Our History

We've been there for you, providing quality health care solutions for more than 75 years!

1932The BlueCross organization was born with the intention of providing "hospital prepayment for pennies a day."

1935The Rochester Hospital Service Corporation is formed, later becoming BlueCross of Rochester.

1936The Syracuse Hospital Service Corporation is created, later to be known as Blue Cross of Central New York.

1945The CNY Medical Plan, Inc.is formed, later to be known as Blue Shield of Central New York.

1946The Genesee Valley Medical Care, Inc.is formed, later becoming BlueShield of Rochester.

1985Blue Cross of Central New York and Blue Shield of Central New York merge into a single corporation, BlueCross BlueShield of Central New York.

1994The BlueCard program is introduced, providing out-of-area coverage across the country.

1996Excellus, Inc., a nonprofit holding company, is created by the mergers of the BlueCross BlueShield Plans in Central New York and Rochester.

1997BlueCross BlueShield of Utica-Watertown joins Excellus.

2003The BlueCross BlueShield Plans of Central New York, the Rochester Area, and Utica-Watertown change their names to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.