Administered by Anthem Blue Cross

This medical plan is a complement to your Medicare Parts A and B coverage; you must receive services from Medicare providers.

It is offered to those who have Medicare-coordinated medical insurance through UC and Part D prescription drug coverage through a non-UC plan (another group health plan, former employer or individual Part D plan). You may enroll in this plan if:

  1. All covered members are enrolled in Medicare, and
  2. Documentation of enrollment in a creditable* insurance plan that covers prescription drugs is provided. (Coverage cannot be a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan.)

*A creditable plan is one that the coverage is expected to pay on average as much as the standard Medicare prescription drug coverage.

How the plan works

  • You can choose any Medicare doctor or hospital you wish; providers who accept Medicare assignment cost less.
  • Medicare pays benefits first. Then this plan calculates benefits on the Medicare allowable amount, less what Medicare paid.
  • The plan covers some services that Medicare does not cover (called Benefits Beyond Medicare). The plan covers 80% of Anthem allowed charges for these services. See the plan benefits booklet for more details.
  • If you see a provider that does not accept Medicare assignment, they can bill you for up to 15% over the Medicare allowable rate.
  • Behavioral health benefits are provided by Anthem Blue Cross and Medicare. Members are covered for outpatient services not covered by Medicare from all in-network and out-of-network licensed behavioral health providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, MFTs and MFCCs. Please check with your providers to be sure they are available under this plan.
  • Before you travel, call the Anthem Health Guide to learn about your benefits outside of the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, provided through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core® Program. If you need assistance while you’re out of the country, the Global Core service center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (800) 810-BLUE (2583), or you can call them collect at (804) 673-1177. Keep your ID card handy (in your wallet or on your phone) when you travel to help you get the care you need.

Best fit for you if:

  • You have creditable*, non-UC Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage through another group health plan or an individual Part D plan that you purchased
  • You want direct access to Medicare providers without need for referrals
  • You are willing to pay variable costs per service

Plan costs

2024 retiree plan costs chart»

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.