One Giant Leap for Medicaid

How CareFirst’s Strategic Pivot Sparked Transformation

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) is the leading healthcare payer in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Northern Virginia, with a market-leading footprint in the employer and individual market. In 2020, CareFirst entered Medicaid through the acquisition of two Medicaid plans in Maryland and the District of Columbia. The motivation to pursue Medicaid was best articulated by CareFirst’s Chief Executive Officer Brian D. Pieninck: “Our unique not-for-profit mission calls on us to provide access to affordable health coverage and to support public and private initiatives that provide coverage for the individuals and families in the communities we serve. We want to help people meet healthcare needs at every stage and in every circumstance...