Blue Shield Q3 Updates: Virtual Blue in PPO Plans, Competitive Rates & Broker Incentives

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Health Net Is Exiting the California Group Market
Health Net will no longer offer small or large group coverage in CA. In-force groups terminate February 28, 2027. Your Claremont team is ready to help find alternatives. Call 800.696.4543 or email quotes@claremontcompanies.com.

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Blue Shield Q3 Updates: Virtual Blue in PPO Plans, Competitive Rates & Broker Incentives

May 12, 2026, 2 Minute Read

Here’s what brokers need to know about Blue Shield of California heading into Q3 — from a strong rate story to a revamped virtual care benefit and a points-based bonus program worth stacking.

Q3 2026 Rate Action

Average statewide increase: 3.6%
2.7% — HMO
3.8% — PPO
Rates are available now — contact our office for quotes

Virtual Blue — Now Included in Off-Exchange PPO Plans

Starting January 2026, Virtual Blue replaces Teladoc and Nurse Help 24/7 for renewing Small Group off-exchange PPO plans. Virtual Blue is a valuable upgrade for PPO members and includes:

$0 co-pay for virtual primary, specialty, and behavioral health visits (subject to deductible on HDHPs)
Primary Care — same-day appointments, ongoing relationship with a personal physician
Specialty Care — 20 specialties, no referral required, appointments confirmed within 3 days
Behavioral Health — licensed social workers and family therapists; unlimited talk therapy for members ages 3+
24/7 Care Team — doctors, nurses, and health coaches available around the clock
NPS of 89 — among the highest member satisfaction scores in the market
Physicians speak 25+ languages, average 15 years experience

Download the Virtual Blue program flyer.

Broker Bonus: Small Business Incentive Program

Blue Shield’s Producer Rewards program makes it easy to earn — no complicated tiers, no calculations. 1 point = $1, paid quarterly.

Enrollment	Points Earned
New medical member (initial sale)	25 pts
New dental member	10 pts
New vision member	5 pts
New life insurance member	5 pts
All three: dental + vision + life	2x (40 pts total)

Key details:

Eligible for small groups (1–100 employees), with effective dates 2/1/26–1/31/27
Available to independent brokers and active producers within a participating agency
Points paid quarterly, 120 days after group effective date
Applies to off-exchange and mirror plan package sales
In addition to standard commission and Direct Elite Rewards bonuses
Requires an Achievers account to redeem; points must be redeemed within 6 months

Broker Talking Points

Low rate action + strong virtual care benefit = a competitive, value-oriented option for small groups
Virtual Blue is a genuine Teladoc upgrade — broader access, better member experience
Stack the broker bonus across medical, dental, vision, and life to maximize earnings

Contact us today for a Blue Shield quote.

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Questions?
Contact The Answer Team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.