California handed over the control of the state’s vaccine rollout to insurer Blue Shield in March. There was a lot of criticism over the $15 million reimbursements deal. Blue Shield CEO Paul Markovich gave details about the status of the company’s vaccine involvement to the media.
- California speeds up vaccination: According to Mr. Markovich, Blue Shield assisted in the distribution of the vaccine when the federal government could not. He said 58 percent of residents of California now have at least one vaccine dose. California currently ranks 10th among the 50 states for vaccinations. Vaccinations in targeted equity communities increased from 15 to 25 percent, but have since fallen to 20 to 21 percent.
- Optimized access for vaccines: “Our goal is to save lives by helping to provide all Californians equitable access to the vaccines, especially in those communities hardest hit by the pandemic,” said Markovich. “We are working diligently with local, county, and state officials, healthcare providers, and other important stakeholders to build a high-performing network that’s only constrained by the supply we receive. Together, we can defeat this pandemic, reopen our economy and more quickly return to normalcy.”
- Microtargeting communities: The state’s enhanced provider network now includes more than 1,200 vaccination sites across California represented by nearly 90 healthcare providers. Regarding the overall decrease in the state’s demand for the vaccine, while supply is still high, Mr. Markovich said Blue shield is “microtargeting” communities where doses can be used through the use of alternative digital strategies.
- Enhanced potential of timely delivery of vaccines: “We are pleased with the tremendous progress Blue Shield has made in building capacity to deliver vaccinations to Californians quickly, safely and equitably,” said California Government Operations Agency Secretary Yolanda Richardson. “Due to the good work of the Blue Shield and state teams, as well as local public health leaders across the state, I believe California will be ready to administer the increasing supplies of COVID-19 vaccine we expect to receive from the federal government in the weeks ahead.”
- Expeditious performance: Blue Shield continues to work expeditiously to have as many eligible providers participate in the enhanced network including FQHCs, community clinics, multi-county entities, hospital systems, medical groups, pharmacies, and others. Together, the goal is to build a network that reaches every corner of the Golden State, especially those communities that have been disproportionately affected by this pandemic.
