Leading through a crisis by investing in communities
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 34 independent and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies have taken comprehensive steps to ensure members nationwide, and the communities they live in had access to the wide-range of services needed.
Systemwide, the Blues® have invested more than $11.5 billion to fighting COVID, including more than $315 million to community-based nonprofits. From expanding access to telehealth, eliminating barriers to care, supporting physicians and medical practices suffering financial hardship, investing in community programs and increasing access to testing and vaccines, BCBS companies have been here every step of the way.
COVID-19 shined a light on the disparities and inequities that have existed in our health care system for far too long. Meaningful partnerships such as the Vaccine Community Connectors program, where all 34 BCBS companies in partnership with America’s Health Insurance Plans vaccinated more than 2 million seniors in America's most at-risk, vulnerable and under-served communities in less than 100 days.
The 2021 BCBS Community Investment Report highlights how all 34 independently operated BCBS companies worked to serve their communities during this unprecedented pandemic by advancing affordable and accessible care as well as the commitment to changing the trajectory of health disparities long term.
Additional Resources:
- See our recent comments to the Congressional Social Determinants of Health Causus' RFI seeking insights on challenges and opportunities related to social determinants of health.
