Latest news with #MikeStuart
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Blue Shield of California Members Have Network Access to Hoag Hospitals and Providers
Nonprofit health plan and Hoag continue their long-standing network relationship with a new agreement focusing on clinical quality, member experience and affordability OAKLAND, Calif., July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Shield of California and Hoag have reached a new agreement that ensures the nonprofit health plan's Commercial HMO and PPO and Medicare PPO members continue to have in-network access to care from Hoag providers, services and facilities. The renewed collaboration includes the health system's hospitals and facilities across Orange County, including Hoag Hospital Newport Beach, Hoag Hospital Irvine and Hoag Orthopedic Institute. The agreement also includes Hoag Clinic, which supports Hoag Medical Group and Hoag Physician Partners. Hoag continues to be committed to Blue Shield of California's program to support clinical quality and member experience. "Blue Shield of California has an unwavering commitment to creating a healthcare system that provides access to high-quality care at an affordable price for all Californians. Our strong and long-standing partnership with Hoag is an important part of achieving that in Orange County. This agreement is a testament to how mutual commitments to members can be realized, when partners work together toward a shared goal," said Mike Stuart, Blue Shield of California's interim president and CEO. "Hoag's priority is delivering the highest-quality care and ensuring patients have access to the physicians, services and facilities they know and trust. We appreciate the collaboration with Blue Shield in reaching an agreement that supports that mission and maintains uninterrupted access for Hoag patients. This outcome reflects the value of Hoag and Blue Shield's shared goal of preserving local access to world-class care," said Robert T. Braithwaite, Hoag president and chief executive officer. About Hoag HealthHoag is a nonprofit, regional healthcare delivery system in Orange County, California. Delivering world-class, comprehensive, personalized care, Hoag consists of 1,800 top physicians, 18 urgent care facilities, 13 health & wellness centers, and two award-winning hospitals. Hoag offers a comprehensive blend of health care services that includes seven institutes providing specialized services in the following areas: cancer, digestive health, heart and vascular, neurosciences, spine, women's health, and orthopedics through Hoag's affiliate, Hoag Orthopedic Institute, which consists of an orthopedic hospital and five ambulatory surgical centers. Hoag is the highest ranked hospital in Orange County by U.S. News & World Report and the only OC hospital ranked in the Top 10 in California, as well as a designated Magnet® with Distinction hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). For more information, visit About Blue Shield of CaliforniaBlue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. The health plan is a taxpaying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with 6 million members, over 7,500 employees and more than $27 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $60 million to the Blue Shield of California Foundation in the last three years to have an impact on California communities. For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit Or follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook. CONTACT: Mark SeeligBlue Shield of California 510-607-2359media@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Blue Shield of California Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Blue Shield of California Recognized as a 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Company to Work For
OAKLAND, Calif., July 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. News & World Report (U.S. News) has named Blue Shield of California to its 2025 list of Best Companies to Work For in both the Private Company, and Health Care and Research categories. "At Blue Shield, we aim to be a great place to do meaningful work. The high ratings we received for work-life balance, comfort and belongingness are encouraging confirmation of progress," said Haley Mixon, executive vice president and chief human resources officer, Blue Shield of California. "We will continue to listen and learn from our employees so that we can provide a workplace that best serves our talented workforce." U.S. News is a trusted resource on employee well-being and releases an annual list of public and private companies that are setting workplace standards. Companies are evaluated on several metrics including quality of pay and benefits, work-life balance and flexibility, physical and psychological comfort, career opportunities and professional development. To be considered private, companies must be non-publicly traded with more than 5,000 employees, more than $500 million in annual revenue, and have at least 75 U.S.-based Glassdoor reviews between 2021 and 2024. "This recognition reflects the dedicated employees at Blue Shield who uphold our mission every day," said Mike Stuart, interim president and CEO, Blue Shield of California. "Together we are committed to creating a healthcare system that is worthy of our family and friends and sustainably affordable. I am proud to serve alongside them as we pursue meaningful work that betters our community and California." About Blue Shield of CaliforniaBlue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. The health plan is a taxpaying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with 6 million members, over 7,500 employees and more than $27 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $60 million to the Blue Shield of California Foundation in the last three years to have an impact on California communities. For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit Or follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook. CONTACT: Mark SeeligBlue Shield of California510-607-2359media@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Blue Shield of California
