Which hospital insurance plan was created during the Great Depression to provide financial security for physicians and hospitals?

The Blue Cross health insurance plan was established during the Great Depression as a response to the financial difficulties and the need for affordable healthcare. It was designed to help cover hospital expenses for patients, providing a more organized and reliable mechanism for accessing healthcare services. The plan originated from the need to offer financial security to hospitals, which struggled during this economic downturn. By establishing prepaid hospital care, Blue Cross allowed patients to pay a set amount to receive necessary medical services without the immediate burden of high costs at the point of care. This model laid the groundwork for many hospital insurance systems that followed, emphasizing access to necessary treatment while protecting patients from overwhelming medical expenses. It marks a significant step in the evolution of healthcare financing in the U.S., reflecting societal needs during a challenging time.