Blue Shield of California on the Hook for Millions in Taxes

The massive non-profit health-insurance company Blue Shield has been stripped of its long-time exemption from paying state taxes. But nobody's saying why. Has it failed its "mission" of serving the poor? Has it paid its executives too much? Is it because of reserves worth $4 billion — four times more than it needs to pay off potential claims? Are other healthcare non-profits acting more like their for-profit competitors? Also, jardineros and the good life of Southern California.

Photo: Healthcare reform protest at Blue Shield (Steve Rhodes)