One of the largest health insurers in US, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield was created in 1996 by the consolidation of two Pennsylvania licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. These two companies were earlier known as Pennsylvania Blue Shield (now called Highmark Blue Shield) and a Blue Cross Plan in western Pennsylvania (now termed Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield). It has a long history of serving the communities, which dates back to 1930s when the predecessor companies were established to help people pay for proper medicare. However, the mission has remained unchanged. It is essentially to provide access to affordable, quality health care enabling individuals to live longer, healthier lives.

             Advantages.

             As a provider of health care insurance, the vision of the company is clear. It is "to be the leading customer-focused health insurer in the communities we serve, addressing the health care needs of individuals, while maintaining our financial strength." The strength of the organization lies in its people. Highmark has become representative of successful health insurers, apart from being one of the largest. It has effectively created a synergy of different skills, talents, potential and backgrounds. It has been able to harness the power of diversity in the workplace and in the community to help all people live longer, healthier lives: thus meeting its mission statement.

             It has not permitted diversity to create distension, but has managed to make the different groups melt by inculcating a policy of 'inclusion'. A culture of inclusion is built on a work environment and it makes everyone feel involved, and hence, valued and respected because of their differences and their unique contributions. The successful exploitation of individual skills, abilities and perspectives has resulted in business success. When everyone has an opportunity to contribute, the company would have every opportunity to succeed.