Bay Area Health Insurance Leader Announces Layoffs of 61 Employees
Blue Shield of California plans to reduce its workforce by 61 employees as part of an initiative to lower administrative costs and enhance operational efficiency. The Oakland-based health insurer announced the layoffs in an emailed statement, specifying that the reductions will take place on two separate dates: December 11 and December 18. The layoffs represent less than 1% of Blue Shield’s total workforce.
According to a WARN notice filed with the state on October 2, 16 employees at the Oakland headquarters on 12th Street will be affected, with additional layoffs occurring at offices in El Dorado Hills, Lodi, Long Beach, Palmdale, Rancho Cordova, and Woodland Hills. Positions being eliminated include corporate communications specialists, financial analysts, medical assistants, and phlebotomists.
Blue Shield stated that employees impacted by the layoffs will have the option to continue working for 90 days as they search for new employment. During this period, they will receive support from a career coach who can assist with skills training.
These upcoming layoffs follow a previous reduction in January, when Blue Shield cut 140 jobs.
Founded in San Francisco in 1939, Blue Shield of California moved its headquarters to Oakland in 2019. The company provides health, dental, vision, and Medicare service plans to approximately 4.8 million members across California and employs more than 7,100 individuals, as outlined in its 2023 Mission Report.
