As the state’s largest health insurer BCBSKS is uniquely positioned to improve the health of everyone living in the state. It has the ability to work closely with doctors, hospitals and lawmakers to identify long-term solutions to the problems created by an ever-changing and dynamic health care marketplace. By listening to its members – who represent one in every three Kansans – BCBSKS can hear about issues that are common concerns to many Kansans, and can lead the way in developing new programs and improved services.
BCBSKS was a pioneer in the “community group” method of enrollment and continues to offer products and services to Kansans of all ages whether they are enrolled through a large employer group, small employer or if they purchase their own insurance. All premiums and insured benefit programs must be filed with the Kansas Insurance Department.
As a mutual insurance company, BCBSKS is owned by its policyholders. Its board of directors consists of Kansans from different areas of the state, 16 policyholders who bring to the table practical experience in business, medicine, hospital administration and education. Day-to-day operations are directed by a nine-person steering committee under the guidance of the company’s president/CEO. Customers and health care professionals have a voice in company activities through numerous advisory and liaison committees, as well as focus groups and surveys.
A BCBSKS identification card gives Kansans access to 98 percent of medical doctors and general acute care hospitals in the company’s 103-county service area, as well as 93 percent of all other professional providers and medical facilities. The company’s service area includes all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte in the Kansas City metro area. The company's underwritten business represents approximately 33 percent of the population in its service area.
BCBSKS is a financially secure, billion dollar company that contributes to the Kansas economy in several ways. The company surpasses $1 billion in annual claims payments to health care providers and members and contributes more than $140 million a year to the economy through payroll and taxes.
The company's headquarters are located at 1133 Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS. Nearly 1,400 employees work in the company's various office locations in Topeka. In addition, about 110 employees work in offices in Dodge City, Garden City, Hays, Hutchinson, Independence, Lawrence, Manhattan, Pittsburg, Salina and Wichita.
BCBSKS is a member of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association headquartered in Chicago. There are 39 Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans throughout the United States. Each Plan is separate and independent but all Plans cooperate with other Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans in the exchange of ideas, processing of claims and providing inter-plan services to customers.
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