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In California: investigative journalists would do well to ask if Blue Shield’s in-network providers were given a disproportionately 
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬆️" title="Pfeil nach oben" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach oben"> number of vaccine doses. https://twitter.com/thegarance/status/1381262460804608006">https://twitter.com/thegaranc...
Why did the state allow Blue Shield to interrupt vaccine shipments to providers that didn’t play by its rules?
source: #page5">https://eziz.org/assets/docs/COVID19/Vax58ProviderFAQs.pdf #page5">https://eziz.org/assets/do...
source: #page5">https://eziz.org/assets/docs/COVID19/Vax58ProviderFAQs.pdf #page5">https://eziz.org/assets/do...
Fact check: several of the vaccination sites are supplied directly via parallel federal programs (e.g. FQHCs, retail pharmacies).
Are they forced to become part of Blue Shield’s network? Or is Blue Shield overstating its role?
source: https://news.blueshieldca.com/2021/03/10/state-of-californias-enhanced-covid-19-vaccine-provider-network">https://news.blueshieldca.com/2021/03/1...
Are they forced to become part of Blue Shield’s network? Or is Blue Shield overstating its role?
source: https://news.blueshieldca.com/2021/03/10/state-of-californias-enhanced-covid-19-vaccine-provider-network">https://news.blueshieldca.com/2021/03/1...
“A TPA can also charge specific fees for its services, or it may make money through a combination of commission and fees depending on the scope of the services they provide”
Is Blue Shield generating revenue on top of the $15m paid by the state?
https://www.associationhealthplans.com/group-health/what-is-tpa/">https://www.associationhealthplans.com/group-hea...
Is Blue Shield generating revenue on top of the $15m paid by the state?
https://www.associationhealthplans.com/group-health/what-is-tpa/">https://www.associationhealthplans.com/group-hea...
These are primarily federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), which are providers that serve primarily minority and immigrant communities. https://twitter.com/DataDrivenMD/status/1381270089845014529">https://twitter.com/DataDrive...
Wholeheartedly agree that *massive* investments in grassroots partnerships are necessary at this point, which is why Blue Shield’s misleading statements are harmful. The company is taking credit for grassroots efforts that deliver real #VaccineEquity. https://twitter.com/christianarana/status/1381280134674620416">https://twitter.com/christian...
Sources:
https://latinocf.org/latino-community-foundation-invests-2-million-to-increase-covid-19-vaccine-rates-in-hard-hit-latino-communities/
@LatinoCommFdn is funding a COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Alameda and @HRSAgov is also chipping in, but Blue Shield of California is taking credit for their work to achieve #VaccineEquitySources: https://latinocf.org/latino-co... href=" https://bphc.hrsa.gov/emergency-response/coronavirus-covid19-FY2020-awards/ca" title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🤨" title="Gesicht mit hochgezogener Augenbraue" aria-label="Emoji: Gesicht mit hochgezogener Augenbraue"> @LatinoCommFdn is funding a COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Alameda and @HRSAgov is also chipping in, but Blue Shield of California is taking credit for their work to achieve #VaccineEquitySources: https://latinocf.org/latino-co... href=" https://bphc.hrsa.gov/emergency-response/coronavirus-covid19-FY2020-awards/ca">
@LatinoCommFdn is funding a COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Alameda and @HRSAgov is also chipping in, but Blue Shield of California is taking credit for their work to achieve #VaccineEquitySources: https://latinocf.org/latino-co... href=" https://bphc.hrsa.gov/emergency-response/coronavirus-covid19-FY2020-awards/ca" title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🤨" title="Gesicht mit hochgezogener Augenbraue" aria-label="Emoji: Gesicht mit hochgezogener Augenbraue"> @LatinoCommFdn is funding a COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Alameda and @HRSAgov is also chipping in, but Blue Shield of California is taking credit for their work to achieve #VaccineEquitySources: https://latinocf.org/latino-co... href=" https://bphc.hrsa.gov/emergency-response/coronavirus-covid19-FY2020-awards/ca">
@LatinoCommFdn is funding a COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Alameda and @HRSAgov is also chipping in, but Blue Shield of California is taking credit for their work to achieve #VaccineEquitySources: https://latinocf.org/latino-co... href=" https://bphc.hrsa.gov/emergency-response/coronavirus-covid19-FY2020-awards/ca" title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🤨" title="Gesicht mit hochgezogener Augenbraue" aria-label="Emoji: Gesicht mit hochgezogener Augenbraue"> @LatinoCommFdn is funding a COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Alameda and @HRSAgov is also chipping in, but Blue Shield of California is taking credit for their work to achieve #VaccineEquitySources: https://latinocf.org/latino-co... href=" https://bphc.hrsa.gov/emergency-response/coronavirus-covid19-FY2020-awards/ca">
Comparing Blue Shield’s list of vaccination providers in underserved communities to the list of federal grant recipients, we see that Blue Shield’s #VaccineEquity strategy amounts to taking credit for others’ work.
