Administered by Health Net

UC Blue & Gold is an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) with a custom network of providers created exclusively for UC. The Blue & Gold network includes all UC medical centers and medical groups, along with coverage in 30 California counties.

See updated information about coverage for COVID tests.

New for 2024

  • Monthly premium costs for employees are increasing by around 15% (for coverage that includes a spouse or spouse and children) and up to 18% (for self-coverage).
  • FDA-approved over-the-counter contraceptive drugs and devices will have $0 cost-share and no prescription requirement.
  • Copays will be eliminated for in-network vasectomy services.
  • Behavioral health services under your Health Net plan will no longer be administered through Managed Health Network (MHN). You will see references instead to Health Net Behavioral Health. There will be no change to your current providers, the provider network, or the coverage and services available. You will continue to have the same wide network of counselors, therapists and other professionals offering both in-person and virtual visits.
  • The ShareCare diabetes prevention program will replace Omada.
  • Leapfrog, Cal Hospital Compare, and Sapphire will be available as hospital advisor tools, replacing WebMD.

How the plan works

  • You choose a doctor in the Blue & Gold HMO network to coordinate your care and refer you to a specialist when you need one.
  • You pay a copayment for prescription drugs and some services.
  • The plan covers the cost of services only if your medical group authorizes them.
  • UC Blue & Gold provides coverage for services outside of your medical group only in cases of emergency and urgently needed services.
  • In-network behavioral health benefits are provided by Health Net Behavioral Health.

Best fit for you if:

  • You and the family members you cover live in California
  • You want low, predictable out-of-pocket costs
  • You like having one doctor manage your care
  • You are happy with the selection of providers

Monthly plan costs — 2024

2024 retiree plan costs chart »

Faculty and staff

Pay Band
(full-time salary rate)
Self Self +
Child(ren)
Self +
Adult
Family
$68,000 and under $99.69 $178.33 $280.64 $358.63
$68,001–$136,000 $144.81 $259.03 $380.55 $493.80
$136,001–$204,000 $191.10 $341.83 $470.10 $619.48
$204,001 and above $239.04 $427.59 $562.87 $749.68
Rates for union-represented employees are subject to ongoing collective bargaining as appropriate.

Typical out-of-pocket costs

  • Office visit, urgent care or MinuteClinic: $20 (preventive care has no charge)
  • Emergency room: $125 
  • Hospital stay: $250
  • Prescription drugs: $5 generic; $25 brand name; $40 non-formulary

About UC Medicare Choice

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

To learn more about UC Medicare Choice, visit retiree.uhc.com/uc to watch a prerecorded presentation on enrolling in the plan.