Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

As an association of member plans, the association (1) coordinates advertising and communication programs, providing policy and representation of member interests, (2) monitors and fosters the financial stability of all the plans, and (3) supports the ability of the plans to operate efficiently by providing conferences, consulting and miscellaneous services to the plans.

The bluecard program enables blue plan members to receive the benefits of their insurance contracts while traveling or living in another member plan's geographic service area. Through bluecard, blue plan members are given seamless national access to physicians and hospitals that participate in blue networks. Additionally, the program links participating healthcare providers with the independent blue cross and blue shield plans through a single electronic network for claims processing and reimbursement.

The association provides optional consulting services and other miscellaneous projects; operation of the national employee benefits administration program that provides a comprehensive group package of employee benefits programs to the plans; a closed private, wide area network that links the computer and information resources of the plans.