Keeping the Care Going: Blue Shield and UC Strike a Deal

Agreement Ensures Continuity of Care for Blue Shield Members

Blue Shield of California and the University of California (UC) have reached a three-year agreement to keep patients connected to UC health services. This deal ensures that individuals with Blue Shield insurance will not lose access to UC facilities.

Recent Changes and Automatic Reversion

Recently, many patients received new insurance cards with different doctors listed. This occurred due to unresolved terms between Blue Shield and UC. Now, Blue Shield is rectifying this by automatically moving patients back to their original UC doctors. This change will take effect on July 10, 2025, requiring no action from patients.

Ongoing Negotiations and Pending Finalization

While the agreement is a significant step, it is not yet fully finalized. Both parties are still working on the necessary paperwork and approvals. Additionally, UC has noted that they are continuing discussions with Blue Shield regarding issues such as delayed payments for medical services.

Impact on State Retirees

Blue Shield is a critical insurance provider for many state retirees. Approximately 35,000 retirees rely on Blue Shield and receive care from UC health systems. This agreement helps them retain their doctors and access to UC health services.

Future Collaboration

Although the current situation appears resolved, both sides acknowledge that further work is needed. This deal is a positive development, but ongoing collaboration is essential to ensure smooth operations moving forward.