bluecross

BlueCross is a name used by a group of health-insurance organizations and other unrelated charities. In the United States, it is most commonly associated with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield brand, a nationwide network of health plans that collaborate under the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA).

Originating in the early 20th century, Blue Cross began as hospital service plans and Blue Shield as physician-supply plans. These two streams were historically separate, but in 1982 most Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans joined to form the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, which coordinates licensing, branding, and certain standards while allowing local plans to operate independently within state and regional markets.

Operations and branding: The BCBSA grants licenses for the use of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield marks to member plans. The combined network covers a broad range of health-benefit products and provider networks, with offerings and regulations varying by plan and jurisdiction.

Other uses: The term Blue Cross is also used by nonprofit organizations unrelated to U.S. health insurers. The best-known example outside the United States is The Blue Cross, a UK charity focused on animal welfare; it operates independently from the U.S. brand. Similar names are used by other national charities and providers in different countries.

In popular discourse, Blue Cross Blue Shield often refers to health insurance plans that are marketed under the unified branding, while individual plans remain subject to state insurance regulation and federal law.