Founded in 1917, Regence BlueShield is one of the leading health insurance companies in the United States. The company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Regence BlueShield offers health, life, vision, dental and long-term care insurance coverage policies. The company operates through a network of multiple health care professionals, physicians, specialists and facilities. In addition, it offers the BlueCard program that links participating health care providers and independent plans through a single electronic network for claims processing and reimbursement services. The company offers local, regional and national access to products, as well as national and international provider networks. Regence BlueShield has an office in Tacoma, Wash.