About Blue Shield

For almost 70 years, Blue Shield of California has been offering affordable health insurance solutions for residents all across California. Today, they have over 3.2 million members.

Blue Shield of California has an extensive product portfolio.

Why Choose Blue Shield of California:
Blue Shield of California is a non-profit company fully committed to the members they serve. Their mission is to provide all residents of California affordable healthcare.

They work with a large network of healthcare providers. The Blue Shield California network includes over 70,000 physicians and more than 650 hospitals.

Their History:
Blue Shield of California was founded as the California Physician's Service (CPS) in 1938. They were created by the California Medical Association House of Delegates by an overwhelming vote of 114-12. The CPS went public in 1940, offering pre-paid health insurance plans for California residents. In their first year they enrolled 20,000 new members and 5,000 physicians joined the care network. As the CPS evolved, Blue Shield of California expanded their portfolio to a full line of health insurance plans. It included catastrophic coverage, nursing home care, Medicare plans, vision care, and life insurance. In 1959, California Physician's Service became Blue Shield of California Insurance Company. Their corporate headquarters is in San Francisco.

Blue Shield’s Involvement in the Community:
As a responsible citizen and fellow member of the community, Blue Shield of California is committed to staying involved. Blue Shield employees are always encouraged to volunteer their personal time to help other non-profit organizations. They also provide charitable contributions to help efforts improve the quality of life and health for everyone in California. Through the Blue Shield of California Foundation, they provide over $30 million in grants every year to initiatives for improving health insurance, developing health technology, and fighting domestic violence.

Supporting Universal Healthcare:
Since proposing our "universal coverage, universal responsibility" plan nearly 7 years ago, we’ve continually advocated for comprehensive health reform legislation in both Sacramento and Washington. Now that the president and congressional leaders have made reform a top priority, the nation has an historic opportunity to expand coverage to all, improve quality, and bring costs under control. We strongly support these goals and our team is working hard to turn the dream of healthcare reform into a reality.

Blue Shield of California, an independent member of the Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health plan dedicated to providing Californians with access to high quality care at a reasonable price. Founded in 1939, it now has 3.2 million members, 4,500 employees, one of the largest provider networks and more than 20 office locations, providing a wide range of commercial and government products throughout the state.

The company contributes $30 million annually to the Blue Shield of California Foundation to fund nonprofit organizations that improve access to quality health care in California.

What Doctors Accept Blue Shield?

Please visit: Blue Shield of CA Provider Finder for local doctors and participating hospitals in your area.

Frequently asked questions

How soon can I get coverage?

It can take four to six weeks to review your application.

Am I covered while traveling?

Yes. With all Blue Shield health plans, benefits will be provided anywhere in the world in the case of an emergency. Blue Shield PPO members are also covered for care worldwide through the BlueCard program. Check your Evidence of Coverage or Policy for specific provisions and exclusions.

PPO Plans
Vital Shield 2900	Details	Apply Now
Vital Shield 900 NEW!	Details
Essential Plans	Details	Apply Now
Balance Plans	Details	Apply Now
Active Start Plans	Details	Apply Now
Shield Spectrum PPO Plan	Details	Apply Now
HMO Plans
Access HMO	Details	Apply Now
Access Value HMO	Details	Apply Now
Dental & Life Insurance	Details

