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

This medical plan is a complement to your existing Medicare coverage; you must receive services from Medicare providers.

See updated information about coverage for COVID tests.

Changes for 2024

Prescription Drug Part D TrOOP (true out-of-pocket) maximums will increase from $7,400 to $8,000 for 2024. Copayments for certain services will increase slightly for low-income subsidy-eligible Medicare enrollees.

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 your provider does not accept Medicare assignment, they can bill you for up to 15% over the Medicare allowable rate.
  • Behavioral health services are provided by Anthem Blue Cross and Medicare. 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 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 want direct access to Medicare providers without the 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.