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CORE PPO

Administered by Anthem Blue Cross (medical) and Navitus (pharmacy); supported by Accolade Health Care Advocate

CORE is a high-deductible PPO plan that is offered by UC without a monthly premium. CORE offers access to the Anthem Preferred network of providers, which includes UC’s world-class hospitals and physicians, and has coverage for non-network providers.

CORE can be paired with a Health Flexible Spending Account (Health FSA); it is not compatible with the Health Savings Account.

See updated information about coverage for COVID tests.

  • Full Full eligibility available
  • Mid Mid eligibility available
  • Core Core eligibility available
  • Retirees Retirees eligibility available
On this page:

How the plan works:

Accolade helps you navigate your medical plan and is your first stop for questions about your benefits. You can reach Accolade at (866) 406-1182 (Monday–Friday, 5 a.m.–8 p.m. PT). Find all your plan details at uchealthplans.com.

  • You may choose any doctor or care facility, worldwide. You pay less for care within the Anthem Preferred network.
  • If you use an out-of-network provider, you might receive a bill from a provider for the difference between the provider’s charge and what your plan pays (balance billing). Check with your provider before you get services.
  • Behavioral health benefits are provided through Anthem Blue Cross.
  • See updated information about coverage for COVID tests.

Best fit for you if:

  • You want to pay no monthly premium
  • You want direct access to all providers without need for referrals
  • You are willing to risk incurring high out-of-pocket costs
  • You want coverage when you are traveling or living abroad
  • You and/or your family members live outside California

Understanding your costs

UC pays the entire premium for CORE; there is no additional premium cost to you. When choosing a plan, make sure to consider all your costs — including what you can expect to pay out-of-pocket for care. ALEX will ask you a few questions to help you estimate how much you may need to spend.

There is a deductible of $3,000 per covered person. The annual out-of-pocket maximum is $6,350 for individual coverage and $12,700 for family coverage.

When you’re ready to enroll in Medicare

UC Medicare PPO is considered the “partner plan” of CORE. That means that if you are a retiree enrolled in CORE, you’ll be transferred into UC Medicare PPO when you turn 65, once Medicare has approved your enrollment form. 

Employee benefits

Plan documents

Plan contacts

More information