About Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance Providers is one of the largest healthcare providers in America. However, calling this provider a company is a bit of a misnomer, as 38 independent healthcare providers are covered under the umbrella of The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. With 94 million members, it is estimated that one out of every three Americans is a member. Blue Cross Blue Shield offers health insurance to companies in every sector of the economy, in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and Canada. For its service, Blue Cross Blue Shield has been awarded an “Excellent” rating by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA); this is the highest accreditation possible.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield started as two very different companies. Blue Cross was created by Justin Ford Kimball in 1929 as a way for 1,300 Dallas school teachers to finance medical care. Initially, the plan offered a 21 day hospital stay that was financed through small monthly payments to Baylor University Hospital. Blue Shield was founded in logging camps in the Pacific Northwest, where companies would form agreements with local doctors to cover the frequent injuries of logging. In 1934, the symbol of the blue cross was created in Minnesota; it quickly became recognized as a symbol of these health plans. Over the years, government healthcare has been closely connected with Blue Cross Blue Shield through Medicare, Labor, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Act (FEP).
Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans
Today, through its member companies, Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a range of healthcare options, including HMO, PPO, Medicare, life insurance, various prescription plans, and Health Savings Account (HAS) compatibility. However, since it is an extremely large company, specific plans will vary greatly. Costs also depend on age, smoking, and other socio-economic factors.
Here are a few examples of plans for Anthem Blue Cross in California, one of the 38 member companies. Standard costs are based on a non-smoking male of age 30.
- Blue Cross Individual HMO - A Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan where members first visit a general practitioner, who then chooses specialists. There is no deductible and inpatient care is covered.
- Individual PPO $3500 with HSA Compatibility - A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) where members may visit any doctor, but with no insurance payments until a $3,500 deductible is met. Once met, however, the insurance covers all costs. Note: this is an HSA account, which allows consumers to deposited money tax-free in order to pay for medical expenses.
- BCL&H RightPlan PPO 40 with Rx - A PPO plan with no annual deductible. Office visits are $40, and members are responsible for 40 percent of most charges. Medications cost 50 percent of the negotiated fee for generics, and 50 percent for brand name drugs after a $500 deductible has been satisfied.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield headquarters are conveniently located throughout the United States.
