The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, also known as BCBSA, is a national federation of more than 35 independent, community-based, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. The agency offers health care coverage plans for over 100 million people. It is one of the oldest and largest providers of health benefits policies in the United States. With a staff of nearly 850 employees, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association has operations in the U.S. states and Canada. Its BlueCard Program enables members to obtain healthcare services while traveling. In addition, the agency operates an evaluation center the conducts evidence-based assessments for clinical technologies.