Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

In 1929, Texas educator Justin Kimball developed hospital prepayment plans for teachers. Inspired by Kimball’s program, the American Hospital Association soon encouraged the sale of “Blue Cross” hospital prepayment plans nationwide. After the passage of Georgia’s Group Hospitalization Act in 1937, five Atlanta hospitals established the United Hospitals Service Association of Atlanta and sold Blue Cross plans to city residents. In 1947, the West Georgia Medical Association began offering Blue Cross plans to Columbus residents. “Blue Shield” plans, physician prepayment services, were added in the 1950s. By 1975, both the Atlanta and Columbus plans included hospital and physician coverage. The Atlanta and Columbus plans merged, becoming Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia in 1985. Today, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia is the largest health insurance company in the state.