We’ve been in business since 1939, so you can count on us to be here when you need us most. With 7,800 diligent employees serving 4.7 million members including nearly 380,000 Medicare-eligible members in 2020, our mission is to ensure all Californians have access to high-quality health care at a sustainably affordable price.
As a nonprofit, 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.
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.
Quality coverage
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. We have the largest doctor networks in California.
Anytime, anywhere
Securely access your health plan day or night from your computer or mobile device. Try the Blue Shield of California mobile app.
We take pride in giving back
Through our Shield Cares Giving Campaign, Blue Shield employees gave their time and/or money; donating $1.58 million (including company match) and volunteering more than 40,000 hours.
Our history
In 1938, the California Physicians’ Service 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. In 1961, Blue Shield of California celebrated our 1 millionth member.
Pioneers in technology
In 1996, Blue Shield was the first health plan in California to offer benefit and enrollment information online. By 2000, members were connecting with their doctors online, too.
Our pledge
In 2004, 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 back to the communities we serve.
We’re proud of the numbers that tell our story.
$40 million
Contributed to the Blue Shield of California Foundation in 2021
4.7 million
People are covered by Blue Shield of California
$817 million
Invested in California communities since 2004
Contact Us
Call today for general questions about Blue Shield of California's Medicare Supplement Plans, Medicare Advantage - Prescription Drug Plans, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans:
Phone: (800) 260-9607 (TTY: 711)
Hours:
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week, from October 1 through March 31, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., weekdays from April 1 through September 30