Expect integrity and support when you work with Wellmark
Maintaining public trust. Transforming the health care system. Contributing to community vitality. Growing your business.
Who
Wellmark, Inc. is a mutual insurance company and independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Since we're owned by our friends and neighbors, we know what's important to them. And most important is exceptional value. We endeavor every day to deliver that value by carefully managing costs, providing outstanding customer service and empowering our members to stay healthy.
Why
Working with Wellmark is a rewarding relationship built on integrity and trust. Together we can grow our businesses.
As a producer, you are our distribution channel, so we offer all the products you need to succeed. We provide exceptional customer support for both you and your clients. In addition to highly competitive commission schedules and incentive programs, we also deliver the strongest discounts in the industry.
From the onset, you'll have access to the training and education you need to reach your goals, including our annual Producer Forum. And don't forget: We listen and value your opinion. With our Advisory Council you'll always have an opportunity to provide feedback on our products and service.
We offer the strength and stability of a company that's been trusted since 1939. Your clients can access the largest network of doctors — 100% of hospitals and 99% of doctors statewide, plus 96% of hospitals and 92% of doctors nationally. Furthermore, our convenient suite of mobile and web-based tools let your clients take control of their health care.
All of this is our promise to you.
What
The health care industry is changing. Wellmark is working to help change it for the better.
People deserve affordable and sustainable health insurance options. To achieve that goal, our corporate imperative is to reduce the rate of health care cost increases to equal the rate of inflation.
We also recognize our members deserve health care delivered with a focus on quality of care — not quantity. As such, members should be able to make clear and informed decisions when it comes to their care. We collaborate with our health care partners to create these changes, all while working to minimize ever-increasing health care costs.
However, it doesn't stop there. These changes come while fostering strong, healthy communities and helping citizens make small, yet significant changes to improve their well-being. We refer to this as the work being done outside the health care system.
By working together, we can create a healthier tomorrow. And like you, we work every day to make that possible.
Where
When
A few highlights from 100+ years of service...
1900 – The Blue Shield concept—born of employers' desire to provide medical coverage to employees—emerges from the lumber and mining camps of the Pacific Northwest.
1929 – An official at Baylor University in Dallas, Texas introduces a plan to guarantee schoolteachers hospital care for a small yearly premium. The idea takes off nationwide and the Blue Cross concept is born.
1939 – The birth year of what is now Wellmark: Hospital Service Incorporated of Iowa, later known as Blue Cross of Iowa, begins business in Des Moines. That same year, Associated Hospital Services Incorporated, later known as Blue Cross of Western Iowa and South Dakota, begins in Sioux City, Iowa.
1945– Iowa Medical Service, later known as Blue Shield of Iowa, forms.
1989 – Blue Cross of Iowa, Blue Shield of Iowa and Blue Cross of Western Iowa and South Dakota merge to form IASD Health Services Corporation.
1991 – IASD Health Services Corporation becomes a mutual insurance company owned by its shareholders.
1997 – We adopt the name Wellmark.
2011 – We partner with Healthways to introduce Blue Zones Project®, a centerpiece of Iowa's Healthiest State Initiative to improve the wellbeing of all Iowans, as measured by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index.
2012 – Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa announce a groundbreaking collaboration with Iowa Health System and Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines, creating Iowa's first commercial health plan accountable care organization (ACOs).
2014 – We celebrate our 75th anniversary.
2016 – Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa creates two new health insurance companies with Mercy Health Network and University of Iowa Health System to develop and deliver plans on and off the public exchange and in the small group market.
