#United States #California #Blue Shield #Health Care #Hoag

Blue Shield of California and Hoag Hospitals Expand Healthcare Access

On July 15, 2025, a new agreement was announced between Blue Shield of California and Hoag, ensuring that members of Blue Shield's nonprofit health plan—specifically its Commercial HMO and PPO plans as well as Medicare PPO members—maintain their in-network access to an extensive range of healthcare services offered by Hoag providers. This renewed partnership underscores both organizations' commitment to enhancing clinical quality and member experience while prioritizing affordability of healthcare.

The agreement encompasses Hoag's well-regarded hospitals and facilities located throughout Orange County, including the renowned Hoag Hospital Newport Beach, Hoag Hospital Irvine, and the Hoag Orthopedic Institute. Notably, this access also extends to Hoag Clinic, which supports a large network of healthcare professionals under the Hoag Medical Group and Hoag Physician Partners.

Mike Stuart, the interim president and CEO of Blue Shield of California, emphasized the organization's dedication to creating a healthcare system that offers high-quality care at a price that all Californians can afford. "Our long-standing partnership with Hoag is crucial to achieving this goal in Orange County," said Stuart. "This agreement represents our mutual commitments to our members and demonstrates the power of collaboration in reaching shared objectives."

Hoag’s president and chief executive officer, Robert T. Braithwaite, echoed this sentiment, stating, "Hoag places the highest priority on delivering quality care and ensuring our patients can access the services and physicians they trust. This agreement reflects our joint mission with Blue Shield to maintain local access to exemplary healthcare."

About Hoag Health

Hoag is recognized as a leading nonprofit regional healthcare provider based in Southern California’s Orange County. The system is comprised of over 1,800 skilled physicians, along with 18 urgent care facilities, 13 health and wellness centers, and two distinguished hospitals. Hoag is particularly known for its comprehensive healthcare offerings that extend across seven specialized service institutes—focusing on areas like cancer treatment, digestive health, cardiovascular care, neurosciences, and orthopedics. Their orthopedic services are notably delivered through the Hoag Orthopedic Institute, which includes an orthopedic hospital as well as five outpatient surgical centers. According to U.S. News & World Report, Hoag ranks as the top hospital in Orange County and is among the top 10 hospitals in California. Additionally, Hoag has achieved the Magnet® with Distinction designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, further highlighting its commitment to nursing excellence. For further details, visit hoag.org.

About Blue Shield of California

Founded in 1939 in San Francisco, Blue Shield of California is a nonprofit health plan headquartered in Oakland, California. With a membership base of over 6 million individuals, the organization has more than 7,500 employees and reports an annual revenue exceeding $27 billion. Blue Shield's mission is to construct a healthcare system that is sustainably affordable and worthy of its members. Over the last three years, the organization has invested more than $60 million into the Blue Shield of California Foundation to improve the welfare of California's communities. For more updates and news regarding Blue Shield, check out news.blueshieldca.com.