Blue Shield of California Foundation Offers Healthcare Briefings to Gubernatorial Candidates and Staff

Major Republican and Democratic candidates to receive analysis of healthcare policy, attitudes of California voters

San Francisco, October 22, 2009 - Blue Shield of California Foundation (BSCF) today announced that it will be offering background briefings on the state's healthcare landscape to all major 2010 gubernatorial candidates.

"This election comes at a time when health care in California is at a crossroads, with too many people unable to afford the care they need and sweeping health reform moving forward in Washington," said Crystal Hayling, president and CEO of BSCF. "It is in California's best interest to have gubernatorial candidates of both parties who understand the healthcare landscape of our state, so that whoever takes office in 2011 will be ready to meet this daunting challenge."

The nonpartisan briefings will provide candidates with a factual overview of the healthcare challenges facing California and share the latest trends on the uninsured, the erosion of employer-based coverage, and affordability for families.

In addition, Mark DiCamillo, Senior Vice President of Field Research Corporation and Director of The Field Poll, will highlight trends about the electorate's views on health care, drawing from recent Field Poll surveys conducted over the past three years. Candidates will have a chance to learn about what healthcare issues matter most to voters as well as their expectations for what should be fixed within the healthcare system.

The Foundation will be reaching out to all gubernatorial candidates who meet the following criteria:

They have formally declared their candidacy or have established an exploratory committee; and

They are polling at nine percent or above in the California Field Poll dated October 8, 2009 or a subsequent Field Poll.

BSCF will offer the same briefing and provide the same informational materials to every candidate. The Foundation will begin extending invitations to candidates in late October.

About Blue Shield of California Foundation

Blue Shield of California Foundation is one of the largest healthcare grantmaking organizations in California. For more information, www.blueshieldcafoundation.org. The Foundation was formed by Blue Shield of California, a not-for-profit corporation with more than 3.4 million members, 4,700 employees and 20 offices throughout California. For more information about the company, please visit www.blueshieldca.com.