Blue Shield of California

Blue Shield of California was founded in 1939. As of Feb. 2009 Blue Shield has over 3,400,000 members making the one of the largest insurance providers in the state of California. Blue Shield has an HMO network of over 32,000 physicians and 300 hospitals, a PPO network of over 65,000 physicians and 350 hospitals and an Individual Medicare HMO network of over 13,000 physicians and 135 hospitals. Blue Shield also has one of the largest pharmacy networks in California that consist of 2,100 CA State Independent pharmacies, 3,300 CA State major chain pharmacies and a total of 57,000 nationwide pharmacies. Blue Shield of California has some of the best financial ratings of any health insurance company if California. .

Blue Shield of California has a complete portfolio of health insurance plans that provide robust California Medical Insurance benefits for every budget.

Active Start Plans PPO Plans: A plan that offers a blend of lower cost and comprehensive benefits for active individuals who want coverage in case of a serious medical event, but also want to take care of more routine day to day healthcare needs. Active start plans have no medical deductibles, so you benefits start right away.

Balance Plans: If you want the balance of solid coverage with relatively low deductible and rates, a Balance plan may be right for you. Balance plans provide coverage for preventive care, doctor’s office visits, generic prescriptions drugs, and emergency room care right away before you meet your deductible. Additionally, they offer easy access to chiropractic care and acupuncture, and a wide range of other quality benefits. All Balance plans feature copayments =, so you only need to choose the deductible that best suits your needs.

Essential Plans: If you want a plan that protects you in case of a serious medical event, provides essentials benefits for doctors visits, and comes with dental and vision coverage at no added cost, one of the Essential PPO plan might be right for you.Essential plans give you control over the amount you spend on copayments and deductibles – and since they are only available to individuals and only offer essential benefits, you don’t have to pay for services you don’t expect to use, like maternity care and Brand-name drug benefits.

HMO Plans: If you want an east to understand plan with rich benefits, predictable out-of-pocket expenses, and minimal paperwork, then an HMO plan could be right for you. Before having to meet a deductible, you’ll have easy access to a wide range of services for a small copayment, like routine preventive exams and well baby care.Access HMO plans include basic dental benefits, including coverage for oral exams, teeth cleanings and restorative services.

Shield Savings Plans: Plans put you in control and save you money while doing so. These are high deductible plans that offer preventive care right away at a lower monthly rate than most other Blue Shield plans, and they’re compatible with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). With a variety of plans, rates, and deductibles to choose from, the shield savings portfolio has a plan that is right for you.

Shield Spectrum PPO plans: If you have family, and want a robust health plan that offers coverage for doctor visits, prescription drugs, maternity, and hospital care, than a Shield spectrum PPO plan may be right for you. Shield Spectrum PPO plans provide you with a wide spectrum of benefits at predictable costs.

Vital Shield and Vital Shield plus plans: These plans provide you with the coverage you need and at the price you want. Vital shield plans offer you valuable health coverage at an affordable price. You choose the benefits you consider important without having to pay for those you don’t. Vital Shield plans are a great option for those who rarely go to the doctor, but want to know they’re covered when they do.