Independence Blue Cross Celebrates 70 Years of Service

Philadelphia — Independence Blue Cross (IBC), southeastern Pennsylvania health insurer, turns 70 years old this month. Known then as the Associated Hospital Service of Philadelphia, the organization opened its doors Nov. 7, 1938, under the leadership of E. A. Van Steenwyk, who founded Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, and came to Philadelphia to expand the Blue Cross brand. In rented quarters at 1429 Walnut St., Van Steenwyk and four associates comprised the entire original staff. They sat at desks borrowed from the University of Pennsylvania, and used office equipment bought with a small portion of a $30,000 loan from the Community Chest, now the United Way, to finance a new health plan. At the close of its first year, the health plan had 170,000 members.

Today, 70 years later, IBC and its affiliates insure nearly 3.4 million members nationwide, and employ 8,300 people throughout the region. The company offers dozens of different health insurance plans, a complete range of wellness programs and initiatives to save customers money, according to IBC.

“At Independence Blue Cross, there is an overwhelming passion for excellence and innovation to improve the health of its members and strengthen the well-being of our community," says M. Walter D'Alessio, chair of IBC's board. "IBC's impact grew enormously under Fred DiBona, who led the company through the early 1990s managed care revolution and strengthened IBC's commitment to serving its customers and community. That commitment moved to an even higher level under current president and CEO Joe Frick, who is leading the company as the country faces a possible second revolution in health care. After 70 years, the company's success continues to be driven by its dedication to responding swiftly to meet the needs of customers, members, physician and hospital partners, and associates."

Source: Independence Blue Cross

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