Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

Blue Shield was started in 1917 so railroad workers and those in the lumber industry could subscribe to a medical plan. Blue Cross began in 1929 as a way to ensure affordable hospital care for teachers. In 1939, Blue Cross and Blue Shield merged to allow for more people to use these services. Today companies falling under the "blue" umbrella represent over 90 million people.



The main goal of "blue" companies is to offer affordable but quality healthcare to all those who qualify. According to the Blue Cross Blue Shield website, Americans spend more on health care than they do food, housing and even national defense. Despite this, BCBS plans to continue to offer reasonably priced care well into the future. Blue Cross Blue Shield plans vary from state to state, but many of them offer the following: Away from Home Care: In addition to being allowed to visit physicians in the network and receive emergency room coverage, Blue Cross Blue Shield offers Away from Home Care. Through the Away from Home Care program, members can temporarily receive care, even if it falls outside of the range of their home HMO service. This Guest Membership program is especially useful for those attending out of state schools and those who have to travel for business. Health Care Anywhere: As long as members carry their health care identification cards with them, they can visit any hospital in the event of an emergency. After their visit, they can alert their Blue Cross Blue Shield representative and not have to worry about filling out any more paper work or pay charges other than the usual out of pocket expenses. Blue Card Worldwide: Members who travel out of the country, can do so worry free. Thanks to Blue Card Worldwide, members can receive both emergency and non-emergency coverage in foreign countries. Certain payments will need to be paid and claim forms will need to be filed. Most Blue Cross Blue Shield Companies offer the following:

* HMO: Allows members to visit doctors in network.
* PPO: Allows members to visit out of network doctors and specialists.
* POS: Allows members to visit in or out of network doctors.



Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) offers top quality health insurance. They have received an "AA" rating for financial stability from Standard and Poor's. They offer HMO
and PPO coverage across the nation and even over
seas when traveling less than 6 months. BCBS is the most widely recognized insurance by doctors and hospitals and offers low premiums to clients of all ages.