https://bphc.hrsa.gov/emergency-response/coronavirus-covid19-FY2020-awards/ca
https://bphc.hrsa.gov/emergency... href=" https://news.blueshieldca.com/2021/03/10/state-of-californias-enhanced-covid-19-vaccine-provider-network">https://news.blueshieldca.com/2021/03/1...
https://bphc.hrsa.gov/emergency-response/coronavirus-covid19-FY2020-awards/ca
https://news.blueshieldca.com/2021/03/1..." title="Comparing Blue Shield’s list of vaccination providers in underserved communities to the list of federal grant recipients, we see that Blue Shield’s #VaccineEquity strategy amounts to taking credit for others’ work. https://bphc.hrsa.gov/emergency... href=" https://news.blueshieldca.com/2021/03/10/state-of-californias-enhanced-covid-19-vaccine-provider-network">https://news.blueshieldca.com/2021/03/1..." class="img-responsive" style="max-width:100%;"/>
analysis: mine
data:
https://www.hrsa.gov/coronavirus/health-center-program/participants/ca
Data. Doesn’t. Lie. — the US gov’t is shipping COVID-19 doses directly to ~50% of the sites Blue Shield *claims* as part of its #VaccineEquity effort. Where is BS sending its doses?analysis: minedata: https://www.hrsa.gov/coronavir... href=" https://www.ihs.gov/sites/coronavirus/themes/responsive2017/display_objects/documents/IHS_COVID-19_Vaccine_Distribution_List_by_Area.pdf" title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🔥" title="Feuer" aria-label="Emoji: Feuer">Data. Doesn’t. Lie. — the US gov’t is shipping COVID-19 doses directly to ~50% of the sites Blue Shield *claims* as part of its #VaccineEquity effort. Where is BS sending its doses?analysis: minedata: https://www.hrsa.gov/coronavir... href=" https://www.ihs.gov/sites/coronavirus/themes/responsive2017/display_objects/documents/IHS_COVID-19_Vaccine_Distribution_List_by_Area.pdf" class="img-responsive" style="max-width:100%;"/>
This #VaccineEquity effort is in partnership with the County of Sacramento, which also gets COVID-19 vaccine doses directly from the federal government, but Blue Shield claims this vaccine provider as its own.
Which providers are *actually* receiving doses from Blue Shield? https://twitter.com/cmmaivang/status/1381303754989826048">https://twitter.com/cmmaivang...
Which providers are *actually* receiving doses from Blue Shield? https://twitter.com/cmmaivang/status/1381303754989826048">https://twitter.com/cmmaivang...
source: CDC
URL: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/distributing/jurisdiction-portfolios.html">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavir...
Data. Doesn’t. Lie.— According to the CDC Blue Shield controls 75% of COVID-19 vaccine doses delivered to the state of California. If they’re not going to #VaccineEquity efforts, then *where* are they going? source: CDCURL: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavir..." title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🔥" title="Feuer" aria-label="Emoji: Feuer">Data. Doesn’t. Lie.— According to the CDC Blue Shield controls 75% of COVID-19 vaccine doses delivered to the state of California. If they’re not going to #VaccineEquity efforts, then *where* are they going? source: CDCURL: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavir..." class="img-responsive" style="max-width:100%;"/>
Why couldn’t Blue Shield allocate doses previously supplied by FEMA? Where are the doses going?
