CareFirst, Inc. is the parent company of CareFirst of Maryland and Group Hospitalization and Medical Services, which do business as CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield. It is governed by a Board of Directors and regulated by special statutes. The mission of CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield is to provide quality, affordable health plans to customers in Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia. Marketing and communications are organized into strategic marketing, marketing communications, and corporate communications departments. Budgeting for the following year occurs in the fourth quarter and includes line items such as salary, printing, postage, and outside services.