You can save $$$ with Out-Of-State Employees by moving them to Tandem network and offering almost the same benefits!!

Move the OOS employees to the Tandem network and save 7-10% in premium for those employees while keeping the California employees on the Full PPO network! Blue Shield allows groups to offer both networks alongside one another.

For out-of-state employees, the Tandem network utilizes the same Blue Card network as the Full PPO network. The only difference is the Tandem network has tiered pharmacy benefits! Tandem plans utilize the Spectrum Pharmacy network while the Full PPO pans utilize Blue Shield’s Ultra Pharmacy Network, and the formulary is the same. Copays are lower at Level A pharmacies than Level B pharmacies:

Level A network pharmacies offer preferred cost sharing. You can fill prescriptions at any of the following pharmacies nationwide:

  • CVS Pharmacy®
  • CVS Pharmacy in Target Stores
  • Costco
  • Safeway
  • Vons

By filling your prescriptions at a Level A pharmacy, you can save on your out-of-pocket costs.

Level B network pharmacies include all other pharmacies within Blue shield’s pharmacy network, except those that are in Level A.A higher cost share for your prescriptions applies at a Level B pharmacy. Please refer to your plan’s Summary of Benefits in your Evidence of Coverage for more details about specific copayment or coinsurance amounts.
You have the same selections of covered drugs at both Level A and B pharmacies. you can continue to fill your prescriptions at a Level B pharmacy, or you can switch to a Level A pharmacy to take advantage of the preferred member cost share.

Most Full PPO network plans have an equivalent plan available in the Tandem network. Please see below example of a Full PPO plan and its Tandem equivalent and the differences between the plans:

Also, out-of-state employees enrolled in Tandem can take advantage of other benefits Tandem offers:

  • Discounts on Groceries through Healthy Savings
  • Shield Concierge
  • Virtual Doctor and Telehealth Appointments
  • Primary Care Doctor Auto-Assigned to help manage care
  • Access to CVS Minute Clinic for non-emergency conditions

For more information on Tandem PPO, please click here:

For more information on Blue Card information listed on Blue Shield’s Tandem site, click here: