Our pledge to keep healthcare affordable

We pledge to limit our annual net income to 2% of revenue. For any year in which Blue Shield earns more than 2%, we return the difference to our customers and the community, with approval from our board of directors.

Since 2011, the company has returned $560 million to customers and the community. In 2014, $19 million was returned to the community under our 2% pledge through a contribution to Cal INDEX. Blue Shield’s profit margin was below 2% in 2014 and 2015 and, as a result, we did not return any funds.

Former CEO Bruce Bodaken announced the 2% pledge commitment  on June 7, 2011, in a speech at the Commonwealth Club.

Read past news releases on the 2% pledge here:

• FY 2012 Pledge Announcement - October 2012

• FY 2011 Pledge Announcement - October 2011

• FY 2010 Pledge Credits Implementation - September 2011

• FY 2010 Pledge Announcement - June 2011