Oakland, Calif. – October 01, 2026 -- Blue Shield of California has unveiled its 2027 Medicare plan lineup, giving eligible residents new coverage choices ahead of the Annual Enrollment Period running Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2026.
Plan options span Medicare Advantage to prescription-only coverage
The nonprofit insurer's portfolio includes 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. Members seeking flexibility can opt for Medicare Supplement plans, which allow access to any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare.
Budget-friendly options include $0 premium plans
Blue Shield says its Medicare Advantage plans are built around choice, access, and flexibility, with options for every budget, including $0 premium plans, low out-of-pocket costs, and broad availability across California. Members also get personalized assistance finding providers, scheduling appointments, and completing follow-up care such as labs or referrals.
Benefits extend beyond original Medicare coverage
Plan highlights include a vision allowance for eyeglasses, an over-the-counter allowance for items like vitamins and first-aid supplies, a hearing aid allowance, chronic condition management programs, post-hospitalization support, transportation to medical appointments and pharmacies, a SilverSneakers fitness membership, and preventive care services. Not all benefits are offered in every plan.
New digital tools let members compare drug prices in real time
Through the Blue Shield member app and portal, a feature called Price Check My Rx lets members compare prescription drug costs, find lower-cost alternatives, and opt in for mobile alerts when cheaper options become available at the time a medication is prescribed. A digital pharmacy locator allows searches filtered by criteria such as 24-hour availability, 7-day access, or drive-through service. Members can also receive up to a 100-day supply of eligible medications through Amazon Pharmacy home delivery, with free 5-day shipping or 2-day shipping for Amazon Prime members.
"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.
Gary Culp, senior vice president of Government Markets at Blue Shield of California, said the company's goal is to deliver affordability, access, and high-quality care for older adults as their healthcare needs evolve.