Trust is at the heart of healthcare. Members, partners and communities count on CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) to act with integrity in every decision we make. That responsibility extends beyond the care and services we provide: it shapes how we work, make decisions and support one another across the organization.
The 2026 Speak Up Report provides a snapshot of CareFirst's ethics and compliance culture in action, including reported concerns, reporting trends, investigation outcomes, remediation efforts and real-world scenarios.
These insights help identify potential risks, address gaps and reinforce the shared responsibility everyone has in maintaining a values-driven organization.
Our focus on governance, compliance and ethics has sustained our reputation as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies® for 14 consecutive years, an honor that is earned through the dedication and support of Difference Makers across our organization.
"In healthcare, trust is the foundation of everything we do. The people and communities we serve count on us to act with integrity, and a strong culture of compliance and ethics is how we honor that responsibility. It is a commitment shared across our organization, and when our Difference Makers speak up and hold themselves to the highest standards, they strengthen the work we do and the confidence placed in us."
Kurt C. Small, President & CEO
What the Data Tells Us
Every reported concern is taken seriously. Investigations seek to understand the facts, address problems and identify opportunities for improvement. Speaking up remains an important part of maintaining a strong ethical culture.
Key Findings from 2025 Investigations
Of the 141 investigations conducted in 2025:
- 53% were substantiated, meaning part or all of the concern could be verified with reasonable certainty. This reflects both thoughtful reporting and a thorough investigation process.
- 27% of concerns were reported anonymously. The low anonymity rate suggests individuals have confidence and trust the system without fear of retaliation.
- 51% of concerns were reported directly to the Ethics & Compliance Office, Human Resources, people leaders or senior leadership. Direct reporting suggests individuals trust the reporting process and feel comfortable raising concerns.
- 32% of concerns were submitted through the Ethics & Compliance Hotline web intake site.
- 17% of concerns were reported through the Ethics & Compliance Hotline phone line.
Ethics and Compliance Perceptions Survey
Each year, the Ethics & Compliance Office conducts a perceptions survey to better understand how employees and contingent workers experience our ethics and compliance culture. The survey evaluates awareness of workplace conduct standards, connection to company values and confidence in the organization's compliance efforts. It also includes questions about leadership, team behaviors, equity and inclusion and the overall effectiveness of the Ethics & Compliance Program.
According to the 2025 CareFirst Ethics and Compliance Perceptions Survey:
- 76.1% of respondents agreed that the company enforces its non-retaliation policy.
- 76.7% Ethisphere®, 2025 culture quotient benchmark.
- 94.4% of respondents said they have a personal responsibility for making sure the company behaves ethically.
- 91.8% Ethisphere®, 2025 culture quotient benchmark.
- 96% of respondents said they knew how to make an anonymous report regarding wrongdoing or unethical behavior.
- 74.6% of respondents said they feel the company handles ethical problems completely and appropriately.
Why speaking up matters
A strong ethics and compliance culture depends on people feeling empowered to raise concerns, ask questions and seek guidance when something does not seem right. The findings in the 2026 Speak Up Report reflect an ongoing commitment to accountability, transparency and trust across CareFirst.
As we continue serving members and communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, maintaining that culture remains a shared responsibility. Every concern raised, every question asked and every action taken with integrity helps strengthen our organization and the confidence others place in us.
