Community Benefit Commitment

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts was founded in 1937 when eight community leaders formed a nonprofit organization to help their neighbors afford health care. We have been here ever since, acting in the best interests of our members, associates, and the community.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts' Community Benefits Program is part of our ongoing commitment to the community. It was developed in response to guidelines established by the Attorney General's Office in 1994 to guide hospitals and HMOs on how to fulfill their responsibilities to their communities. The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Community Benefits Program focuses on five key areas:

• Expanding access to care
• Improving quality and patient safety for everyone who receives care in Massachusetts
• Eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in health care
• Promoting behaviors for life-long health to help reduce prevalence of childhood obesity
• Providing educational support to targeted students and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to employee volunteer efforts that support vulnerable populations across the Commonwealth

• Download the Community Benefit Report for FY 08