Open Enrollment lasts from November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027. Your new policy goes into effect on January 1, 2027.
All Blue Shield IFP medical plans include access to in-person and virtual care options. Virtual care, also called telehealth, gives you another way to get help when you need it often faster, from home, and at a lower or $0 cost depending on your plan.
New for 2027: $0 virtual care options with Virtual BlueSM program on select PPO plans
Select PPO plans now include $0 Virtual BlueSM program primary care, mental health, therapy, and specialist care with no deductible required. They also give you nationwide access to in-person and virtual care through the Blue Shield PPO network, with no referrals needed.
You can choose $0 Virtual BlueSM program primary care with these plans:
- Silver 1850 PPO
- Silver 2800 HDHP PPO
- Bronze 7250 PPO
Who is this good for?
Members who want the freedom to choose their own care team, connect with virtual providers day or night, and still have access to in-person care.
- Access ongoing virtual care with the same provider
- Coordinate with your in-person doctors
- Receive continuous, coordinated care that complements in-person care
What’s included in these PPO plans?
- Access to Virtual BlueSM program, which includes virtual primary care, mental health, therapy, and specialist care, often with same-day appointments, available day or night, nationwide all with a $0 co-pay
- Full nationwide-coverage care through BlueCard®
- Out of state medical coverage including routine care, specialists, urgent and emergency healthcare, when traveling or living outside of California
IFP Trio HMO plans offer care coordinated through a virtual medical group that shifts to in-person care as needed. If you don’t choose an in-person primary care physician (PCP) when you enroll, a virtual PCP will be assigned to you.
More about virtual PCPs
- Your virtual PCP will help coordinate your care for all your needs
- Visit physicians, specialists, and labs in-person when your virtual PCP requests it
- Visits to your virtual PCP have the same co-pay as your in-person visits
Are other telehealth options available for IFP plans?
All plans offer Teladoc Health, which works well for many non-emergency needs. Many members choose Teladoc Health when they have cold and flu symptoms, allergies, or sinus problems. They also use it for mental health support, or help deciding what type of care to get next.
- Teladoc Health offers 24/7 access to U.S. board-certified physicians, including pediatricians and family doctors.
- You can get this care for $0
- Skip urgent care and connect with a doctor in minutes (1 hour or less response time) or make an appointment in advance.
- You can access Teladoc Health through your Blue Shield account.
Log in to compare plans and choose the coverage that best fits your care needs for 2027.
Virtual BlueSM is a service mark of Blue Shield of California.