Blue Shield of California Recognized Among the Best for Disability Inclusion in 2026

Blue Shield of California: A Leader in Disability Inclusion

In a commendable achievement, Blue Shield of California has once again been recognized as one of the world's leading companies for the inclusion of people with disabilities, as highlighted in the 2026 Disability Index. This nonprofit health insurer has earned the highest score, emphasizing its dedication to fostering inclusivity and creating a culture where every employee feels a sense of belonging.

During the observance of Disability Pride Month, this accolade underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to enhancing accessibility within the workplace and beyond. Frank Caporusso, Senior Vice President of Quality and Affordability Operations at Blue Shield, states, “As an executive advisor to the Disability Inclusion Alliance, I see firsthand how employees across our family of companies are advancing this mission by improving accessibility, sharing lived experiences, and creating environments where people feel acknowledged, supported, and valued.”

The Disability Index serves as an independent benchmarking tool that assesses corporate inclusion efforts for people with disabilities. Companies are evaluated on nine critical areas: culture, leadership, accessibility, benefits, hiring practices, professional development, supply chain, accommodations, and marketing communications. Blue Shield's recognition reflects its ongoing efforts to embed accessibility and inclusion into every layer of its organization.

Ellen Sexton, Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer, and Chair of the Leadership Council on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Blue Shield, emphasized, “The inclusion of people with disabilities is vital to our mission of creating a healthcare system worthy of our family and friends. Our goal is to foster a work environment where employees can do meaningful work, grow professionally, and unleash their full potential. By reducing barriers and designing with accessibility in mind, we strengthen our culture and enhance the experiences of our employees, partners, and the communities we serve.”

Blue Shield of California aims to create a healthcare system that is not only economically feasible but also reflects the values of its community. An independent nonprofit entity and a member of the Blue Shield Association, the company serves nearly six million members and generates over $28 billion in annual revenue. Originally founded in 1939 in San Francisco, Blue Shield is now based in Oakland and provides various health plans encompassing medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with Medicaid and Medicare services within California.

In the past three years, the company has contributed over $60 million to the Blue Shield of California Foundation, focusing on generating a positive impact throughout Californian communities.

The Disability Index is a pivotal tool for promoting disability inclusion in workplaces across the globe. It is trusted by more than 70% of Fortune 100 companies and almost half of those in the Fortune 500. This index helps businesses identify areas of improvement driven by actionable, data-based results. Conducted by DisabilityIN, participation is open to companies operating worldwide, encouraging the advancement of accessibility initiatives.

For more information about Blue Shield of California's commitment to fostering a culture of belonging and care, visit careers.blueshieldca.com. To delve deeper into the Disability Index and its implications for the corporate world, check out DisabilityIN.org.

In wrapping up, Blue Shield of California not only stands as a beacon of hope for those with disabilities but also sets a benchmark for other organizations to aspire to in the quest for meaningful inclusivity. As they continue their mission, the conversations around disability inclusion only gain momentum, inspiring a wider acceptance of differences in every community.