URL: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/distributing/jurisdiction-portfolios.html
cc">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavir... @MeghanBobrowsky @JoaquinPalomino https://twitter.com/sfchronicle/status/1379203152658923521">https://twitter.com/sfchronic...
Why did VP Harris intervene in order to save a mass vaccination site that primarily serves BIPOC Californians?Why couldn’t Blue Shield allocate doses previously supplied by FEMA? Where are the doses going?URL: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavir... @MeghanBobrowsky @JoaquinPalomino https://twitter.com/sfchronic..." title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="👀" title="Augen" aria-label="Emoji: Augen"> Why did VP Harris intervene in order to save a mass vaccination site that primarily serves BIPOC Californians?Why couldn’t Blue Shield allocate doses previously supplied by FEMA? Where are the doses going?URL: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavir... @MeghanBobrowsky @JoaquinPalomino https://twitter.com/sfchronic..." class="img-responsive" style="max-width:100%;"/>
Ensuring #VaccineEquity, including the enrollment of providers in underserved areas, is literally in Blue Shield’s contract with the state of California.
full contract here: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/Blue-shield-of-california-GovOps.pdf">https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/Blue-...
Is Blue Shield gaming the system to avoid being in breach of contract?Ensuring #VaccineEquity, including the enrollment of providers in underserved areas, is literally in Blue Shield’s contract with the state of California.full contract here: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/Blue-..." title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="👀" title="Augen" aria-label="Emoji: Augen"> Is Blue Shield gaming the system to avoid being in breach of contract?Ensuring #VaccineEquity, including the enrollment of providers in underserved areas, is literally in Blue Shield’s contract with the state of California.full contract here: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/Blue-...">
Is Blue Shield gaming the system to avoid being in breach of contract?Ensuring #VaccineEquity, including the enrollment of providers in underserved areas, is literally in Blue Shield’s contract with the state of California.full contract here: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/Blue-..." title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="👀" title="Augen" aria-label="Emoji: Augen"> Is Blue Shield gaming the system to avoid being in breach of contract?Ensuring #VaccineEquity, including the enrollment of providers in underserved areas, is literally in Blue Shield’s contract with the state of California.full contract here: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/Blue-...">
Is Blue Shield gaming the system to avoid being in breach of contract?Ensuring #VaccineEquity, including the enrollment of providers in underserved areas, is literally in Blue Shield’s contract with the state of California.full contract here: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/Blue-..." title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="👀" title="Augen" aria-label="Emoji: Augen"> Is Blue Shield gaming the system to avoid being in breach of contract?Ensuring #VaccineEquity, including the enrollment of providers in underserved areas, is literally in Blue Shield’s contract with the state of California.full contract here: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/Blue-...">
Is Blue Shield gaming the system to avoid being in breach of contract?Ensuring #VaccineEquity, including the enrollment of providers in underserved areas, is literally in Blue Shield’s contract with the state of California.full contract here: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/Blue-..." title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="👀" title="Augen" aria-label="Emoji: Augen"> Is Blue Shield gaming the system to avoid being in breach of contract?Ensuring #VaccineEquity, including the enrollment of providers in underserved areas, is literally in Blue Shield’s contract with the state of California.full contract here: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/Blue-...">
Did Blue Shield give its existing in-network providers exclusive/early access to COVID-19 vaccine doses?
full contract here: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/Blue-shield-of-california-GovOps.pdf">https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/Blue-...
Why did the state give Blue Shield virtually unilateral control over which providers get access to COVID-19 vaccine doses?Did Blue Shield give its existing in-network providers exclusive/early access to COVID-19 vaccine doses?full contract here: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/Blue-..." title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="👀" title="Augen" aria-label="Emoji: Augen"> Why did the state give Blue Shield virtually unilateral control over which providers get access to COVID-19 vaccine doses?Did Blue Shield give its existing in-network providers exclusive/early access to COVID-19 vaccine doses?full contract here: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/Blue-..." class="img-responsive" style="max-width:100%;"/>
Does Blue Shield’s formula give its existing in-network providers a financial advantage?
full contract here: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/Blue-shield-of-california-GovOps.pdf">https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/Blue-...
