1930s

1932

The National Labor Relations Act, requiring management to bargain with labor over "wages and conditions" is enacted and will become a catalyst for employer-based health benefits.

1933

On December 27, 1933, America's first "Blue Cross Baby" was born in Durham, North Carolina. The entire cost of her delivery and her mother's 10-day hospital stay totaled $60. In this 1954 photo, the first Blue Cross Baby, Ann Woodard Reid, is shown holding her own Blue Cross Baby, Michael. Mrs. Reid's birth was the first in America to be covered by a health insurance family certificate that included maternity benefits. Also pictured with Mrs. Reid is the North Carolina Plan's CEO, Elisha M. Herndon, presenting the new mother with a layette. Mr. Herndon started at the North Carolina BC Company as its first employee and salesman.

1934

E.A. van Steenwyk, head of what would later be known as Blue Cross of Minnesota, commissioned a poster with the Blue Cross symbol on it. This was the first time the Blue Cross symbol was used.

1935

The Social Security Act is passed, omitting health insurance.

1937

The first meeting of Blue Plan executives is held in Chicago.

1939

Carl Metzger, head of the Buffalo Blue Shield Plan, commissioned the creation of the Blue Shield symbol, which combined a serpent with the U.S. Army Medical Corps insignia.

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