Care1st Health Plan, a provider-founded managed care company based in Los Angeles County, was acquired by Blue Shield in 2015.
Buchert has more than 30 years of health care experience, including managed care health plans, medical group management, hospital administration and information technology vendor services.
He most recently served as chief medical officer at Health Net, Inc., a Centene Corporation company with nearly three million California members. He joined Centene Corporation in 2013 to become the first president and chief executive officer at California Health & Wellness, a health plan launched that same year to serve members of the state's Medi-Cal managed care program.
Buchert was also part of the founding executive team that created and launched CalOptima, a large public health plan in Orange County, California, where he served as its chief operating officer.
“Greg’s experience leading health plans and his passion for ensuring underserved Medicaid and Medicare populations have access to quality health care make him an ideal fit for Care1st,” said David Fields, executive vice president of Markets at Blue Shield of California. “We will work together to continue to grow the health plan’s Medi-Cal membership.”
"I'm excited to join Care1st’s team of experienced leaders and look forward to growing the health plan’s Medicaid program,” said Buchert. “I’m also eager to integrate with Blue Shield of California and work together to provide access to quality health care for all Californians.”
Buchert earned a M.D. from Tulane University School of Medicine, a M.P.H. from Tulane University of Public Health, and a B.A. from Tufts University.
Background on Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California, an independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a nonprofit health plan with 4 million members, 6,800 employees and more than $17 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 and headquartered in San Francisco, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare health care service plans in California. The company’s mission is to ensure all Californians have access to high-quality care at an affordable price. Blue Shield has contributed more than $450 million to the Blue Shield of California Foundation. Contact your local agent or broker about Blue Shield of California products and services, or visit www.blueshieldca.com.