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

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PRISM - Health Net is Now Available Through Claremont!

Why Choose Health Net?
✔ Lowest rates in the market – Affordable options without compromising quality.
✔ Robust PPO network – Competes with major carriers like Anthem and Blue Shield.
✔ Flexible HMO options – Networks to fit nearly every group statewide and every budget.
✔ Simplified underwriting – Only 25% participation required for groups with 5+ enrolling. No DE9C or prior carrier bill needed.
✔ Easy-to-sell benefits – $0 deductible HMO plans + four years of rate stability.
✔ Nationwide coverage – Cigna network access for out-of-state employees + state plurality rules for group qualification.

Start Including Health Net in Your Quotes Today!
Need guidance on networks, plan designs, or have questions? We’re here to help!

Call us at 800.696.4543 | Email us at info@claremontcompanies.com.

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. It’s a meaningful upgrade worth highlighting at renewal.

$0 co-insurance 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 hig class=”whitespace-normal break-words pl-2″>Physicians speak 25+ languages, with an average of 15 years of experience

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), 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 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.

Get a Quote

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