Sutter Health and Blue Shield Sign New 3-Year Agreement

Posted: February 15, 2017

By Wendy Barnett

Early in January, Blue Shield of California announced that they signed a new 3-year agreement with Sutter Health effective January 1, 2017. This is great news as it allows Sutter Health Hospitals and doctors to remain a part of Blue Shield’s network across the state.

What this Means for Members

Blue Shield of California members can now rest assured that their Sutter Health doctors and hospitals will still be considered “in-network” providers through 2019. Using in-network providers helps consumers save money. Even with a PPO plan where you can go out-of-network when desired, if you choose to stay in-network, you will have lower costs (think less co-insurance, lower deductibles, and lower out of pocket maximums).

What about Covered California Members?

Blue Shield Covered California plans will also continue to have Sutter Health as a part of their network. In certain areas, Blue Shield is sometimes the only insurance company that offers a PPO plan through Covered CA. Many Covered CA members desire the flexibility of having a PPO plan. Now that Blue Shield has renewed its contract with Sutter Health for 3 years, Covered CA members who want a PPO plan will have more options and a larger network to choose their providers from when they choose Blue Shield.

Get a free health insurance quote for a Blue Shield Covered CA plan, and enroll now with a qualifying life event.