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California health insurance - Group health insurance in California - Blue Shield Group Health Insurance

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Blue Shield of California Group Plans

Quote Blue Shield of California Group Plans here

Blue Shield of California has added to its strong presence in the California group health market over the past few years. Since the ACA law came into effect, Blue Shield has provided significant cost savings in many counties versus the competing carriers such as Anthem Blue Cross or Kaiser.

Now that plan benefits are standardized, cost and network dominates and Blue Shield has aggressively pursued both.

A group of diverse California employees reviewing health insurance plan options together in a modern office settingThe shifting group health market and Blue Shield

We have seen a large number of groups move to Blue Shield of California in the new ACA (Affordable Care Act) landscape. Upon renewal, rates were coming in 20-30% lower than the competing main carriers. In addition to these savings on the premium side, the network of doctors and hospitals were equivalent if not better than other carriers.

Since the core plan benefits are now standardized going forward (Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum plans can vary by 2% up or down), this put Blue Shield in a very envious place.

The best options in Blue Shield Group Health

Blue Shield offers a breadth of plans and networks to meet any company's budget and health care needs. Blue Shield's current strengths in the group market:

  1. They offer PPO's, HMO's, HSA's, HRA's in most counties across California
  2. They offer ability to "fix" monthly budget to a dollar amount or percentage
  3. They offer comprehensive anciliary benefits such as dental, vision, life, POP 125's, chiro, chemical dependency, and more
  4. Blue Card nationwide network to BCBS providers in other States

How to quote Blue Shield of California Group Plans

The best approach for most companies to offer a range of plans to your employees and cap the employer contribution (can include dependents or not).

This has been the dominant cost saving approach for over a decade now.

We just need this information below:

  1. Census data - Employee date of birth or age, zip code, and dependent info
  2. Monthly employer budget - for full company or per employee

Once we have this information, you can expect a customized proposal with the following:

  1. Employee Worksheet reflecting their rates by plan and benefits
  2. Employer Summary level report showing total cost and employer's expected monthly cost (regardless of plan choice)
  3. Company Specific savings such as POP 125's, SHOP tax credits if available
  4. Payroll and HR savings and integration is eligible

This customized proposal is completely free. As Blue Shield of California licensed agents, there is no cost for our services.

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Frequently Asked Questions
▸ Does Blue Shield of California offer group health insurance for small businesses?
Yes, Blue Shield of California is an established carrier in the California small business group health market and offers a range of group plans statewide. You can get a small business quote to compare current Blue Shield group options with other carriers.
▸ Does Blue Shield of California offer PPO plans for group health insurance?
Blue Shield of California generally offers PPO options in the employer/group market, which is one reason it remains a popular choice for California businesses. PPO availability can vary by group size and region, so confirming current plan options with a licensed agent is recommended.
▸ How much does Blue Shield group health insurance cost for a small business in California?
Group health premiums depend on factors like the number of employees, ages, location, and plan tier selected, so there is no single fixed rate. Getting a current quote is the best way to see accurate pricing for your specific business.
▸ Can employees use any doctor with a Blue Shield of California group plan?
Provider access depends on the specific plan type - PPO plans typically offer broader network flexibility, while HMO and EPO plans generally require using in-network providers. Reviewing the plan's network directory before enrolling helps ensure your employees' preferred doctors are covered.
▸ Is there a cost to use an agent to get Blue Shield group health insurance in California?
No - working with a licensed agent at CalHealth.net is at no cost to you or your business; you pay the same premium as going directly to Blue Shield. Licensed agents can compare multiple carriers side by side to help you find the right fit.
The answers above are general information about California health insurance and may change as rates, plans, and rules are updated each year. They are not a substitute for personalized advice. For current, personalized guidance, please contact us, email help@calhealth.net, or call 800-320-6269. Serving California since 1994.
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