A nonprofit, tax-exempt plan of a type originally established in 1939 which provides coverage of physician’s services. The individual plans should be distinguished from the National Association of Blue Shield Plans. Blue Shield coverage is commonly sold in conjunction with Blue Cross coverage, although this is not always the case. The relationship between Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans has been a cooperative one; it is not uncommon for the two organizations to have a common board, one management, and to be located in the same building. Blue Shield plans cover some 65 million Americans through their group and individual business. In addition, plan activities affect some 20 million persons through participation in various government programs, including Medicare (32 plans act as carriers under part B), Medicaid, and CHAMPLS. Most States have enacted special enabling legislation for the Blue plans.