Group Broker Update

The EET’s alphabetical sorting feature is officially here

The Employer Enrollment Tool (EET) now includes alphabetical sorting by last name for member rosters and various reports while still keeping subscribers and dependents grouped together. The feature was included in July’s update and is currently live in the tool.

Haven’t given the EET a try? Take this quick survey to help us improve your enrollment experience.

Lower-cost Rx options now sent to members via push notifications

The Blue Shield app has released a push notification feature directing members to real-time drug prices and lower-cost prescription options. Powered by Gemini Health, the feature is available to all members with the Blue Shield app downloaded and push notifications turned on.

How it works
Members receive a push notification during or shortly after a doctor’s visit. As the doctor enters prescriptions into the system, members receive the notification indicating a new prescription is available. After tapping on the notification and logging in, the member’s pharmacy dashboard appears displaying:

• Generics, brand equivalents, and other prescription alternatives.
• Price comparisons across pharmacies.
• Possible discounts for bulk prescription orders.

If members miss the notification they can still view this information by clicking the banner on their pharmacy benefits page on the mobile app or Blue Shield website.

Reminder: SB 729 extension and holding statement

Last month, the compliance date for SB 729 was extended from July 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026. An updated holding statement is available here. You can find the latest SB 729 FAQs as well as up-to-date information for all mandates on the dedicated Blue Shield Mandates page.

New endorsements now available

We’ve posted the latest endorsement updates on our dedicated Endorsement Updates page. As new updates become available, we will continue to add them there, ensuring you have access to the most current information to support your business.

Your Q4 2025 cycle launch recap

July’s cycle launch alert is available here. Our Q4 2025 rate action is a statewide average of 1.9%. Quarterly rate action and rates including closed rate books can be found on the dedicated Small Business Rates page on Broker Connection.

Avoid automatic remapping by selecting a recommended dental plan

Two DINO plans, listed below, will be withdrawn from our portfolio beginning January 1, 2026. While groups are automatically mapped to recommended dental plans during their 2026 renewal, ease the enrollment process by moving clients to a new plan today.

• Smile ^SM In-Network Only Dental Plan 50/1500/Endo-Perio 80%/Ortho
• Smile ^SM In-Network Only Dental Plan 50/1500/Endo-Perio 80%/No Ortho

Full details are available in this recent broker alert and you can refer to this mapping grid for a list of withdrawn plans and recommended available plans.

Tools for the trusted advisor

Being a subject matter expert for your clients is fundamental to your work and, when the subject is Blue Shield of California, we want to ensure you are always prepared. 

• Doing business with Blue Shield of California: resources for our Small Business brokers.
• Small business plan documents (SOB, SBC, EOC) for medical plans, pharmacy plans, dental plans, and life insurance plans all in one place.

Tools for the trusted advisor

Being a subject matter expert for your clients is fundamental to your work and, when the subject is Blue Shield of California, we want to ensure you are always prepared.  

• Large group plan documents (SOB, SBC, EOC) for medical plans, pharmacy plans, dental plans, and life insurance plans are available in one location.