Get to know your CalPERS Blue Shield HMO and EPO plans

Change can be a good thing, especially if it brings the benefits of a Blue Shield health plan. We’re here to help make the transition easy.

Our plan meets many needs and budgets. This is why over a million new members have joined Blue Shield in recent years. Here’s why you might find us a good fit, too.

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Discover the benefits of your HMO and EPO plans

Predictable costs

With an HMO plan you have no deductible — only fixed copayments for most covered services like doctor visits, urgent care, and emergency care.

Virtual or in-person options

Whether you prefer virtual visits or in-person appointments, you’ll have the choice to get the care you need, when it’s most convenient for you.

Care close to home

With broad provider networks across California, you’ll often find multiple care options nearby, giving you the flexibility to choose what works best for you.

Coverage outside California

Family members living outside California can access medical care in select states across the country.

Convenient pharmacy network

Save on prescriptions by going to retail network pharmacies near you, including CVS, Safeway, and others. Or use Amazon Pharmacy with no-cost shipping.

What’s always covered with your HMO and EPO plans

HMO/EPO

Access to the care you need

Preventive care, such as screenings and immunizations, included at no extra cost from in-network providers only
Mental health support via in-person or virtual appointments, and on our resource hub
24/7 virtual care via Teladoc Health: medical treatment by phone or video
Urgent and emergency care coverage worldwide
Access to Blue Distinction Centers, medical centers recognized for expertise in complex conditions 1

Convenient pharmacy options

Large retail pharmacy network, including national chains, independent pharmacies, and grocery and discount stores
Medication home delivery through Amazon Pharmacy
Price Check My Rx tool to compare prescription drug costs
Real-time mobile alerts with pricing options for new prescriptions

Handy digital tools

Top-rated mobile app for plan details on the go
Member Health Record, keeping doctor visits, prescriptions, lab results, and more in one secure place
Treatment cost estimator to help you budget for care
Personalized health reminders in your online account

Extra support

Care management for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer
Digital wellness programs to help you meet your health goals and Virta’s type 2 diabetes reversal program
Discounts on fitness programs, vision services, alternative care, and more 2

Steps to get started with your new plan

Register online

After your plan starts on January 1, 2027, create an online account to:

  • Find doctors in your network
  • View claims

Download our mobile app through the Apple Store or Google Play

Create my account

Plan documents

Review your plan documents for complete details about your benefits, including:

  • Medical
  • Pharmacy
  • Acupuncture and chiropractic

View my benefits

Find in-network providers

Find a doctor by name, specialty, or medical group and filter by location, language, gender and more for the following plans:

  • Access+ HMO plan
  • Trio HMO plan
  • Blue Shield EPO plan

Find my doctor

Programs and services

Discover programs and services available to you.

  • Get care at home
  • Access care away from home
  • Jump start your well-being
  • Manage your condition

Explore

What to do after you’ve enrolled

Make sure to complete the following before your plan becomes effective on January 1, 2027.
Get a copy of your medical records
Check with your current provider on how to transfer your medical records to Blue Shield.
Request prior authorization for any scheduled treatments
If you have been scheduled for a treatment that was already authorized by your current health plan carrier, you may also need to get prior authorization for this treatment from Blue Shield. To confirm if you need prior authorization, contact Shield Concierge at the number on your new member ID card.
Ensure that you have sufficient medication (through 1/1/27)
Work with your current provider to ensure you have adequate medication until receiving a new/renewed prescription from your new PCP or any prior authorization needed for the medication.
Look for your new member ID card in the mail
You should receive your member ID card in the mail before your coverage becomes effective for you and each member of your family. Please review your card carefully to make sure all the information is correct.

1. To find out if you can access a Blue Distinction Center, contact Customer Service. Some HMO plans may require you to use designated providers for certain specialty care.

2. These discount program services are not covered benefits of Blue Shield health plans and none of the terms of Blue Shield health plans apply. Blue Shield reserves the right to terminate this program at any time without notice. Read the full disclaimer and trademark information.

Plans vary. Check plan details to see the services and health and wellness resources offered.

Amazon Pharmacy is independent of Blue Shield of California and is contracted by Blue Shield to provide home delivery of prescription medications to Blue Shield members. Members are responsible for their share of costs, as stated in their benefit plan details.

You may receive services from network providers on an in-person basis or via telehealth, if available. Contact your primary care provider, treating specialist, facility, or other health professional to learn whether telehealth is an option. Network telehealth and in-person services are subject to the same timeliness and geographic access standards. If your plan has out-of-network benefits, they are subject to your plan’s cost-sharing obligations and balance billing protections.