The Blue Cross and Blue Shield System

person handing BCBS card to another person

Since 1929, Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies have provided health care coverage to members, allowing them to live free of worry, free of fear.

In every ZIP Code, Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies offer a personalized approach to health care based on the needs of the communities where their members live and work. They work closely with hospitals and doctors in the communities they serve to provide quality, affordable health care.

BCBS understands and answers the needs of local communities, while providing nationwide health care coverage for 115 million members in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Nationwide, more than 1.7 million doctors and hospitals contract with BCBS companies — more than any other insurer.

Companies & Licensees

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is a national association of 33 independent, community-based and locally operated BCBS companies. The Association owns and manages the BCBS trademarks and names in more than 170 countries around the world. The Association also grants licenses to independent companies to use the trademarks and names in exclusive geographic areas.

Serving Our Federal Employees

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program® is the top choice of U.S. federal employees, retirees and their families.

Need Global Coverage?

Blue Cross Blue Shield Global™ provides a full range of health care coverage solutions for people who live, work and travel internationally.

Our Commitment to Labor

The BCBSA National Labor Office works hand in hand with organized labor to empower working Americans with health care coverage that insures 1 in 3 Americans. Our 33 BCBS companies serve more than 17 million unionized workers, retirees and their families — more than any other insurer.