HCSC Firsts

Health Care Service Corporation’s Divisions were among the first health coverage companies in their states and they pioneered many of the benefits that are taken for granted today.

In Illinois, we were the first to provide:

• Coverage for autologous bone marrow transplants
• Coverage for heart transplants
• Group health insurance to rural and small communities through county health improvement associations

In Texas, we were the first to provide coverage for:

• Cancer treatment
• Catastrophic illnesses such as polio, leukemia and diphtheria
• Infants from birth
• Migrant farm workers

In New Mexico, we were the first to:

• Offer PPO coverage
• Introduce Point-of-service coverage
• Exchange electronic claims information with providers
• Provide a dedicated customer service unit for large group accounts

Our New Mexico Division also was the first in the nation to offer in-hospital medical coverage on a per visit basis.

In 1990, HCSC’s Illinois Division joined with the Chicago Department of Health to found the nation's first CareVan mobile immunization program as a response to studies that showed only about 10 percent of children in urban areas were adequately immunized. Since then, the program has expanded to Texas and many other states. In 1994, the Illinois Division's CareVan program was expanded to include the state's rural areas.

HCSC Timeline
HCSC Firsts