From left to right: Robert Bunch, President, Commercial East Region & Specialty Business, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield; Ben Maynard, Director of Education, Georgia Historical Society; and Amanda Free, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia.

The Georgia Historical Society (GHS)dedicated a new historical marker in Atlanta recognizing Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia through its Georgia Business History Initiative. The marker shares the history of Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Georgia, from the establishment of Atlanta’s first Blue Cross plan in 1937 to the creation of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia in 1985.
 
Through the Georgia Business History Initiative, GHS recognizes iconic companies like Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia whose accomplishments and longevity have helped shape the economic, cultural, and social development of Georgia and the United States. Honorees are commemorated through historical markers, public programming, and educational resources that help students and the public better understand the important role businesses have played in Georgia’s history.
 
“The Georgia Historical Society is pleased to recognize Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia and the important role it has played in the lives of Georgians for nearly 90 years,” said Dr. W. Todd Groce, President and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society. “It is especially fitting to dedicate this marker in Atlanta, where that history took shape and went on to have a significant impact across Georgia and the nation.”
 
Following the passage of Georgia’s Group Hospitalization Act in 1937, five Atlanta hospitals established the United Hospitals Service Association of Atlanta and began offering Blue Cross hospital prepayment plans to city residents. In 1947, the West Georgia Medical Association began offering Blue Cross plans to Columbus residents, and physician prepayment services known as “Blue Shield” plans were added in the 1950s. By 1975, both the Atlanta and Columbus plans included hospital and physician coverage.
 
“This marker is a meaningful recognition of nearly 90 years of serving Georgia and evolving alongside the people, businesses, and communities that call our state home,” said Amanda Free, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia. “We’re proud of that history, and even more energized by what comes next as we work with our partners to make healthcare more affordable, easier to navigate, and better connected for Georgians.”
 
The Atlanta dedication follows a 2024 GHS historical marker dedication in Columbus recognizing Anthem’s history in Georgia. Together, the two markers reflect the histories of the Atlanta and Columbus plans, which merged in 1985 to become Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia. Today, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia is the largest health insurance company in the state.
 
The marker dedication took place at the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield offices in Atlanta, with representatives from Anthem and the Georgia Historical Society in attendance.

The historical marker reads: 

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

In 1929, Texas educator Justin Kimball developed hospital prepayment plans for teachers. Inspired by Kimball’s program, the American Hospital Association soon encouraged the sale of “Blue Cross” hospital prepayment plans nationwide. After the passage of Georgia’s Group Hospitalization Act in 1937, five Atlanta hospitals established the United Hospitals Service Association of Atlanta and sold Blue Cross plans to city residents. In 1947, the West Georgia Medical Association began offering Blue Cross plans to Columbus residents. “Blue Shield” plans, physician prepayment services, were added in the 1950s. By 1975, both the Atlanta and Columbus plans included hospital and physician coverage. The Atlanta and Columbus plans merged, becoming Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia in 1985. Today, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Georgia is the largest health insurance company in the state.

Erected by the Georgia Historical Society and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

For additional details about the Georgia Historical Society, please contact Keith Strigaro, Director of Public Relations and Communications, at 912.651.2125, ext. 153, or by email at kstrigaro@georgiahistory.com.