Paul Markovich’s Post

We are back at it again with a new Pump it Up with Paul challenge. This is a series where Blue Shield of California employees challenge me to a fitness competition and anyone who knows me well knows that I’m very passionate and have a competitive streak when it comes to anything fitness related. This time, we’re putting a little twist on it, and I’d like to invite you all (alongside our employees) to vote below on which challenge you think I should take part in.

The current pharmacy system is broken and a recently published The New York Times article by Rebecca Robbins and Reed Abelson drops the veil on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The investigation found that the largest PBMs often act in their own financial interest at the expense of their clients and patients. At Blue Shield of California we announced our new pharmacy model last year with the goal of changing the broken incentives that currently encourage higher drug prices. We will no longer participate in a pharmacy system that is designed to maximize the profit of participants instead of the quality, convenience, and cost-effectiveness for consumers. #healthcare #pharmacy https://lnkd.in/g6gznUXZ

Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States and commemorates the many contributions of Black people to American history and culture. It’s important to reflect on the history of the day, of our past and how we’ll continue driving to a better tomorrow through empathy, listening and understanding. Earlier this month, our Black Employee Network came together as a community for an early celebration of Juneteenth. Blue Shield of California employees had the opportunity to hear from Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, followed by Emotional Intelligence Performance Coach D.B. Bedford’s keynote workshop that included a discussion to reflect, connect and harness inner strength to forge our own paths. A big thanks to the team for bringing meaningful programming to educate, inspire and build community around this important holiday. #Juneteenth #wellahead 

At Blue Shield of California, we support a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected for who they are. During Pride Month we proudly stand with our LGBTQ+ community to celebrate diversity, and inclusion. Our Pride Employee Resource Group is leading several activities this month, including Pride celebrations across the state, a panel discussion on legal guidance for caregivers, and more. Hear from our employees as they share their personal connection to the LGBTQ+ community and talk about the importance of safe spaces at work. Together, we stand with our colleagues and allies, spreading love and fostering an environment where everyone can be their authentic selves. #wellahead #pridemonth #diversity #inclusion 

Last month I had the opportunity to be part of the Rhodes Scholar Oral History Project. I was interviewed about my childhood and growing up in North Dakota, my undergraduate experience at Colorado College, my time at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, and my path to becoming the CEO of Blue Shield of California. It was an honor to participate in this project and I look forward to seeing the result later this year. In the meantime, here are a few fun photos that provide glimpses into parts of my story. 

Today, I am thrilled to announce that Blue Shield of California has been named by the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) as the health plan to provide its Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) offering along with Included Health. This is the first time in two decades CalPERS has selected a new administrator for the PPO plan and we are excited that our commitment to expanding access and bringing down costs through innovative initiatives, partnerships and products earned us this opportunity. As we lead the way to a better healthcare system, CalPERS members and their beneficiaries will benefit from the services and experiences they deserve. https://lnkd.in/gTCWGg_7 #healthcare #wellahead

In 2023, for us and everyone around the world, we experienced demographic shifts, climate change, advancements in technology, and war and conflict. As we reflect over the past year, I am reminded of our core values at Blue Shield of California of being human, honest, and courageous. To me, these values are more important in the world we are living in today than ever before and I remain very proud of how we personify them every day. We are steadfast in our belief that our members deserve better than the status quo and for us, that means bringing positive disruption to the healthcare system. We have significant momentum and will continue to bring forward our passion, vision, and discipline to realize a healthcare system that is truly worthy of our family and friends and sustainably affordable. We are ‘rebels with a cause’ and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead through this monumental time. #healthcare #WellAhead https://lnkd.in/gxGHcykc

During Asian-Pacific Heritage Month, we celebrated and honored the diversity and cultural richness of our colleagues with some thoughtfully planned and meaningful activities. Our Asian Pacific Alliance Employee Resource Group held their annual signature event, “Advancing through Leadership.” It was a beautiful celebration where our Blue Shield of California executives shared their own leadership journeys with recommendations on how to unlock each person’s full potential. Our employees also volunteered at local events including the Oakland Public Education Fund and the Sacramento Food Bank to uplift and celebrate our communities. I am so proud to see how our folks at Blue Shield continuously live our values of being human, honest and courageous. #WellAhead #AAPI #AAPIHeritageMonth

I was so proud to participate in our Mission and Values in Action luncheon that honors our employees and teams who champion innovative ideas, and whose achievements create a positive change supporting our mission and company values. A special shout-out to Brad Nye for outstanding contributions to California communities by volunteering over 100 hours to nonprofits supporting our unhoused neighbors, veterans, refugees, social injustice and more. As always, it’s a pleasure to celebrate each of you and thank you for always living our values. #WellAhead #WhatWeStandFor