Blue Shield of California Expands Medicare Offerings for 2027 with New Plans, Enhanced Benefits, and Digital Tools

The nonprofit health plan provides a wide range of options designed to fit Medicare-eligible Californians' lifestyle, budget, and health goals

OAKLAND, Calif., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Shield of California today announced its 2027 Medicare plans, offering eligible Californians coverage options designed to support healthy aging. With the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare running from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2026, Medicare-eligible individuals can choose from plans that provide a choice of provider networks, valuable benefits, and easy-to-use digital tools.

"We're committed to helping Californians navigate Medicare with confidence through personalized support," said Alex Uhm, vice president and general manager of Medicare at Blue Shield of California. "Whether someone is new to Medicare or has been with Blue Shield for years, we're focused on creating a simpler, more connected healthcare experience centered on what matters most to them."

Blue Shield's 2027 expanded Medicare portfolio reflects its commitment to affordability and options that fit member needs at every stage of life. Offerings include Medicare Advantage plans, a Dual-Eligible Special Needs plan for those who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal, Medicare Supplement plans, and stand-alone prescription drug plans. All of these are built with enhanced member benefits to support overall wellness.

At the center of the portfolio is a tailored and exclusive network of providers, bringing new options to Medicare Advantage plans to fit members' different needs. For members seeking provider flexibility, Blue Shield's Medicare Supplement plans offer access to any doctor who accepts Medicare nationwide.

Coverage options for a range of needs and budgets

Blue Shield knows that choice, access, and flexibility matters — especially for those managing ongoing health needs — and our Medicare Advantage plans are designed this way, including:

• Medicare Advantage plans with personalized assistance finding providers, scheduling appointments, and completing follow-up care, such as labs or referrals
• Low out-of-pocket costs and a range of supplemental benefits beyond original Medicare coverage
• Broad availability across California.
• Options for every budget, including $0 premium plans

Comprehensive benefits and personalized support

Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans include benefits and care management that support health outcomes, independence, and everyday well-being. Highlights include: *

• Vision allowance for eyeglasses
• Over-the-counter items allowance for eligible health products, such as vitamins, cold medicines, and first-aid supplies
• Hearing aid allowance
• Chronic condition management programs
• Post-hospitalization support
• Transportation to medical appointments and pharmacies
• SilverSneakers® fitness membership
• Preventive care services

Enhanced digital pharmacy experience

Blue Shield continues to simplify how Medicare members manage prescriptions and access care through a simpler, more transparent digital experience, including:

• Price Check My Rx and real-time mobile notifications: Within the Blue Shield member app and portal, members can compare prescription drug costs, identify lower-cost alternatives, and opt-in to receive alerts when more affordable options are available at the time a medication is prescribed, empowering them to make informed decisions before visiting the pharmacy.
• Digital pharmacy locator: Search tools help members find pharmacies using filters such as "open 24 hours," "7-day availability," and "drive-through access."
• Amazon Pharmacy home delivery: Members can receive up to a 100-day supply of eligible medications delivered to their homes, with free 5-day shipping, and 2-day shipping for Amazon Prime members.

"Our goal is to deliver the affordability, access, and high-quality care older adults need while continuing to evolve alongside their healthcare needs," said Gary Culp, senior vice president of Government Markets at Blue Shield of California. "We remain committed to helping Medicare members navigate their choices with confidence and providing coverage they can rely on for the long term."

Blue Shield's 2027 Medicare plans are designed to help Californians access quality, affordable care while staying connected to the providers and communities they trust. For more information about Blue Shield's Medicare plans and Annual Enrollment Period resources, visit blueshieldcamedicare.com. 

* All benefits listed may not be offered in all our Medicare Advantage plans. Check the evidence of coverage for plan details.

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 nearly 6 million members, 6,800 employees, and more than $28 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. Or follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook. 

SOURCE Blue Shield of California