
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has reported a significant increase in profits over the past few years, with net income rising to $2.7 billion in 2020. This marks a substantial growth from the $1.4 billion reported in 2016.
The company's financial performance can be attributed to its large market share and diversified revenue streams. BCBS operates in 50 states and has over 100 million members, making it one of the largest health insurance companies in the US.
BCBS's strong financial performance is also reflected in its ability to generate a significant amount of revenue from its Medicare Advantage plans. In 2020, the company reported $24.6 billion in revenue from these plans, up from $17.4 billion in 2016.
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BCBS Insurers Overview
Blue Cross Blue Shield insurers ratcheted up profits in 2022, with many ending the year with sizable gains that added to their cash reserves.
A $203 million tax refund for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is just one example of the large windfalls these companies received.
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Health Care Service Corp., the parent of five Blues plans, reported nearly $1.5 billion in profit for 2022.
BCBS of Alabama saw its profit quadruple in 2022.
Publicly traded health insurers were not the only ones benefiting from the financial windfalls, as many nonprofit and private Blue Cross Blue Shield companies also ended the year with large gains.
These financial gains underscore the significant financial and political power the Blues hold in their respective states.
Many Blue Cross Blue Shield companies remain entrenched household names, particularly within the market for employer-based health insurance.
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Financial Performance
BCBS companies had a mixed bag of financial performances in 2022. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan reported a $777 million loss, driven by the ongoing cost of the COVID-19 pandemic and pricing pressures in Medicare Advantage.
Several BCBS companies saw significant profits, however. Health Care Service Corporation, the parent company of BCBS Illinois, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Montana, posted a net income of nearly $1.5 billion in 2022. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina reported a net income of $36 million in 2022, for a thin net operating margin of 0.33 percent.

Here's a breakdown of the net income for some BCBS companies in 2022:
- Health Care Service Corporation: $1.5 billion
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina: $36 million
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota: $187 million
- Regence (Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Utah): $268 million
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan: -$777 million
BCBS companies have also seen changes in their profit margins over time. For example, Blue Shield of California's profit margin was -2.1% in Q3 2022, but improved to 1.7% in Q3 2023.
2022 Financial Performance
In 2022, several Blue Cross Blue Shield companies saw a decline in their financial performance. Health Care Service Corporation, the parent company of BCBS Illinois, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Montana, posted a net income of nearly $1.5 billion.
Blue Shield of California, on the other hand, lost $910 million in 2022 due to rising medical costs. This is a stark contrast to the company's previous financial performance.
Independence Blue Cross posted a net income of $156 million in 2022, but its operating margins declined due to increased utilization as more members received routine care as the pandemic waned. This trend was also seen in other BCBS companies.
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Here are the net incomes of some BCBS companies in 2022:
The financial performance of BCBS companies varied widely in 2022, with some companies posting significant profits while others incurred substantial losses.
Q3 Financial Results
In Q3, our revenue grew by 15% year-over-year, reaching $500 million.
This was driven by a 20% increase in sales of our flagship product, which accounted for 60% of our total revenue.
Our gross margin expanded by 150 basis points, reaching 35% due to improved economies of scale and reduced costs.
We also reduced our operating expenses by 10% through cost-cutting measures.
This resulted in a net income of $75 million, a 25% increase from the same period last year.
Company Financials
Healthcare provider profits are often a reflection of the industry's overall performance. Several Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) companies operated on thinner margins in 2022.
Some BCBS companies fared better than others. Health Care Service Corporation, the parent company of BCBS Illinois, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Montana, posted a net income of nearly $1.5 billion in 2022.

Blue Shield of California lost $910 million in 2022, largely due to increased medical costs. Independence Blue Cross, on the other hand, posted $156 million in net income in 2022.
Here's a breakdown of the net income for some BCBS companies in 2022:
The performance of these companies varied significantly, with some experiencing significant losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does BCBS CEO make?
BCBS CEO Kim Keck's compensation is $3,986,239. This is the highest among the 38 most highly compensated employees.
Sources
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucejapsen/2024/08/29/highmark-blue-cross-reaps-417-million-profit-as-health-plans-and-providers-grow/
- https://www.statnews.com/2023/06/05/blue-cross-blue-shield-profits-2022/
- https://www.beckerspayer.com/payer/bcbs-plans-ranked-by-profit-margin-in-q3.html
- https://www.beckerspayer.com/payer/how-8-bcbs-companies-financials-fared-in-2022.html
- https://bcbstnews.com/mediaresources/bluecross-by-the-numbers/
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