Why Blue Shield?
Our values set us apart
When you work with us, you’ll have a partner who stands behind their values. We’re working to change the trajectory of health care for the better: better solutions, better value for your healthcare dollar, and a better experience for employees.
Our mission: To provide high-quality health coverage worthy of our families and friends, at a sustainably affordable price.
Blue Shield is a taxpaying nonprofit with a 2% income cap—and that empowers us to act differently. We do what’s best for you and your employees, not shareholders.
Who are you doing business with? Our vision and values
Our workforce should represent our state’s diverse population, so we’re committed to inclusivity. The diversity we’ve achieved helps us to see issues from multiple perspectives and solve problems creatively—a proven business differentiator.
A 2021 GREAT PLACE TO WORK(R)
For the second year in a row, Blue Shield has received Great Place to Work(R) certification from the global authority on workplace culture.
A 2021 BEST U.S. COMPANY FOR DIVERSITY
The National Diversity Council has recognized Blue Shield for our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion.
2021 Best Company for Women to Advance
We’re proud to have achieved both gender pay equity across Blue Shield and gender equity on our Board of Directors as of 2021.
2021 Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality
For the fifth year in a row, The Human Rights Campaign has given us a perfect score for LGBTQ Equality in the workplace.
2021 Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion
The Disability Equality Index has affirmed our support for access for everyone with a score of 100%.
2022 Top 10 Military Friendly(R) Employer
We’re a Top 10 Employer and one of only 148 companies designated Military Friendly(R) for 2022.
California headquarters. National coverage.
California Networks
Our networks in California are strong and getting stronger. We currently cover over 4.65 million members, one of the most diverse populations in the world.
•47 ACOs and growing
•100% of San Francisco zip codes
•100% of Orange County zip codes
•97% of San Diego zip codes
•96% of Sacramento zip codes
•95% of Los Angeles zip codes
BlueCard(R) National Network
The Blues have meant health care to millions of Americans for generations.
•79% of Fortune 100 companies have Blue coverage
•100% of US Zip codes served
•1.7M+ providers nationwide
•Network offers an industry-leading $24 PMPM savings
•97% of claims paid in-network
Health Reimagined: Real change is systemic change
Changing a complex health system takes commitment. Blue Shield is all in. We’re reimagining care to make it more accessible, more affordable, and simpler for everyone.
That includes building a modern health ecosystem that makes “anytime, anywhere” care not just possible but seamless. It means addressing rising costs; for instance, how payments move through the healthcare system or how we can help control the cost of prescription drugs. And it means a shift in focus to healthier outcomes for all.
Learn more on Health Reimagined
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Health care isn’t just a job to us—it’s our passion
When you partner with Blue Shield of California, you’ll be working with people who are passionate about delivering health plans and healthcare solutions that work for everybody.
EMPLOYEE APPROVAL RATING FOR CEO PAUL MARKOVICH ON GLASSDOOR, 2021
EMPLOYEES VOTING BLUE SHIELD OF CALIFORNIA A GREAT PLACE TO WORK VIA GPTW
RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE 2022 WORLD'S MOST ETHICAL COMPANIES®
“Blue Shield of California’s commitment to ethical behavior underpins our company’s values of being human, honest, and courageous.”
Hope Scott , VP, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, Blue Shield of California
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Beyond Blue Shield: Advocating for a better health system
•Disrupting drug pricing: Blue Shield supports programs designed to drive down prescription costs, from a data-driven virtual pharmacy pilot to a Blue initiative to manufacture generics for consumers.
•Promoting a health information network: Unnecessary and duplicative tests and procedures account for billions of dollars in wasted spending. We’re investing in pilots that will help create a more efficient, effective digital health ecosystem, as well as advocating for change.
•Tackling access and affordability: Blue Shield advocates with legislators, in California and nationally, to support transparency and affordable access to care that addresses health inequities.
Blue Shield of California Foundation
Blue Shield supports the Blue Shield of California Foundation, which operates independently but shares our values of health equity for all. The Foundation focuses on building healthier communities through a variety of initiatives.
•$150 million endowed in the past four years
•The Foundation awarded more than 140 grants totaling over $134 million in 2020 and 2021.
•A primary focus: combatting domestic violence
The Blue Shield of California Foundation is an independent organization. Blue Shield of California Health Plan has no influence over grant-making decisions.
The Foundation
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