---
title: Blue Shield of California Announces New Large Group Plan Options and Product Updates for 2026
description: Blue Shield has released a series of updates for its 2026 plan portfolio, introducing new medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, and life insurance offerings.
---

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# [Blue Shield of California Announces New Large Group Plan Options and Product Updates for 2026](https://www.warnerpacific.com/news/blue-shield-of-california-announces-new-large-group-plan-options-and-product-updates-for-2026)

 Written by [Admin](https://www.warnerpacific.com/news/author/admin) | May 29, 2025 7:00:00 AM

Blue Shield of California has released a series of updates for its 2026 plan portfolio, introducing new medical, pharmacy, dental, vision and life insurance offerings. These updates include cost-saving alternatives, enhanced benefit options, and changes in market status across several lines of coverage.

 Here's a summary of what brokers should know:  
  

### **New Medical Plans for 2026**

**BlueHPN EPO Plans (Outside of California) **  
 Blue Shield is introducing four Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans that utilize the BlueHPN network outside of California, offering over 8% in savings compared to traditional BlueCard options. These plans are ideal for California-based employers with a significant out-of-state employee population: 

- Full EPO 25-2500 80% with BlueHPN 
- Full EPO Per Admit 10-250 with BlueHPN 
- Tandem EPO 25-2500 80% with BlueHPN 
- Tandem EPO Per Admit 10-250 with BlueHPN 

[2026 Summary of Benefits](https://www.blueshieldca.com/en/broker/large-groups/medical/summary-of-benefits-2026) for EPO plans 

 

**Expanded Virtual Blue PPO Options **  
 Virtual Blue is an innovative health plan that integrates virtual and in-person care. In 2026, Blue Shield will offer four new Virtual Blue Full PPO plans. Members will have access to Virtual Blue services through the full PPO network: 

- Split Deductible 10-250 90/70 
- Split Deductible 35-1000 80/60 
- Savings Embedded Deductible 3300 (PPO) 
- Savings Embedded Deductible 3300 (EPO) 
- Virtual Blue Full EPO Savings Embedded Deductible 3300 

[2026 Summary of Benefits](https://www.blueshieldca.com/en/broker/large-groups/medical/summary-of-benefits-2026) for Virtual Blue Plans 

**New Anthem Plan Match Options **  
 To expand competitiveness, Blue Shield is launching four additional PPO plans: 

- Full PPO Combined Deductible 20-250 90/70 
- Full PPO Combined Deductible 20-500 80/60 
- Full PPO Combined Deductible 25-750 80/60 
- Full EPO Per Admit 15-100 

**No Network Deductible Plans **  
 Popular no network deductible PPO plans are also expanding: 

- Full PPO No Network Deductible 15 90/60 
- Full PPO No Network Deductible 25 80/60 

[2026 Summary of Benefits](https://www.blueshieldca.com/en/broker/large-groups/medical/summary-of-benefits-2026) for PPO plans 

### **Pharmacy Benefit Updates **

**New Enhanced Rx Rider**  
 A lower-premium Enhanced Rx option is being introduced: 

- Tier 1: $15 copay 
- Tier 2: 20% coinsurance (max $250) 
- Tier 3: 30% coinsurance (max $250) 
- Tier 4: 40% coinsurance (max $250) 

#### **Weight Loss Drug Coverage Update **

Effective January 1, 2026, Blue Shield will exclude weight loss drugs, unless prescribed for Class 3 obesity (BMI ≥ 40), with prior authorization and enrollment in a weight management program. Customization is available at an added premium. 

**New Weight Loss Pharmacy Riders **  
 Optional riders for groups offering broader access (BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with comorbidities): 

- Enhanced+ Rx $10/25/40 with $0, $150, or $250 pharmacy deductible 
- Enhanced+ Rx $10/30/50 with $0, $150, or $250 pharmacy deductible 
- Enhanced+ Rx $15/30/45 with $0, $150, or $250 pharmacy deductible 

### **New Dental, Vision & Life Plan Options **

**Dental **  
 Twelve new plans modeled after Spectrum Premier and Spectrum Premier Plus: 

- $2,500, $3,000, and $5,000 annual maximum options (each with/without orthodontia) 

**Vision **  
 Three new plans and 40 enhanced plans: 

- Vision Deluxe 10/25/150/150 (includes $150 contact lens benefit)
- Vision Deluxe 10/25/130
- Vision Plus Voluntary 15/25/130 
- 40 plans will now include a Contact Lens Fit and Evaluation benefit 

**Market Status Changes (Vision & Life) **

- 5 Vision plans withdrawn due to low membership 
- 22 Vision plans changed to "Not Marketed" 
- 8 Dependent Life plans to be withdrawn in 2027 

Stay up to date on carrier changes by visiting [Warner Pacific’s News page](https://www.warnerpacific.com/education-and-events/news/) or by reaching out to your Warner Pacific Sales Consultant. 

 With a wide range of medical plans, along with dental coverage, vision coverage and life insurance1 – you can be assured that you're offering your clients solid support from Blue Shield.

 You'll find a selection of quality health plans for all your clients, from cost-conscious groups to others looking for richer plans. Large employers (101 and above) can choose from a range of plans and have the flexibility to tailor benefits and financial arrangements to meet specific needs.  

[Get the latest portfolio plan updates and features](https://www.blueshieldca.com/en/broker/large-groups/medical) that will deliver greater value for large groups in 2026 and beyond. 

 Save your clients a bundle when they add dental, vision, and life* 

 With Blue Shield's 2026 [Benefit Solutions bundling program](https://www.blueshieldca.com/content/dam/bsca/en/broker/docs/2025/large-groups/A50199_0325.pdf), your clients can save up to 3% on their medical premiums when they add dental, vision, and life, effective January 1, 2026. 

 *Underwritten by Blue Shield of California Life & Health Insurance Company. 

[View full post](https://www.warnerpacific.com/news/blue-shield-of-california-announces-new-large-group-plan-options-and-product-updates-for-2026)

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