Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in Georgia, Missouri, New York and Virginia have reported that they donated more than a million dollars apiece to charities in 2010.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Colorado reported donating more than half a million – in addition to $151,341 in personal donations made by its employees.
John Martie, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado, said his employees work hard every day to provide healthcare benefits to more than 5 million people throughout the state.
"These same employees are also very committed to the communities where they live and work, particularly during these challenging economic times," he said. "I couldn't be more proud of their efforts to help make a difference for people in need."
Blue Cross Blue Shield in New York reported more than $241,000 in employee contributions to non-profit organizations throughout the state. Missouri Blues employees donated $185,000 to charities, while Blues employees in Georgia donated more than $226,000 and those in Virginia donated more than $331,000.
All employee donations were matched by their Blue Cross Blue Shield company, officials said.
Organizations receiving Blue Cross Blue Shield donations include the American Diabetes Association, Boys and Girls Club, Invest in Kids, March of Dimes, Nurse Family Partnership, Oasis Institute, One Sight, Alzheimer's Association, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Red Cross and American Cancer Society, according to the companies.
The donations come at a time when the health insurance industry is taking heat over premium rate hikes. This week, the Department of Health and Human Services proposed a regulation that would require health insurance companies to justify "unreasonable" rate hikes.