Blue Cross originally assured payment of:

The correct choice reflects the foundational purpose of Blue Cross plans, which were initially established to cover hospital charges. Blue Cross was created during a time when healthcare costs were becoming increasingly burdensome for individuals and families, and the aim was to ensure that patients could access hospital services without facing overwhelming financial hardship.

By focusing on hospital charges, Blue Cross allowed people to afford necessary medical care that would typically involve high expenses due to hospitalization. Over time, while the range of services covered by Blue Cross expanded to include various healthcare costs—such as physician fees, nursing care, and prescription drugs—the organization's initial mission was to guarantee coverage for hospital expenses, thus providing critical support to patients in need of inpatient care.