January 22, 2026
Paul Markovich, president and CEO of Ascendiun, parent company of Blue Shield of California, testified today before the United States House Committee on Energy & Commerce health subcommittee and the United States House Committee on Ways & Means, reinforcing Blue Shield’s long history as a nonprofit health plan dedicated to making high‑quality care more affordable for all Californians.
Markovich joined leaders from four national health plans to discuss the drivers of rising healthcare costs and share the company’s continued efforts to advance affordability, accountability and transparency. Representing Blue Shield’s 85‑year mission to serve the public good — not shareholders — Markovich highlighted initiatives to curb costs, modernize the healthcare system and make a healthcare system worthy of all of us.
The hearing brought together executives from Blue Shield of California, Elevance, Cigna, CVS/Aetna and UnitedHealth Group to examine solutions that can strengthen the healthcare system and reduce financial barriers for consumers.