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Blue Shield of California Awarded Top Honor for Disability Inclusion

In a significant recognition of its efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive environment, Blue Shield of California has been named the Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion in the 2025 Disability Index. This prestigious accolade is indicative of the healthcare organization’s enduring commitment to enhance the workplace for individuals with disabilities.

The announcement, made during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, emphasizes the importance of creating job opportunities and supportive environments for people with disabilities. Hope Scott, the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Blue Shield, stated, “It is fitting that during this awareness month, we take stock of our commitment to fostering a culture of belonging here at Blue Shield of California.”

The Disability Index serves as a robust evaluation tool to assess corporate inclusion policies and practices geared towards individuals with disabilities. It examines six key areas: workplace culture and leadership, accessibility across all company levels, employment practices, community engagement, supplier inclusion, and responsible procurement. Blue Shield of California’s exemplary performance across these metrics has garnered recognition as the leading organization in disability inclusion.

Blue Shield's journey towards becoming a welcoming workplace began with the establishment of the Disability Inclusion Alliance employee resource group in 2018. This initiative, combined with its investment in youth mental health through BlueSky, showcases the organization’s proactive approach to fostering an inclusive workplace that prioritizes well-being and accessibility for all.

Mike Stuart, President and CEO of Blue Shield of California, expressed gratitude for this honor, proclaiming, “We are honored to be recognized for the strides we’ve made to enhance accessibility at Blue Shield. As we work to build a healthcare system worthy of our families and friends, it is equally important to create a workplace that reflects those same values—one that empowers the talented employees who drive our mission every single day.” He underscored that accessibility and disability inclusion are not just workplace priorities but fundamental to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and can thrive.

Blue Shield of California, a nonprofit organization, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1939 in San Francisco. Now headquartered in Oakland, it serves over 6 million members with a range of health services, including dental, vision, and government programs like Medicaid and Medicare. The organization has also contributed significantly to the community, donating over $60 million to the Blue Shield of California Foundation over the past three years to make a positive impact in various Californian communities.

As a member of the Blue Shield Association, Blue Shield of California stands as a model for others in the industry by integrating inclusivity within its workplace culture. This recognition from the Disability Index highlights its ongoing dedication to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to succeed and contribute within the organization and beyond.

For those interested in learning more about the inclusive culture at Blue Shield of California, visit their careers page at careers.blueshieldca.com. This commitment to fostering respect and integrity can serve as an example for other organizations aiming to enhance their own policies and environments.

Overall, Blue Shield of California's recognition is not just a victory for the organization itself, but a beacon of hope and progress for the broader community of individuals with disabilities, advocating for their rightful inclusion in all aspects of society.