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

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

New for 2023

All members — new and returning — will receive new ID cards for 2023 with contact information for Accolade and updated group numbers.
  • Accolade Health Care Advocate has replaced Anthem Health Guide for CORE, UC Care and UC Health Savings Plan members as the first point of contact for help with health benefits questions, big or small. 
  • Infertility coverage has been added, including IVF, GIFT, and ZIFT coverage with 50% coinsurance (after deductible), up to a combined limit of two treatment cycles per lifetime, per member. Infertility benefits will also include Artificial/Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Cycles, Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), and related services as well as infertility specialty medications. Benefits do not include coverage for expenses for surrogacy, fees associated with surrogacy, and expenses for procuring donated oocytes or sperm. All fertility services are subject to medical necessity and prior authorization.

How the plan works

  • You can choose any doctor or hospital you wish, worldwide, but Anthem Blue Cross PPO network providers cost less.
  • Preventive care from in-network providers is covered at 100% without the need to meet your deductible.
  • For all other services and prescriptions, you pay 100% of the cost until you meet the deductible ($3,000 for both in-network and out-of-network providers).
  • Once you meet the deductible, you pay 20%.
  • Annual out-of-pocket maximums ($6,350 individual/$12,700 family) limit what you pay. The calendar year deductible is included in the annual out-of-pocket maximum. If you reach the annual maximum, the plan pays 100% of your medical and prescription drug costs for the rest of the year.
  • Behavioral health services are provided by Anthem network providers.

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

Plan costs

UC pays the entire premium for CORE; there is no additional premium cost to you. 

Typical out-of-pocket costs

Once you’ve met the deductible, you pay:

  • Office visit/urgent care visit: 20% (preventive care from in-network providers has no charge)
  • Emergency room: 20%
  • Hospital stay: 20%
  • Prescription drugs: 20%