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The OE Brief: An Open Enrollment Q&A with Capital Blue Cross

The OE Brief: What’s Changing, What Matters brings together insights directly from Take Command’s carrier partners ahead of Open Enrollment. We asked each carrier the same six questions about what’s new for 2027, from affordability and network access to member experience and ICHRA. Here’s what Capital Blue Cross wants benefits consultants, employers, and employees to know as they prepare for the year ahead.

 

The Questions & Answers

What are the biggest advantages employees can expect when choosing one of your plans this Open Enrollment?

One of the biggest advantages of Capital Blue Cross is access to our broad PPO network, giving members flexibility to receive care from leading health systems, trusted local providers, and specialists across Pennsylvania. In a market where PPO options are becoming less common, this network gives members more confidence and choice when selecting coverage. For 2027 Open Enrollment, Capital’s plans stand out through a strong mix of plan options, broad network access, competitive pricing, and thoughtful plan designs built to fit different member needs.

What new products, enhancements, or investments are you most excited about for the upcoming plan year?

For 2027, Capital Blue Cross is introducing an additional competitively priced Gold plan with a $0 deductible, offering members richer benefits with predictable out-of-pocket costs. We're also simplifying our HSA-compatible plan naming by replacing "QHDHP" with "HSA" in plan names and expanding HSA options into our Convenience and Advantage tiered PPO networks, giving members more choice and flexibility. 

How are you helping make healthcare more affordable and accessible for individuals and families?

Capital Blue Cross helps make healthcare and coverage more affordable through tools and programs that support everyday savings. VirtualCare provides convenient access to medical and behavioral health services, helping members get care without unnecessary costs or delays. Blue365® offers discounts on fitness, wellness, nutrition, and more. Members can also save on prescriptions through our collaboration with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, which provides access to many low-cost generic medications.

What are the strengths of your provider network, and how are you improving access to care for members?

Capital Blue Cross stands out with a broad PPO network that gives members the flexibility to access trusted local providers, leading health systems across Pennsylvania, and nationwide BlueCard® providers when traveling or seeking care outside their home area. For members looking for additional savings, our tiered PPO options offer lower-cost access through premier health systems including Penn Medicine, Lancaster General Health, St. Luke's University Health Network, Lehigh Valley Health Network, WellSpan Health, Geisinger, and UPMC Central PA. 

Member Resources →

What should consultants and employers know about how your plans support employees participating in an Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA)?

Capital Blue Cross has worked closely with ICHRA administrators to design individual market plans that feel more familiar to employees transitioning from employer-sponsored group coverage. Our broad PPO network, new $0 deductible Gold option, expanded HSA-compatible plan offerings, and dedicated ICHRA support team help create a smoother enrollment experience and provide ongoing support for employers, administrators, brokers, and members.

Can you share how your organization supports whole-person health, including mental health, preventive care, and wellness?

Capital Blue Cross supports whole-person health with resources that go beyond the medical plan. Members can access VirtualCare for medical and behavioral health visits, wellness tools and Healthy Blue Rewards, Blue365® discounts, condition management programs, preventive screenings, and personalized member support. These benefits help members stay healthy, manage ongoing needs, and navigate care with greater confidence. 

The Bottom Line

Open Enrollment readiness is about more than knowing what’s changing. It’s about understanding your options and what matters most: cost, coverage, doctors, and care. We’re bringing carrier insights directly to you so you can head into 2027 informed, prepared, and ready to choose with confidence.

See What Other Carriers Are Saying

Every carrier brings a different perspective to Open Enrollment.

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