Last year was extraordinary. Individuals and businesses both big and small were tested by what's been called the "great recession." Like you, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts responded to the challenges of 2009 with energy and determination.

Those challenges had an impact on our balance sheet, as the state's economy shed jobs, and financial uncertainty helped drive up the use of health care services. Yet, managing the difficulties of 2009 led to some of our most notable accomplishments. We took a hard look at our business and made changes to become more efficient. We strengthened our financial core, ensuring our reserves are sufficient to meet our member's needs (You can learn about the importance of reserves here).

Also in 2009, we developed an innovative provider contract that better manages the rising cost of health care. We developed new products and services for the changing marketplace. And, as always, we were there for our members, answering questions and addressing their concerns as we helped them navigate the health care system.

Thanks to the hard work of our talented associates, our company is still strong. We offer great products, and provide great service, and we are dedicated to serving the communities of our Commonwealth (learn about our Community Leadership) — just some of the reasons we remain the market leader in Massachusetts and New England. Allowed to meet the demands of the marketplace unencumbered, we are confident Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is poised for success in 2010 and beyond.