What’s new starting January 1, 2026
New EPO Medical Plan
Effective January 1, 2026 you will have a new health plan from Blue Shield of California: the EPO plan. This will replace your current Access+ HMO health plan.
With the new EPO plan, you get the following:
• Access to a larger network of doctors, specialists, hospitals, and other providers in California through Blue Shield’s PPO network ‒ one of the largest networks in the state
• The freedom to self-refer to specialists – no need to see your primary care physician first
• Access to providers nationwide for covered services through the BlueCard ® Program
• No change to your copayments. These will remain the same as your current plan
To search for providers in the PPO network, use our Find a Doctor tool.
Important: With the new EPO plan, you must stay within the PPO network. You will not be covered for services from providers who are not in the PPO network - except for urgent and emergency care.
Explore the upcoming behavioral health transition
You’ll have access to an expanded, quality network. Learn more.
Compare costs for your prescription drugs
When your doctor gives you a new prescription, you can get alerts on your phone with pricing options. Download the Blue Shield of California app and enable push notifications to:
• Get alerts for new prescriptions
• Compare prices by pharmacy, brand name vs. generic, and more
• See all in-network pharmacy options
• Know your medication prices before you go to the pharmacy
Out-of-network or non-contracted providers are not required to treat plan members, unless it is an emergency. For more details – including cost-sharing information for out-of-network services – please contact our Customer Service team or refer to your Evidence of Coverage.