Which Way, L.A.?
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.
By Warren Olney • • 25m ListenThe 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)
In this episode
2 storiesBig Money in Healthcare Non-Profits
Blue Shield is California's third largest health-insurance company. It was founded as a non-profit company in 1939 with an exemption from paying state taxes. Last August, the Franchise Tax Board revoked the tax exemption — but that was not made public until the LA Times reported it yesterday.
Read the story18 minEconomics and Culture of the 'Jardineros'
Drought or no drought, suburban lawns and year-round residential gardens are part of the good life in Southern California. To tend them, homeowners have long relied on a workforce of newcomers. KCRW's Saul Gonzalez tells us about the men who call themselves jardineros.
Read the story7 min
