Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois began as a nonprofit insurance agency in the state to counter the financial effects the Great Depression was having on families that required medical care. The company is one of the largest health insurance providers in Illinois, covering more than 6.5 million members. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois offers managed care programs for families, individuals, employer groups and seniors. The company offers clients one of the largest networks of hospitals and physicians in the state. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois provides preferred provider organization, BlueEdge PPO, health maintenance organization, BlueChoice, BlueChoice Select, dental and group products. It also provides multiple individual products. Blue Cross Blue Shield Illinois, which was established in 1936, maintains an office in Mattoon, Ill.