life is limitless. never stop.

Why Blue Shield?

We believe that all Californians deserve access to high-quality health care at an affordable price. That's why we offer plans, comprehensive benefits, and access to some of the largest doctor networks in the state. And as a nonprofit organization we are proud to give back to the communities we serve.

For and by California

We are California-made and California-strong, with 6,800 employees in the state serving over 4 million members.

Reliable coverage

Since 1939, Californians have trusted us with their healthcare coverage.

Known for our networks

Choice matters, and our doctor and hospital networks are among some of the largest in California.

Nonprofit

As a nonprofit health plan, we've pledged to limit our annual net income to 2% of revenue. Since 2011, we have returned over $600 million to members and communities.

For your state of health

Our plans cover members from all walks of life. Our programs and services are designed to help you discover the healthiest versions of yourself.

Health and wellness

Explore a variety of health wellness resources like our online health library and videos, wellness discount programs, and much more.

Learn more

NurseHelp 24/7SM

Contact a registered nurse for advice based on your current symptoms, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Learn more

Eligible for Medicare?

Our Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage complement Original Medicare with additional medical services and supplies.

Learn more
Access anytime
Access your health plan day or night from your computer or mobile device.
Access anywhere
Download our Blue Shield of California app to securely access your information from almost anywhere.
Quality coverage
We've been here since 1939 and offer stability, extensive networks, and ways to save.
First to cover
Blue Shield was the first health plan in the nation to offer coverage for life-saving surgeries like heart transplants and the first to offer catastrophic coverage.
Volunteer work
We take pride in giving back to our communities. In 2014 alone, Blue Shield employees raised over $400,000 for local nonprofit organizations.
Financial assistance
We can help you find out if you qualify for financial assistance through Covered California to help pay for your coverage.

Where we began

Everyone has a story. Ours began right here in California, by men and women who believed in the right to access affordable, quality care. That belief is what still drives us today.

Blue Shield is born

In 1938, the California Physicians’ Service, an early name for Blue Shield of California, was established in the California Medical Association House of Delegates. In our first year of operation, 20,000 Californians and 5,000 physicians joined our cutting-edge, prepaid healthcare service plans. By 1961, we celebrated our 1 millionth subscriber.

Pioneers in technology

In 1996, Blue Shield was the first health plan in California to offer benefit and enrollment information online. By 2000, our members were connecting with their doctors online, too.

Our pledge

In 2011, we demonstrated our commitment to affordability by pledging to limit our annual net income to 2% of revenue and return the difference to our customers and communities.

A continued commitment

In 2010, we teamed up with Dignity Health & Hill Physicians Medical Group to launch our first accountable care organization pilot, aimed at reducing costs while improving healthcare quality by putting our members first. There are now over 67 accountable care organizations across California, and through our coordinated care programs we’ve saved Californians $839M.

It's in numbers

As a nonprofit organization, Blue Shield has three fundamental goals: to be mission-driven, to act always as a good corporate citizen, and to exercise fair, thoughtful distribution of our resources. We are proud of the numbers that tell our story.

$45M was contributed to the Blue Shield of California Foundation in 2019

35% reduction of Blue Shield greenhouse gas emissions in 2019

#1 Blue Shield's rank on the Diversity Inc. 2020 Top Regional Companies List for Diversity

4M Over 4 million people are covered by Blue Shield of California

44K hrs Over 44,800 hours volunteered by Blue Shield employees in 2019

3,500 Over 3,500 mental health counseling sessions provided through our BlueSky initiative

We're here to help

Whatever you are looking for, let us help you find it. Try the "Find a Plan" page to learn about our health plan options. Visit the "Find a Doctor" page to search for doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. Visit the "Be Well" page to learn about wellness services offered through Blue Shield and our affiliates. If you are unsure where to start or have other questions, contact us .

Blue Shield of California is an HMO and PDP plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Blue Shield of California depends on contract renewal. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.

Blue Shield of California complies with applicable state laws and federal civil rights laws, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, marital status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Blue Shield of California cumple con las leyes estatales y las leyes federales de derechos civiles vigentes, y nodiscrimina por motivos de raza, color, país de origen, ascendencia, religión, sexo, estado civil, género, identidad de género, orientación sexual, edad ni discapacidad. Blue Shield of California 遵循適用的州法律和聯邦公民權利法律，並且不以種族、膚色、原國籍、血統、宗教、性別、婚姻 狀況、性別認同、性取向、年齡或殘障為由而進行歧視。