Chula Vista resident Kerri Oden always had a nagging sense of regret about not finishing high school, so when she heard about the opportunity to get her general education development (GED) diploma, at no cost through Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, she jumped at it.
Oden, 32, started the Blue Shield Promise GEDWorks program in May 2024, and six months later, earned her GED. Today, she is one of 20 members so far who've received their diploma through the Blue Shield Promise GEDWorks program since its launch in January 2024. Blue Shield Promise is the first California health plan and the only Medi-Cal health plan to offer a GED program, giving members the opportunity to pursue higher education and improved job prospects.
“Honestly, getting my GED has helped my mental health tremendously. It was a huge relief. It felt like such a huge weight lifted off me once I completed it,” said Oden.
GEDWorks, offered at no cost to Blue Shield Promise members, provides tools and support to students pursuing their GED diploma. Members save hundreds of dollars on tests and study materials, which are also supplied at no cost. The program also provides personal bilingual GED advisors, tutors and access to an online support group. Students can complete the program at their own pace and take the test as many times as needed until they pass.
Oden said the user-friendly website and readily available advisors, tutors and motivators helped her through the experience. “They have advisors that are there for you every step of the way,” she said. “It’s pretty much like you have your own personal advisor that you can reach out to if you have any questions or if you need help with anything.”
Getting her GED has opened new opportunities for Oden and her 2-year-old daughter. Oden is now in college, working toward her associate degree in medical billing and coding.
Serving often underrepresented populations, the GEDWorks program — which also offers career and college planning assistance — helps to address key social factors that can impact health outcomes and overall well-being by opening doors to higher education and better paying jobs.
“That’s been the biggest change for me since getting my GED, being able to further my education,” said Oden.
“We recognize that the lack of education can be a barrier for many people trying to achieve economic and mental well-being and that removing that barrier can change lives,” said Jennifer Schirmer, vice president of Medi-Cal growth and community engagement for Blue Shield Promise. “Education opens the door to employment opportunities and gives people the tools to better understand how to be proactive in their health.”
Online registration only takes a few minutes, and most participants complete the GEDWorks program in about four months. Those who complete the course and test receive an electronic transcript and graduation card.
To enroll you must:
- Be a current member of Blue Shield Promise
- Be at least 18 years old
- Not have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Not be currently enrolled in high school
“This is a great opportunity for our Medi-Cal members to receive their GED at no cost. We’re improving their access to career prospects, self-confidence and health literacy — ultimately having powerful effects on individuals, their families and their communities,” said Schirmer.
Oden said she looks forward to a future working in medical coding or as a medical assistant in the healthcare industry.
To learn about Blue Shield Promise, visit www.blueshieldca.com/promise. To learn about getting your GED through Blue Shield Promise, visit GEDworks | Blue Shield of CA Promise Health Plan.