hearing aids, and vision services, generally with lower cost-sharing and an annual out-of-pocket maximum. Part D covers prescription drug costs and is an option for those with Original Medicare. Those enrolled in Medicare Advantage do not need to purchase a Part D plan.
Medigap is another option for those with Original Medicare, as it covers the out-of-pocket costs for health expenses not typically covered by Parts A and B. Enrollees in Medicare Advantage do not need to purchase a Medigap plan. BCBS Medigap plans allow individuals to receive services anywhere in the country and even abroad with the addition of travel health insurance.
BCBS also offers a Federal Employee Program (FEP) that can be combined with Medicare. FEP and Medicare can protect individuals from the high cost of medical care, especially if Parts A and B are the primary coverage. If an individual is retired, Medicare is usually the primary coverage, and if they are still working, FEP is the primary coverage. By combining Medicare coverage with FEP, individuals can access benefits not covered by Parts A and B.
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Frequently asked questions
BCBS stands for Blue Cross Blue Shield, a federation of 33 independent and locally operated companies that provide health insurance to more than 115 million people in the US.
Blue Cross was founded in 1929 and became the Blue Cross Association in 1960. Blue Shield emerged in 1939 and the Blue Shield Association was created in 1948. The two organisations merged in 1982 to form the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
Blue Cross traditionally covered hospital services, while Blue Shield covered physicians' services.
You can visit your local Blue Cross and Blue Shield company website to explore your coverage options and compare plans.
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