BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) is a federation of 35 independent, community-based and locally operated companies. Collectively, BCBS companies provide health insurance to more than 106 million people across the United States. Since its inception in the 1920s, BlueCross BlueShield has maintained a mission to enhance healthcare accessibility and provide financial protection from the high costs of medical services. BCBS operates as a member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), with each regional company having the autonomy to tailor its services to local needs while collectively maintaining high standards of care. This decentralization encourages innovation and customer satisfaction, keeping BCBS a leader in the health insurance market.