Assists Members Affected by Southern California Fires

Blue Shield is committed to helping members impacted by the Southern California wildfires by ensuring continued access to essential medical care and services, including prescription refills, extended claims and authorizations, continuity of care, virtual care, mental health support, vision plan assistance, out-of-network provider access, and member ID cards. Learn more.

New CEO and Restructure Announced

Blue Shield of California has appointed Lois Quam as CEO, the first woman to lead the organization in its 86-year history. Quam, who joined as president in 2024, brings decades of leadership experience, including heading Pathfinder and leading the Global Health Initiative at the U.S. Department of State.

Under Quam’s leadership, Blue Shield aims to drive innovation and collaboration, advancing its mission of equitable and accessible healthcare for all Californians. Additionally, the company has established a nonprofit entity, Ascendiun, effective January 1, to enhance care for its six million members. Former CEO Paul Markovich will serve as Ascendiun's president, reinforcing Blue Shield’s commitment to quality, affordable care. Learn more.

Q2-2025 Plan and Rate Updates

Below are the key updates for Q2-2025.

Q2 Rates

• Q2 plans are now available through PRISM, our free and easy online quoting system.
• The Q2-2025 rate action is a statewide average of 1.7%. 

Q2 Renewals

• April, May, and June groups will be available January 14th.
• Renewals can be processed through the Employer Enrollment Tool, with changes updated in real time.

Medical Plan Updates

• Reminder: In Q1-2025, Blue Shield improved deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums on 6 PPO plans. 
• All 3 HMO networks (Access+, Local Access+ and Trio) can be sold alongside each other, effective January 1, 2025.

Dental Plan Updates

• Dental PPO Plans unavailable as of January 1, 2025:
  • Smile℠ Deluxe 50/1500/Ortho/MAC
  • Smile℠ Deluxe Gold 50/1500/Ortho/U85/NR
  • Ultimate Dental Plus PPO for Small Business 50/2000/Ortho/MAC/NR

Bonus Programs and Relaxed Participation Program

• Relaxed Participation Program has been extended through December 31, 2025.
• Small Business Incentive Prorgam is in effect from February 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026.
• Specialty Bundled Savings Program is a perpetual program.

Get the details and access the resources. Contact us today for a Blue Shield of CA quote.

Q2-2025 Plan and Rate Updates

CaliforniaChoice has announced the following Q2-2025 update:

Q2 Rates

• Q2 plans are now available through PRISM, our free and easy online quoting system.

CaliforniaChoice is the only small group (1-100 employees) private exchange for employee benefits in California. Partnering with 7 top health plans, CaliforniaChoice offers a variety of full and limited network HMOs, PPOs, and other benefit options to choose from – all at different price points so you can help your clients control costs and offer their employees choices. Learn more.

Contact us today for a CaliforniaChoice quote.

Beam Perks Progam Update

Beam Benefits is ending its Perks program, built around their smart toothbrush. Declining enrollment (4% of eligible members) and rising costs have made the program unsustainable. Resources will be reallocated to enhance core offerings, including customizable dental plans, innovative tools like Beam Elect and BeamSign, and a comprehensive suite of ancillary benefits for dental, vision, life, and disability products.

Key Dates

• January–March 2025 Effective Dates: Groups will continue receiving Perks invitations as usual.
• April 2025 Onward: Perks will only be available for groups quoted before December 19, 2024.
• May 2025: Program ends; warehouse operations cease.

Members may continue using Perks items already received, but physical products will no longer be available after May 2025. Beam remains committed to delivering exceptional benefits and service, while ensuring long-term value. Learn more.

Contact us today for a Beam Benefits quote.

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As always, we'll keep you informed about healthcare issues and news affecting you and your clients. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you succeed.

Questions?
Contact The Answer Team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.