I presume you meant Blue Cross/Blue Shield through out the country not just Highmark. $32 Billion is a big number, even for a 10 year period. Highmark's "profit" last year was $137 million as opposed to the $94 million the previous year. Revenue increased 5.3 percent, to nearly $13.7 billion, from just over $13 billion in 2008. The Downtown-based insurer's dental and vision units contributed more than $98 million of total profit to its parent.

A subsidiary, HM Insurance Group -- which provides insurance to limit exposure when companies insure themselves along with accident, disability and life insurance policies -- added $24 million in profit to the parent company's bottom line.

"The recovery in the financial markets was the reason for about half of our improvement in 2009, and the other part was our diversification, as our dental, vision and reinsurance units continued producing strong results," said Nanette DeTurk, chief financial officer.

Investment income jumped last year to $160.4 million, from $81 million in 2008. Highmark attributed this to the improvement in equity markets and sharply lower losses on some investment portfolio assets that hurt 2008's results.

Profit at HM Insurance jumped 28.3 percent to $24 million, from $18.7 million in 2008. Profit at Highmark's vision units, including Davis Vision, Eye Care Centers of America and Viva, increased 17.5 percent to $44.9 million last year from $38.2 million in 2008.

Profit fell in 2009 at United Concordia Cos., Highmark's dental subsidiary, 12.6 percent to $53.3 million, from $61 million.

Here's the important part Cass -

The company's surplus, money held from premiums paid by customers, plus investment gains, increased in 2009 to $3.4 billion from $3.1 billion one year ago.

By state law, Highmark must maintain its surplus in a range of 550 percent to 750 percent of risk-based capital. Risk-based capital is a monetary backstop that ensures a company can meet policyholder obligations despite unforeseen circumstances. Highmark is not allowed to make public its exact percentage without state approval, Highmark spokesman Michael Weinstein said.

Total expenses from health care insurance operations in 2009 were flat at $1.4 billion, Highmark said.

Highmark's claims expenses in 2009 rose 5.5 percent to more than $10.2 billion, from $9.7 billion in 2008. The company spent 90 cents of every dollar taken in on claims, up from 88 cents in 2008. The company works to keep the figure near 90 cents, it said.

So, what's your problem with people?? Wouldn't you rather a solvent company providing your health insurance??? Do you honestly think that government run health insurance would be this good??? Look at Medicare and Medicaid.....