Blue Cross and Blue Shield are the names and symbols used by a number of local, nonprofit organizations in the United States that finance health care insurance coverage. These organizations are called Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. People who subscribe to a Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan make regular payments to the plan. In turn, the plan pays part or all of the subscriber’s hospital and doctor bills. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan also may cover certain other medical expenses, such as charges for dental and vision care, or for health care at home.
Most Blue Cross and Blue Shield subscribers are covered under a group plan where they work, but others subscribe individually. The activities of the local plans are coordinated and assisted by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The association has headquarters in Chicago.
See also Medicine (Financing medical care) .
