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UC High Option Supplement to Medicare

Administered by Anthem Blue Cross (medical) and Navitus (pharmacy)

UC High Option is a Medicare supplement plan, covering costs Medicare does not cover.

Changes for 2025:

  • Prescription drug copays will increase by $5-$15 for a 30-day supply across Tiers 1-3.
  • Inflation Reduction Act provisions for 2025 will cap the out-of-pocket prescription drug cost limit at $2,000 for Medicare Part D members, eliminate the coverage gap phase (or the “donut hole”), and introduce an option to pay for prescription costs in monthly installments. 
  • Full Full eligibility not available
  • Mid Mid eligibility not available
  • Core Core eligibility not available
  • Retirees Retirees eligibility not available

How the plan works

  • You must use Medicare providers.
  • You’ll pay less if your health care provider accepts the Medicare-allowed amount as full payment for a covered service. This is called “accepting Medicare assignment.”
  • Medicare pays first for the services it covers. Then UC High Option pays a portion, or all, of the remaining cost based on the plan benefit and the Medicare-approved amount for that service. 
  • You pay the deductible ($50 per member) for services that are covered by the plan but not by Medicare.
  • Behavioral health benefits are provided by Medicare and Anthem Blue Cross. Members are covered for outpatient services not covered by Medicare from all in- and out-of-network licensed behavioral health providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, MFTs and MFCCs. Please check with your provider to be sure they are available under this plan.
  • See updated information about coverage for COVID tests.

Best fit for you if:

  • You are willing to pay higher premiums for nearly 100% coverage.
  • You want direct access to Medicare providers without the need for referrals.

Understanding your costs

UC High Option Supplement has a deductible of $50 for services not covered by Medicare. The out-of-pocket maximum for medical benefits is $1,050.

Monthly premium costs for 2025 Monthly premium costs for retirees for 2024

Moving outside California?

UC offers a Medicare Coordinator Program (administered by Via Benefits) to retirees and to families whose members are all eligible for or enrolled in Medicare and live in a state outside California.

Plan contacts

  • UC Health Plans website
  • Anthem Health Guide: 844-437-0486
  • Anthem Behavioral Health: 844-792-5141
  • Navitus Medicare Rx: 833-837-4309