Standing with our members: Our commitment to your health during COVID-19

Monday’s shelter-in-place order by Bay Area counties drives home just how important our actions are during this unique time. Every move we make—as a company and a community—can make a difference. 

We are supporting our members and employees, friends and families to slow the spread of COVID-19. 

Thanks to our dedicated and hard-working employees, this pandemic will not affect our ability to serve our members. Our focus on transforming and modernizing our operations in recent years led us to implement new processes and technologies, which enabled Blue Shield to adapt and respond quickly to the realities of the coronavirus pandemic. 

We’re waiving all cost-sharing and any prior approval requirements for COVID-19 testing when prescribed by a physician for all members enrolled in Blue Shield’s fully insured commercial and Medi-Cal plans. We’re also closely monitoring the impact on the prescription drug supply and are prepared to take immediate action to ensure members have continued access to their medications. In addition, we will waive out-of-pocket costs for most members to use Teladoc Health’s virtual care service over their smartphones or computers, reducing the risk of infection and spread of disease. We published information from our health leaders on how to avoid the virus and keep your family and loved ones safe.

Finally, to ensure the health and safety of our employees and their families and to avoid any disruption of our operations, we instituted a company-wide work-from-home policy during this time. We’ve also eliminated travel and face-to-face sales meetings. The safety and wellbeing of our employees and members is a priority and all of our decisions are guided by that. 

I applaud the efforts made our national, state and regional leaders to help slow the spread of this virus. I am grateful for the dedication of our people and honored by the trust our members place in us to help them navigate this health care crisis. And I’m proud to say our four million members can count on us to be there for them no matter what.