San Francisco Chronicle
27-06-2025
- Health
- San Francisco Chronicle
‘Reckless' Blue Shield move threatens UC Health access, says S.F. City Attorney
San Francisco officials are urging Blue Shield of California to resolve its contract dispute with UC Health, warning that the breakdown threatens access to critical care for thousands of San Francisco city workers and retirees. In a letter sent Thursday to Blue Shield's interim CEO Mike Stuart, City Attorney David Chiu and Supervisor Matt Dorsey urged the insurer to finalize an agreement with UC Health, which includes UCSF Medical Center and its affiliates. Negotiations between the two health care giants have stalled over reimbursement rates, with Blue Shield warning that UC Health plans to terminate the contract on July 10 unless a new deal is reached. The impasse could affect tens of thousands of Californians insured through employer plans, Covered California, CalPERS and Medicare. They cited potential disruptions for roughly 5,000 San Francisco Health Service System members — city employees and retirees — who rely on UCSF providers for essential services, including cancer treatments and specialty care. 'Blue Shield's termination of its relationship with UC Health in the middle of a coverage period is unacceptable,' the letter stated. 'Blue Shield's improvident and reckless position upends the expectations of the members who chose Blue Shield coverage and the City agencies that approved the Blue Shield rates last year.' Dorsey added, 'Here's the bottom line: a large segment of our workforce relied on access to UCSF Health's physicians and services when they chose Blue Shield during open enrollment. For Blue Shield to now materially eliminate these healthcare options — in the middle of a plan year — is, in my view, unfair and potentially a breach of contract.' 'UC Health continues to do our part to negotiate with Blue Shield in hopes of reaching a new, fair agreement to preserve in-network access to UC Health locations without interruptions for Blue Shield of California members,' the UC Office of the President said in a statement this month. The City Attorney's Office is now evaluating legal avenues, signaling that legal action is possible if Blue Shield fails to preserve in-network access to UC Health. 'There is no more time to waste,' the letter emphasized. 'Blue Shield needs to prioritize patient care.'
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Blue Shield of California Announces Actions to Simplify Prior Authorization Process
Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies aim to improve the prior authorization process to make health care safer, effective and more accessible OAKLAND, Calif., June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its mission to help members access quality, affordable health care, Blue Shield of California announced today a series of improvements to the prior authorization process. Alongside other national insurance providers, Blue Shield and other Blue Cross Blue Shield companies announced six commitments that will make the process faster, more seamless and more streamlined. "Our members deserve safe, evidence-based, high-value care without delays. That's why we're committed to these prior authorization reforms to make the process faster, simpler and less burdensome," said Mike Stuart, interim president and CEO, Blue Shield of California. "Blue Shield of California has been actively advancing in this direction through our Prior Authorization Reimagined initiative, which was introduced last year, and we are proud to be part of a broader movement." As part of today's announcement, Blue Shield is committing to: Standardizing provider submissions for electronic prior authorization, giving doctors more time for patients by lessening administrative burden. Further reducing the use of prior authorization for certain in-network medical services by 2026. Ensuring a seamless process for members who switch health insurance companies by honoring their previous health insurance company's prior authorization approvals for benefit-equivalent in-network services as part of a 90-day transition period, by 2026. Making the process more transparent by ensuring our communications to members about prior authorization are clear and contain personalized information, including what is needed to support approval, next steps and available appeal processes. Fast-tracking responses for electronic prior authorization requests by committing to answering at least 80% of requests in near real-time in 2027. Affirming that licensed physicians personally lead reviews of unapproved prior authorization requests. "Improving the prior authorization process will help us create an efficient, affordable and sustainable healthcare system for everyone," said Stuart. "There's real power in the Blues working together to move the industry forward, and these joint commitments reflect our shared determination to put members first while driving more affordable care." About Blue Shield of California Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. The health plan is a tax paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with 6 million members, over 7,500 employees and more than $25 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $60 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation in the last three years to have an impact on California communities. For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit Or follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook. About the Blue Cross Blue Shield AssociationThe Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 33 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit About AHIPAHIP is the national trade association representing the health insurance industry. AHIP's members provide health care coverage, services and solutions to more than 200 million Americans. We are committed to market-based solutions and public-private partnerships that make high-quality coverage and care more affordable, accessible and equitable for everyone. For more information, visit CONTACT: Mark SeeligBlue Shield of California 510-607-2359 media@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Blue Shield of California Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Civic 50 Award Honors Blue Shield of California as One of the Most Community-Minded Companies in the Nation
