For more than 85 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) has provided peace of mind by focusing on the health needs of Nebraskans. As part of a nationwide association, Blue Cross and Blue Shield represents the nation’s largest and most experienced health care benefit companies.
BCBSNE’s mission is to be a champion for the health and well-being of their members and the communities they serve.
“For more than 85 years, we have served our state and our members with a promise to be there when they need us,” said Jeff Russell, president and CEO of BCBSNE. “We take the ‘of Nebraska’ part of our name very seriously. Nebraska is our home — it’s our focus and our priority.”
BCBSNE employees create hygiene kits for community members in need, supporting the company’s legacy of giving back to the community.For BCBSNE, that means moving from being a health insurance company to a health solutions company. That has included new initiatives focused on innovation as well as investment in digital solutions to create best-in-class products, services and experiences for members, clients, brokers and providers.
BCBSNE is looking to the future with initiatives such as the launch of the Nebraska Blue Foundation, which gives focused investments in promising programs and community initiatives. The foundation is focused on creating a legacy of charitable giving for years to come.
The Nebraska Blue Foundation’s inaugural grants are focused on making a statewide impact and have included: A $75,000 donation for workforce pipeline programming and community health navigation at the Community Wellness Collaborative in Omaha, and a $200,000 donation for the completion of the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Building at University of Nebraska Kearney.
President and CEO Jeff Russell pictured with Jay Warren-Teamer, executive director of the Nebraska Blue Foundation.
A focus on strengthening Nebraska also ties into BCBSNE’s membership in and work with the Greater Omaha Chamber.
“People have choices on where they live and work,” Russell said. “The Chamber’s mission to make Omaha a vibrant place to do business, work and live not only benefits our company, but our community as well. We actively support the Chamber because we share in this goal of building a bright future for this city. The more successful Omaha is, the more successful we will be.”
BCBSNE has actively participated in a number of Chamber-sponsored programs and initiatives including CODE, Leadership Omaha and the Omaha Executive Institute, and Russell serves on the Chamber board and executive committee.
For more than 85 years, BCBSNE and its employees have served Nebraskans.
“I want to see Omaha continue to grow and thrive, and I know many other business leaders feel the same way. I believe that business can be a force for good. Business leaders need to continue to advocate for our community’s continued growth,” Russell said. “With support from government leaders and engaged citizens, we can make a difference. The more engaged and aware everyone is, the better off we will be.
Omaha has a great work ethic, clean air and water, relatively low cost of living and great schools. It’s a great place to live, work and raise a family.”