| The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is the | | | | country. Blue Cross and Blue Cross of California |
| national trade organization that associates 38 | | | | are being scrutinized by California regulators after |
| independent regional health insurance companies in | | | | 10 lawsuits were filed against Blue Cross in March |
| the United States and Canada. It was formed in | | | | 2006 claiming that the company had not acted in |
| the 1982 fusion of the Blue Cross Association and | | | | a good loyalty to thwart fraud and it also had a |
| the National Association of Blue Shield Plans that | | | | special department specifically set up to |
| are founded basically in Chicago, Illinois. Both | | | | methodically look for any justification to reject |
| organizations trace their histories to health plans | | | | coverage for large claims.When the company |
| that were created around the same time in two | | | | issues a medical insurance policy, the person |
| different parts of the U.S. The progression of | | | | insured thinks he or she has medical coverage and |
| managed health care in the United States is | | | | relies on it and the person can find out other |
| closely linked to the designs of Blue Cross-Blue | | | | coverage if the company has a legitimate reason |
| Shield.Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans are | | | | for denying coverage and tells the person at the |
| presenting Medicare Advantage and Medicare | | | | time of the insurance application. |
| Prescription Drug Plans in local markets across the | | | | |