Blue Shield of California is glad to serve you and those who depend on you for healthcare coverage. We want to make sure that you feel supported in your transition to Blue Shield and we are here to answer questions and provide resources about your new plan. The overview below shows you how to get access to your new Blue Shield pharmacy benefits.
If you are currently taking prescription drugs, we recommend that you have enough ordered before your new plan starts.
Steps to getting started
1. Check the Blue Shield formulary
It’s important to check this list since our list of covered drugs may differ from your former health plans list. Go to Pharmacy page and select the tile that corresponds to your plan type in the Drug formularies section.
You can search for a drug(s) using a downloadable PDF, or an interactive formulary drug search. Also note, you can refer to specific drug lists related to specialty, preventative and contraceptive drugs and vaccines.
2. Fill your prescription
You have the choice of filling your prescriptions at a network retail pharmacy or through our network mail service pharmacy.
Using a network retail pharmacy
If you choose to fill your prescription at a pharmacy, you can obtain a 30-day supply for the cost of one copayment at a network (retail) pharmacy. To fill (or refill) your prescription, just present your prescription (or refill) at a network pharmacy, present your Blue Shield ID card, and pay your share of the cost. For a detailed description of pharmacy benefits and limitations, see your Evidence of Coverage or review the Pharmacy network FAQs.
Using our network mail service pharmacy
If you take stabilized doses of covered long-term maintenance medications for conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, you can order a mail service refill of up to a 90-day supply through CVS Caremark. You may also save money on your copayment, and there is no charge for shipping.
Learn more about mail service pharmacy and get your medications through the mail.
How to get more information
Log into your member portal
When you get your Blue Shield member ID card, you can register on the Blue Shield member portal. Upon creation of a username and password, you can access the following pharmacy resources:
- Claims history
- Drug pricing
- Pharmacy locator
- Drug information
- Drug interaction
Call us
If you have any questions about your Blue Shield outpatient prescription drug benefit, call the number on the back of your member ID card.