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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.

  • Full Full eligibility not available
  • Mid Mid eligibility not available
  • Core Core eligibility not available
  • Retirees Retirees eligibility not available

How the plan works

See complete plan information on the UC Medicare Supplement PPO plans website. Here’s a summary:

  • 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.

Learn more about your costs for care on the UC Medicare Supplement PPO plans website.

Monthly premium costs for retirees in 2026 Monthly premium costs for retirees in 2025

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.