Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is not affiliated with, nor does it endorse or sponsor, the contents of this webpage or the HealthInsuranceCoverage.com website.
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is reputed throughout US for providing affordable and excellent insurance for the past eighty years. It is also the biggest group of insurance provider and the most renowned and recognized brand name for health insurance. There are 39 Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies working as one organization called Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. There are 70 independent health-care plans coordinated by the various companies under the brand name of Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS). All these plans called 'Blues' are independent and self-reliant plans but adhering strictly to the standards set by the association.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurance providers have been the pioneers who steered in-group insurance. Right from the time when Blue Cross offered 21 days of hospital care for $6, and joining hands with Blue Shield which was providing insurance for lumber and mining camps, they have now come a long way. Initially, hospital services coverage was done by Blue Cross whereas Blue Shield provided coverage for doctor fees. Now together, they are providing healthcare coverage for nearly one hundred million Americans. Today 80% of US physicians and more than 90 % private and federal hospitals deal with BCBS franchisees. BCBS is a brand that is found in 170 countries all over the world.
Group insurance plans form the bulk (87%) of subscribers to Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurance network the remaining being individual subscribers. Nearly 15.5 million people are members of Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs). Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) has customers in 42 states numbering nearly 5.5 million people. Other popular plans are Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), Indemnity and Traditional Coverage and Point-of-Service (POS) plans. Federal Employee Programs like Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) cover more than 57% of Federal personnel.
Blue National Doctor & Hospital Finder helps a subscriber to find a doctor, specialist or hospital when needed. Blue365 Healthy Discounts is another very popular option to get a variety of healthy options under one roof in select places. Blue Card Worldwide is for travelers to get health benefits. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies provide quick processing electronically through the BlueCard Program.
Diversity Council is an undertaking BCBSA has created to encourage and promote diverse cultural and talents amongst its employees for achieving its corporate goals.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurance companies provide affordable and easily accessible health insurance coverage and certainly deserve the best status possible since they are reliable too.