Why did the state give Blue Shield virtually unilateral control over which providers receive *financial incentives* for COVID-19 vaccinations?Does Blue Shield’s formula give its existing in-network providers a financial advantage?full contract here: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/Blue-..." title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="👀" title="Augen" aria-label="Emoji: Augen"> Why did the state give Blue Shield virtually unilateral control over which providers receive *financial incentives* for COVID-19 vaccinations?Does Blue Shield’s formula give its existing in-network providers a financial advantage?full contract here: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/Blue-..." class="img-responsive" style="max-width:100%;"/>
full contract here: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/Blue-shield-of-california-GovOps.pdf">https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/Blue-...
Is Blue Shield counting doses administered by providers outside of the network it actually controls in order to meet capacity and equity metrics spelled out in the contract?full contract here: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/Blue-..." title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🔥" title="Feuer" aria-label="Emoji: Feuer"> Is Blue Shield counting doses administered by providers outside of the network it actually controls in order to meet capacity and equity metrics spelled out in the contract?full contract here: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/Blue-..." class="img-responsive" style="max-width:100%;"/>
In summary, Blue Shield:
Appears to have favored its in-network providers for initial vaccine allocationshttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts"> fell behind its contractual obligations re: capacity and #VaccineEquity https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts"> trying to cover-up for the shortfall by claiming credit for federal- & community-driven efforts.
Appears to have favored its in-network providers for initial vaccine allocations
analysis: mine
data:
https://www.blueshieldca.com/bsca/bsc/public/member/mp/contentpages/!ut/p/z1/pVLJTsMwEP0VOOSYeppEjcPNLV1FqdSFNr5EWZwFEjt1TAN_jwsFCQlaIXzy8mbeMkYU7RDl4aHIQlUIHpb67NNeYOEpngB0ZwuwAAiGweze8zB2XfSAKKJ1XCTIj-I0iRIAEzzPMZ3Ucs2wZ2Mz7SaeHaaOE2F8RMdc1SpHfsWqiMkgFlwxrgLGDTjtr6QQyoAmF3VQlyFvDFCyEEFeiYAz1Qr5hLaXlFH9DL8sAmh2CaCtW3I-mGfaX6hys-CpQLtaxJqavhd_kY_XAxvIeEjsEd7Y2HFOgDPdfS3fDWYYetP-Au5ghV0gt8Nln4wsC8ZdtD0UrEUbLmSl57D6Y8yTT4NnAtIGi8f9nhI9kmPuLwrt_jcTTZmVIvr4N4RHNtbhSZYyyWTnWerrXKm6uTHAgLZtO5kQWck6sagM-KkkF43W9B2J6qrC9qtJo94St-s0Lw_VFjfk-g1IeXc-/dz/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/
Seem like a stretch? Data. Doesn’t. Lie. 30% of hospitals & medical groups in *one* of Blue Shield’s products (TRIO Accountable Care Organization) has access to COVID-19 doses controlled by Blue Shieldanalysis: minedata: https://www.blueshieldca.com/bsca/bsc/... href=" https://news.blueshieldca.com/2021/03/10/state-of-californias-enhanced-covid-19-vaccine-provider-network">https://news.blueshieldca.com/2021/03/1... https://twitter.com/datadrive..." title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🔥" title="Feuer" aria-label="Emoji: Feuer"> Seem like a stretch? Data. Doesn’t. Lie. 30% of hospitals & medical groups in *one* of Blue Shield’s products (TRIO Accountable Care Organization) has access to COVID-19 doses controlled by Blue Shieldanalysis: minedata: https://www.blueshieldca.com/bsca/bsc/... href=" https://news.blueshieldca.com/2021/03/10/state-of-californias-enhanced-covid-19-vaccine-provider-network">https://news.blueshieldca.com/2021/03/1... https://twitter.com/datadrive..." class="img-responsive" style="max-width:100%;"/>
