Idaho faced many challenges after World War II. One big concern was making health care affordable for everyone. This idea wasn’t new; Washington and Oregon had started it in the 1930s. But it took the war’s end for more people to realize its importance.
Fast forward 80 years, and Regence BlueShield has been a key player in helping Idahoans. This nonprofit offers health care to people from all walks of life, staying true to its mission through economic ups and downs.
Regence BlueShield began as the Medical Service Bureau in February 1946. A group of 27 doctors raised $100 each to create a system that gives residents access to insurance. Initially covering areas in northern Idaho and parts of Washington, it expanded quickly to serve more people.
The founding document stressed the need for a reliable source of medical care. An office opened downtown in Lewiston, allowing people to get help for a small monthly fee. By the end of its first year, 4,000 individuals had signed up for services.
Costs were kept low; in 1949, the maximum monthly fee was just $7. This made health care accessible to a great number of families. Over the next two decades, more hospitals were built in various towns, improving health care availability.
In 1996, during its 50th anniversary, Regence covered 245,000 residents and introduced two programs aimed at helping families. The Building Blocks program focused on prenatal care, while the Caring Program for Children provided health services to uninsured youth.
Today, as affordable health care continues to be a national challenge, Regence BlueShield remains committed to its roots—offering wide-ranging care for a reasonable price. Life can be unpredictable, and no one should face financial ruin due to medical needs.
Idaho is known for its rich culture and diverse landscape. With Regence BlueShield’s ongoing support, residents can access health care that adapts to their needs, proving that everyone deserves quality care, no matter their income.
As of 2023, about 28% of Idaho residents rely on some form of Medicaid or state assistance for their health care needs. This highlights the importance of organizations like Regence BlueShield in providing essential services and keeping health care within reach for all citizens.
For more on health care access in Idaho, you can visit the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
