In January of 2026, Paul Markovich, president and CEO of Blue Shield of California parent company Ascendiun, joined leaders from national health plans to testify before two congressional committees concerning healthcare affordability. Markovich used the platform to discuss the drivers of rising costs, call for increased transparency, and to underscore Blue Shield’s dedication to making quality care more affordable.
In one portion of testimony, Paul Markovich outlined three critical actions needed to improve the country’s healthcare system:
- First, ensure every American has access to a comprehensive, real-time digital health record that, combined with the appropriate use of technology, can be used to personalize their health care and to dramatically reduce administrative costs.
- Second, break the 'do more, get paid more' fee-for-service model that puts profits before patients and put the entire system on a budget.
- Third, make prescription drugs accessible and affordable by eliminating kickbacks in the form of rebates, fees, and spread pricing.
While acknowledging our nation’s healthcare system is deeply flawed, Markovich remained steadfast that transformation is possible. “The good news,” he said, “is that we can fix this if we have the collective courage and conviction to do so.”
The full news release and written testimony are available on the Ascendiun News page.
