75 years of health care access
Watch Welcome VideoSince 1946, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina has continuously worked with patients and providers to offer South Carolinians secure, cost-efficient health care coverage. In honor of our 75th anniversary, this interactive timeline will take you on a journey through our company’s long and storied history. Along the way, you will learn the purpose, follow the progress and meet the people that made — and continue to make — BlueCross the great company we know it to be. Whether you are a new hire, an “old timer” or anywhere in between, we thank you for all you do and hope you enjoy the journey! Scroll down to get started.
Technology Takes Off
BlueCross has long been an early adopter of new technology. The company bought its first computer in 1962, and when it faced a shortage of job candidates for information systems positions in the 1990s, it created its own training program to meet that need. BlueCross’ willingness to embrace cutting-edge technology has been key to its growth and success. Find out how.
Technology Takes Off
South Carolina Hospital Service Plan (BlueCross) purchases first computer
In 1975, BlueCross bought its first IBM mainframe computer to process core system functions. By 1987, a mainframe was installed that had the capacity to process 55 million instructions per second compared to the previous capacity of 28 million.
1962
Technology Takes Off
BlueCross launches the Provider Access to Insurance Data (PAID) system
This electronic system gave hospitals instant access to patient eligibility for BlueCross and Medicare benefits, helping them to collect patient payments and slash bad debt. PAID was the first of many technology tools provided by BlueCross to the provider community.
1973
Technology Takes Off
BlueCross wins first CHAMPUS (TRICARE) mainframe subcontractor processor contract
This new contract gave BlueCross the ability to expand its claims processing capacity, deepen its experience and expertise as a regional health care program, and open the door to more opportunities as a federal contractor.
1979
Technology Takes Off
BlueCross launches the IT Entry Level Training Program (ELTP)
Formed to ensure a strong talent pipeline with specialized technical skills, the ELTP would become the largest IT apprenticeship program in South Carolina and the second-largest program in the nation.
1997
Technology Takes Off
BlueCross becomes first health insurer to launch an interactive website and member portal
The website, www.SouthCarolinaBlues.com, along with the My Insurance Manager℠ and online rating system Accel-e-rate, would go on to win numerous awards for its use of technology to give members, providers and agents information at their fingertips. And in 2003, My Pharmacy Manager was launched, which gave members more control of their pharmacy costs with free access to online drug information and a cost comparison feature.
2000
Technology Takes Off
BlueCross implements real-time claims adjudication for commercial business
The company was the first in the nation to offer doctors the ability to file claims via the internet. One year later, BlueCross became the first Blue Plan to fully implement the electronic processing of HCFA 1500 claims and dental claims. And in 2004, BlueCross would be one of the first in the nation to offer a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) product for provider services with STATchat.
2001
Technology Takes Off
Furman University tech program’s first graduating class includes 15 BlueCross employees
Fifteen BlueCross employees from the company’s Columbia offices gained new skills in information technology project management, systems analysis and leadership at the Furman Institute for the Management of Information Technology.
2005
Technology Takes Off
BlueCross earns national recognition for its technology
The company ranked 172nd on the annual InformationWeek 500 list (only 19 insurance companies included) and won the Leadership in Technology award from the Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange™ (WEDI). These are just two of many honors our technology teams have won over the years.
2006
Technology Takes Off
BlueCross launches My Health Toolkit®
Replacing My Insurance Manager for members, this secure portal offered improved functionality, such as a comparison of health plans and access to a health library. In 2010, the company began testing a streamlined version for mobile use and by 2018, had fully deployed the My Health Toolkit mobile app.
2007
Technology Takes Off
BlueCross, IBM and the University of South Carolina create the Consortium for Enterprise Systems Management
Renamed IT-ology® in 2011, its goal is to build information technology opportunities for the future. IT-oLogy has helped thousands of students and educators explore IT through field trips, in-class deliverables, career fairs, competitions and Cyber Saturdays. It has assisted in increasing the number of professionals employed in South Carolina’s IT industry.
2008
Technology Takes Off
BlueCross’ Technology Support Center earns an exceptional rating from HDI
HDI® is the global leader for the technical support and service management industry. Its certification audits for support centers evaluate leadership, staff, policies, practices and results every two years.
2021
