Who We Are

With nearly 9 million members, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is the largest health insurer in Illinois. We started in the height of the Great Depression in 1936 in Chicago and grew out of a shared interest to protect individuals and families from financial ruin related to health care costs. Today, we remain member-owned rather than publicly traded. We serve our members, not shareholders.

BCBSIL is committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and communities. We work to improve access to care, lower the cost of that care, and improve care quality and patient outcomes.

As an innovator in health insurance, we have pioneered ways to transform the health care system from one based on fee-for-service and claims volume to one that rewards value and quality outcomes. We play an active role keeping health care costs manageable for our members.

We’re proud of the excellent service we deliver for customers and members, and proud to serve Illinoisans and Illinois employers. We employ about 13,000 Illinoisans and maintain offices in Chicago, Rockford, Waukegan, Quincy, Danville, Naperville, Springfield, Jacksonville, Lombard, Downers Grove, Mattoon, Belleville and Marion. We are proud to serve our members and are guided by our Purpose: “To do everything in our power to stand with our members, in sickness and in health.”

 

Accredited National Committee for Quality Assurance

Last Updated: June 30, 2023