Anthem/Blue Cross originated in the late 1930's as a creation of the Maine Legislature; giving it uniquely public origins & purpose. Possessing a corporate ethos and lifestyle that was long admired by job seekers, employers and customers, it also was sold to Anthem Insurance several years ago. Anthem operates insurance companies in many other states, enabling unique cross comparisons between Maine and say Ohio or Massachusetts. It is widely recognized that the 'price' Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Maine 'paid' for their much envied work environment was a high administrative overhead. Anthem realized that to keep costs down, it would have to engage in basic cost cutting, putting it in a no win situation as customers complained about the rising costs of insurance, employees complained about cutbacks and diminished perks, and the public complained about the loss of the original public interest----and all within an environment of increasing claims, declining health, an aging population, enormous payment deficits from existing government insurers (MEDICAID & MEDICARE) that forced hospitals and others to shift costs over to private insurers, and ever increasing demands to 'socialize' the health insurance industry in Maine by govermental mandated coverage and benefits. 

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