SolveYourProblem eLearning Series:
Health Insurance: Your Questions Answered
What does everything mean & how to choose the right policy
( 18 pages )

Health Insurance Providers:
Blue Cross / Blue Shield

Blue Cross/Blue Shield (A Producer Cooperative)

Hospitals and physicians who sponsor Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans provide the insurance, therefore they are considered to be the producers of the cooperative.

Originally Blue Cross and Blue shield were separate voluntary and tax-exempt associations. Blue Cross provided payments to hospitals and Blue Shield covered physicians, medical and surgical fees. People originally covered under these plans were traditionally known as subscribers since Blue Cross and Blue shield differed from traditional insurance companies.

In most states, the two have merged, but each group still covers the expenses for which they were initially created. Over the years the tax advantages they originally enjoyed have deteriorated and many states have removed their exempt status. Additionally the federal Tax Reform Act of 1986 now makes them taxable as insurance companies.

Click here to to view health insurance quotes, compare plans side-by-side and apply for the most affordable health insurance within your budget. I did this myself (June 17, 2011) to change my health insurance policy. Saved me $84 per month (or $1,008 per year). It's my SolveYourProblem recommendation.

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