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vital Shield Plan Apply Now Details
Protect yourself with Blue Shield's lowest priced PPO plan for individuals. The Blue Shield Vital Shield 2900* covers you in case of hospitalization, surgery or other major medical events, and offers basic benefits with an affordable deductible. It includes first dollar coverage for an office visit and generic drugs. No maternity coverage. Monthly rates starting at $42** Affordable annual deductible ($2900) You're covered at 100 percent after you meet the copayment maximum ($5900) Low copayments for generic prescription drugs at network pharmacies ($10) Two annual office visits, which can be used for preventive care or medical treatment prior to meeting the deductible ($40 copayment) One of California's largest PPO provider networks, so it's easy to find a doctor you want Knowledgeable customer service representatives ready to help you and answer your questions. Is Vital Shield right for you? Blue Shield's lowest priced PPO plan offers you affordable and simplified coverage and protects you in case of major medical events, such as hospitalization. The plan is available for individuals only and is limited to basic benefits, so that you don't pay for services you don't expect to use. Vital Shield doesn't include maternity care or brand-name drug benefits.
Essential Plans Apply Now Details
Blue Shield's individual-only plan offerings include three PPOs: EssentialSM Plan 1750, 3000 and 4500*. These plans minimize your annual out-of-pocket costs and offer quality coverage, including dental and vision. They are ideal for individuals who don't need expensive full coverage that includes maternity and brand-name drugs. Plan Features Comprehensive coverage - includes medical, dental and vision care Affordable monthly rates Manageable out-of-pocket medical costs: - Your copay maximum equals the deductible for participating providers - You're covered at 100 percent for services from participating providers after the deductible is met Affordable copayments - Preventive care office visits ($40)** - Generic prescription drugs at network pharmacies ($10) Choice of three deductibles: $1750, $3000 or $4500 Available for individuals only Access to one of the largest provider networks in California, so it's easy to find the doctor you want **For the first three visits per calendar year only. Subsequent visits are subject to the deductible. No charge after deductible is met.
Balance Plans Apply Now Details
The Balance PPO plan family balances coverage and cost, and offers a sensible blend of comprehensive benefits and relatively low deductibles: BalanceSM Plan 2500, 1700 and 1000.* These plans provide coverage for preventive care, doctor's office visits, generic prescription coverage and ER care right away, before you meet your deductible. Balance plan advantages Choice of three deductibles: $2,500, $1,700 or $1,000 The plan's copayment/coinsurance maximum includes your medical deductible, so you'll pay only up to the copayment/coinsurance maximum in a calendar year Doctor's office visits and preventive care are provided for a fixed copay ($30) before you need to meet the deductible Generic drugs for $10 One of California's largest PPO networks, so it's easy to find doctors and hospitals Includes benefits for chiropractic care and acupuncture
Active Start Plans Apply Now Details
Active Start is ideal for individuals looking for health coverage that covers you in case of a potentially expensive medical event, while also taking care of your day-to-day healthcare needs. If you are considering health coverage for the first time, you may be particularly interested in one of our Active Start Plans.* With no medical deductible, your healthcare coverage is working for you from the start. Plan Features Two plans with generic-only prescription drug coverage options to help save costs $10 copayments for generic prescription drugs at participating pharmacies Healthcare coverage for individuals (Active Start Plans do not include options for two-party and family coverage, nor coverage for maternity care.) No medical deductible, so your coverage starts immediately $25 or $35 copayments for preventive care and office visits Alternative care benefits for acupuncture and chiropractic services Access to one of California's largest PPO preferred provider networks
Shield Spectrum PPO Apply Now Details
The Shield Spectrum PPO Plans offer five deductible levels that make it easy and affordable to get the health care you need. You'll enjoy a wide range of benefits, your choice of providers and some services with fixed copayments before meeting your deductible. Plan Features: Coverage for preventive care, prescription drugs, hospitalization and more A range of deductible options  Preventive care benefits for a fixed copayment before you meet your health plan deductible Prescription generic drug benefits at participating pharmacies before you meet your brand-name drug deductible Pay 25% or 30% for many covered services (depending on deductible level) after meeting the deductible for preferred providers Choice of providers every time you seek covered services. There are lower out-of-pocket costs when you choose from over 45,000 preferred providers.  Chiropractic care benefits before you meet your deductible (except for Shield Spectrum 5000 plan). Shield Spectrum 5000 plan does not offer Chiropractic care benefits.
HMO Plans Apply Now Details
Plan Highlights: Preventive, routine and catastrophic care Access+Specialist allows you to visit a participating specialist within your Personal Physician's medical group without a referral for just a $50/$35 copayment  Preventive care services for a small copayment Prescription generic drugs are only $10 per prescription at participating pharmacies Choose a Personal Physician from an extensive network. Office visits with your Personal Physician are covered with a $35/$20 copayment  Built-in dental services for no extra monthly dues through Access+Dentist with Access+ HMO® Virtually no claim forms No lifetime maximum on plan benefits

 

 

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