Covering America

Enrollment in Blue companies grew from more than 1,000 in 1929 to 3 million in 1939. By 2006, Blue companies covered more than 94 million Americans. Through the years, the Plans have developed private and public partnerships unparalleled in providing coverage for America.

Mobile enrollment unit used by Blue Cross of Oklahoma during the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Milestones in Covering America 

Labor: Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies worked closely with Labor from its beginnings in the 1930s and 1940s. They now provide health benefits to more union workers, retirees, and their families than any other national carrier.

FEP: Since Congress enacted the Federal Employees Health Benefits Act in 1959, Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies across the country have enrolled over 50 percent of the federal workforce, retirees, and their families.

Medicare: In 1966, when Medicare, the new federal health insurance program for the nation's elderly and disabled was launched, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield organizations provided an infrastructure that helped move the program forward.

Did you know?

• The Federal Employee Program (FEP) is the largest single health plan group in the world.
• The Blues provide benefits to more union members than any other national carrier.
• BCBS has enrolled more than 50% of all U.S. federal workers, retirees, and their families
• The Blue System is the largest single processor of Medicare claims in the country.