Q1 2027 rates now available through your preferred quoting engine
Blue Shield is pleased to announce the Q1 2027 rate book is now available on the dedicated Rates page of Broker Connection. The first-quarter 2027 rate action is a statewide average of 3.4%.  

January, February and March 2027 renewals
Groups renewing in January will be available to brokers through Shield Renewals on Tuesday, October 20* while group-level changes can be made using the Employer Enrollment tool starting Wednesday, October 21*. Groups renewing in February and March will be available on Wednesday, November 4* while group-level changes will be available starting Wednesday, November 5* and Tuesday, December 1* respectively.

^{*Dates subject to change}

Expanded Pharmacy Savings Through Rx Spectrum
Beginning January 1, 2027, the Rx Spectrum tiered pharmacy network will be available across HMO and PPO offerings for Off-exchange and Mirror plans. Members can maximize savings by using preferred Level A pharmacies, including:

• CVS Pharmacy
• CVS at Target
• Costco Pharmacy
• Safeway and Vons Pharmacy locations

Virtual First and Telehealth Enhancements
Blue Shield continues to expand convenient, affordable care options through its Virtual First approach. Beginning in 2027, deductibles for telehealth services will be waived on HDHP plans, helping members access timely virtual care at a lower cost. These enhancements can improve employee access to care, support a better member experience, and encourage the use of cost-effective care options.

Updates to Medical Plans
For 2027, Blue Shield continues to focus on helping employer groups access high-quality, cost-effective care while maintaining a broad range of plan options for employer groups. Additional benefit changes include:

• Enhanced behavioral health coverage, with Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) outpatient services moving to no-cost-share for applicable plans
• Updated annual out-of-pocket maximums to align with regulatory requirements
• Updated deductible and out-of-pocket maximum limits for HDHP/HSA-qualified plans to reflect annual IRS guidelines
• Benefit refinements to imaging, outpatient surgery, and emergency room services on select off-exchange plans

For exact terms and conditions of coverage for all 2027 plan offerings, refer to the Evidence of Coverage for the plan, or contact your Blue Shield sales representative.

See below list for impacted PPO plans with cost share and name changes. You can view the full list of 2027 plan names and benefit changes on Broker Connection.

Plan name changes for 2027
To help employers better identify plan features, several HMO, PPO, and PPO Savings plans will feature updated plan names for 2027.

Select Medical Plans no longer available for 2027
Because Virtual Blue benefits are now included in PPO plans, the following Virtual Blue plans will no longer be available in 2027. Groups enrolled in these plans will be automatically mapped to an equivalent PPO plan with Virtual Blue program enhancements.

Specialty Plans (Dental, Vision, Life) 
While there are no specialty product or benefit changes at this time, Blue Shield continues to offer a strong, valuable portfolio of services, including:

• Bundled Savings – Add vision or dental to a medical plan and receive a 10% discount
• Two-year initial rate guarantee for new and existing medical groups that add dental, vision, or life coverage
• Streamlined administration with one bill, one renewal, and one point of administration through Employer Connection

Vision discounts available through EyeMed

Offering your group more choices with access to a vast network of independent eye doctors and popular retailers, it’s easy to book an exam and access discounts through Insight Discount. You can visit the Vision page on Broker Connection for more information.

Sell more, earn more with our various rewards programs
Earn a new broker bonus while helping your clients transition from Health Net. The program applies to coverage effective dates from October 1, 2026, through March 1, 2027. Learn more about the Health Net transition rewards program.

Sign in to Broker Connection to explore all available rewards programs.