University of California
UCnet
What are you looking for?

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 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.

The information below is a summary. See plan documents for details.

To ensure medical costs are shared fairly, the CORE PPO plan now requires premium contributions for employees and retirees.

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 a lower 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

The CORE PPO plan will require a premium contribution for employees and retirees in 2025. CORE members should consider carefully if that plan best fits their needs. 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.

Monthly premium costs for retirees

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 (2025)

Plan contacts

More information