BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina has been meeting the health insurance needs of state residents since 1933. As a not-for-profit insurer, the company has earned accolades from a number of organizations for its corporate culture and commitment to healthy living. In addition, BCBS of North Carolina boasts a network of providers that includes virtually all medical doctors and hospitals in the state. However, the company started with more humble roots. In 1933, the Hospital Care Association was chartered. Two years later, in 1935, a complementary Hospital Savings Association was also founded. By 1968, the two organizations merged to form North Carolina Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Known today as BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina, the health insurance company served more than 3.7 million customers in 2012, a year in which it paid out 48.1 million claims worth $4.5 billion. Customers can select from a variety of benefit packages, including high deductible health insurance which can be combined with a health savings account. In addition, customers can purchase vision and dental coverage from BCBS of North Carolina. As of 2012, the company’s network of providers included 97 percent of the medical doctors and 99 percent of the hospitals in the state. Depending on their plan type, customers could select from more than 5,500 primary care providers, nearly 30,000 specialists and 114 hospitals. Several organizations have recognized BCBS of North Carolina for its commitment to good health and the community. In 2012, among other awards, the company received the CEO Cancer Gold Standard Award from the CEO Roundtable on Cancer and was named one of the Healthiest Employers in the Triangle by the Triangle Business Journal. In 2013, the Ethisphere Institute named BCBS of North Carolina as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. BCBS of North Carolina has more than 4,000 employees and is headquartered in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.