Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) Practice Exam

Which organization is credited with originating the concept of insuring prepaid health care services?

1. Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

2. Medicare

3. Blue Cross and Blue Shield

4. Aetna

The correct answer is: Blue Cross and Blue Shield

The concept of insuring prepaid health care services is most closely associated with Blue Cross and Blue Shield. This organization was pivotal in the development of health insurance models that emphasized the prepayment for health services, which laid the groundwork for modern health insurance systems. Blue Cross was initially established to provide hospital care coverage through a system where patients paid a monthly fee, and care was provided without charge at the point of service. This model showcased the benefits of prepaid services, ultimately influencing how health care is delivered and funded. Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), while also significant in promoting prepaid health care, emerged later and built upon the foundations laid by Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Medicare, on the other hand, is a government program that does not originate the concept of prepaid services but instead focuses on providing health insurance for specific groups, like the elderly. Aetna, as a private insurer, has participated in health insurance innovations but was influenced by the developments established by Blue Cross and Blue Shield rather than originating the concept itself.