Blue Shield of California Announces 2026 Medicare Plans That Prioritize Reliable and Affordable Coverage for Seniors

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From digital tools to food and produce allowances for qualifying members, Blue Shield delivers benefits that reflect what Californians need most

OAKLAND, Calif., Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Shield of California is helping Medicare-eligible Californians prepare for 2026 with a suite of plans designed to provide trusted, reliable coverage and added support for those who need it most. With Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) starting October 15 and running through December 7, members and new enrollees can choose from a wide range of health plan options that fit their lifestyle, budget and health goals.

"Medicare can feel overwhelming – especially with all of the choices seniors face," said Alex Uhm, vice president and general manager of Medicare at Blue Shield of California. "At Blue Shield, we are committed to simplifying the process and guiding our members with tools, support and benefits that help them make confident decisions about their care."

Blue Shield's 2026 Medicare offerings underscore the company's commitment to affordability and long-term value. Members can continue to access a wide network of providers and choose from plans that allow them to see any doctor who accepts Medicare. Blue Shield's Medicare Supplement plan also remains the #1 Medicare Supplemental plan in California.

Personalized Pharmacy Experience
For members navigating rising costs of drugs, Blue Shield's enhanced digital pharmacy experience helps put them in control. Key features include:

• Price Check My Rx: A tool that lets members compare prices and explore lower-cost drug alternatives.
• Real-time mobile push notifications: Members can opt-in to receive alerts about lower-priced prescription drug options at the time their drugs are prescribed, empowering them to make informed decisions before visiting the pharmacy.
• Updated pharmacy locator: Includes helpful filters to narrow searches like "open 24 hours", "7-day availability", and "drive through access".
• Amazon Pharmacy, our home delivery provider: Convenient prescription home delivery service with free 5-day shipping (2-day shipping for Amazon Prime members). Members taking multiple medications daily also have the option to use PillPack from Amazon Pharmacy, a no-cost service which pre-sorts the medications into daily packets.

Expanding Access for Members with Complex Needs
Blue Shield continues to expand the Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (HMO D-SNP) in Los Angeles and San Diego, providing wrap-around care for members eligible for both Medicare and Medi-Cal. The plan offers:

• Food and produce allowance through the Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically III (SSBCI) benefit (member eligibility required) via a flexible benefits card.
• Hearing aid allowance via a flexible benefits card.
• Comprehensive care coordination and chronic condition management.

2026 Highlights
Blue Shield offers a range of Medicare Advantage plans with benefits designed to support whole-person care, flexibility, and convenience for members:

Core and Continuing Benefits (Benefits vary by county and plan.)

• $0 or low monthly premiums on many plans
• Dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
• Fitness program, NurseHelp 24/7, and Teladoc Health
• Access to a broad network of trusted doctors and hospitals across California

Specialized Plans

• Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (HMO D-SNP) for those with both Medicare and Medi-Cal, offering personalized care coordination, enhanced supplemental benefits and wraparound services

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) | Blue Shield Medicare
In response to federal updates for 2025, Blue Shield is helping members take advantage of benefits available through the Inflation Reduction Act.

• A $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap for Medicare Part D prescription drugs.
• The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan allowing members to spread Part D prescription cost-sharing into monthly payments.

"At Blue Shield of California, we're proud to serve Medicare members with compassion and care," Uhm said. "We remain committed to the people and communities we serve by offering trusted guidance, innovative support and affordable health plan options that help members live healthier, more fulfilling lives."

For more information about Blue Shield's plans for Medicare beneficiaries, please visit blueshieldcamedicare.com. 

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 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 news.blueshieldca.com.

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SOURCE Blue Shield of California