Blue Cross and Blue Shield System Facts


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The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is a national federation of 39 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. 

As the nation's oldest and largest family of health benefits companies, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association prides itself on being the most recognized brand in the health insurance industry along with many other celebrated milestones.

About BCBSA

  • Represents nation's oldest and largest family of health benefits companies
  • Blue Brands are the most recognized in the health insurance industry
  • Headquarters in Chicago with offices in Washington, D.C.
  • Approximately 1,000 employees

About BCBS Companies

  • 39 Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies
  • Collectively employ more than 150,000 employees nationwide
  • Among the 20 largest employers in the U.S.
  • Healthcare coverage available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and in Puerto Rico
  • Nationwide, more than 90 percent of hospitals and 80 percent of physicians contract with BCBS companies – more than any other insurer

About BCBSA National Programs

  • Anti-Fraud Initiatives - An overview of how Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies aggressively pursue every avenue in tracking down and preventing healthcare fraud.

  • BlueCard and BlueCard Worldwide - An explanation of BCBSA's national program that enables members of Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies to obtain healthcare services while traveling or living in another Blue Cross and Blue Shield service area.

  • BlueWorks® - A signature program within the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association's Healthcare Cost Campaign that showcases innovative programs developed by local Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.

  • Federal Employee Program (FEP) - An association program that administers the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Benefit Plan for Federal Employees. It is the largest privately underwritten health insurance contract in the world.

  • History of Blue Cross and Blue Shield - An overview of the history of BCBSA and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield System.

  • Technology Evaluation Center (TEC) - A look at how this nationally recognized BCBSA department pioneered the development of scientific criteria for assessing medical technologies through reviews of clinical evidence and how it continues to lead in producing evidence-based technology assessments.