Blue Shield of California has been one of the most established health insurance companies in California and has been around since 1939.
Blue Shield of California is known for being the first insurance company to provide coverage for a heart transplant in 1984. Blue Shield of California is also responsible for a number of other “firsts”: it was the first health insurance company to offer coverage to clients in both California and Mexico. Blue Shield of California also began offering online benefit and enrollment information in 1996, before any other health insurance company.
Blue Shield of California has an extensive network of doctors and providers. Customers can access up to 32,000 doctors and 300 hospitals under the HMO plan and 65,000 doctors and 350 hospitals under the PPO plan. Blue Shield of California provides its clients with a network of 2100 independent pharmacies and 3300 major pharmacies for their health care needs.
Blue Shield of California offers a number of health insurance options for individuals and families. Here is a list of health plans offered by Blue Shield of California:
Active Start
BEST FOR: Someone looking for a low premium, and who wants a plan that offers benefits up front, but is willing to risk a large medical bill in the event of a major medical emergency.
Balance
BEST FOR: Those who have a family and want the balance of solid coverage with a relatively low deductible and rates.
Essential
BEST FOR: These individual-only plansĀ are ideal for individuals who don’t need expensive full coverage that includes maternity and brand-name drugs.
Shield Savings
BEST FOR: These high-deductible health plans offer preventive care before having to meet the deductible, are compatible with a Health Savings Account (HSA), and offer one protection against major healthcare expenses.
Shield Spectrum
BEST FOR: The young and healthy.
Vital Shield 2900
BEST FOR: Someone healthy that wants insurance to serve as a “vital shield” against a medical emergency.