Nonprofit health plan recognized for its commitment to "Stand for What's Right" for third consecutive year. OAKLAND, Calif., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Shield of California has been named a 2025 honoree of The Civic 50 by Points of Light, the world's largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteering. For more than a decade, The Civic 50 award has served as the national standard for corporate citizenship and showcases how leading companies are moving social impact and community to the core of their business. "Living our mission and building a healthier California requires us to be present in our communities and show up as a positive force," said Mike Stuart, interim president and CEO, Blue Shield of California. "This recognition is a testament to the passion and commitment of our employees and how we come together to make a positive difference for our members, communities and planet. We are very proud to be recognized again by The Civic 50 for our strong culture of philanthropy and our dedication to living out our mission." The Civic 50 honorees are top community-minded companies in the United States with annual revenues of at least $1 billion. Honorees are selected through an annual survey that evaluates the scale, sophistication and impact of their employee volunteering, community engagement and corporate philanthropy work. Blue Shield is one of California's largest health plans with more than 7,500 employees, serving 6 million members. Blue Shield is a nonprofit health plan that voluntarily caps its income at 2% of revenue, returning the difference back to customers and California communities. "In an ever-evolving landscape, companies are looking to ensure that they can meet the needs of their communities, customers and stakeholders," said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, Points of Light. "Companies like Blue Shield of California are leading the way in showing how social impact benefits their employees' well-being, strengthens the communities where they do business, and brings value and meaning to their work. Their efforts provide a model for others looking to bring the benefits of volunteering and social impact to their workforce and they're extremely deserving of this recognition." An honoree in 2021, 2023 and 2024, Blue Shield was recognized this year for a variety of programs including: Record-breaking employee volunteerism and givingNearly every employee (99%) gave back in 2024, volunteering more than 68,000 hours and donating over $1.6 million (including company match) to more than 2,600 nonprofit organizations. The company facilitated more than 375 volunteer events, ranging from home repairs and tree plantings, to fundraising for therapy animal programs and diabetes prevention. Investing in communitiesIn 2024, the health plan contributed $20 million to its Blue Shield of California Foundation, which supported 99 grants to organizations that are working to make California the healthiest state and end domestic violence. In addition, Blue Shield invested $7.2 million in California nonprofits that are advancing mental health, environmental sustainability and the future healthcare workforce. Expanding access to youth mental health supportBlueSky, Blue Shield's youth mental health initiative, celebrated its 5-year anniversary last year. The initiative invests in best-in-class nonprofit organizations and programs that promote emotional well-being for young people across California. To date, BlueSky has supported over 20,000 youth and educators through therapy, training and youth advocacy programs. Driving environmental actionBlue Shield is leading the health plan industry in addressing the intersection of climate and health. Committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), Blue Shield has also expanded efforts to address emissions across its supply chain. At the same time, Blue Shield continued to invest in nonprofit groups focused on environmental justice, while empowering employees and members to take part in sustainability efforts. In 2024, 71% of eligible members chose paperless communications, saving the equivalent of over 20,000 trees annually. The Civic 50 survey is administered by True Impact, and the results are analyzed by VeraWorks. The survey instrument consists of quantitative and multiple-choice questions that inform the scoring process. The Civic 50 is the only survey and ranking system that exclusively measures corporate community engagement. For more on The Civic 50, visit Read more about Blue Shield of California's citizenship efforts at or visit the "Standing for What's Right" section of our 2024 Mission Report. About Blue Shield of CaliforniaBlue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. The health plan is a tax paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with nearly 6 million members, over 7,500 employees and more than $25 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $60 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation in the last three years to have an impact on California communities. For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit Or follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook. About Points of LightPoints of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to take action that creates a positive impact through volunteering and civic engagement. Through partnerships with nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs for healthier and more resilient communities. As the world's largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 32 countries. For more information, visit CONTACT: Mark SeeligBlue Shield of California 510-607-2359 media@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Blue Shield of California Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
