UC Systemwide Human Resources recently learned of a change in provider authorization processes next year for UC Medicare Choice members who see UCSF Health providers. Because provider choice is a critical part of choosing a medical plan, the Open Enrollment deadline for retirees has been extended until Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, at 5 p.m. to allow you more time to understand your options.
If you would like to make a change, you can do so through your UC Retirement At Your Service (UCRAYS) account — whether you submitted elections during the regular Open Enrollment period or not. See Retirees: How to enroll for detailed instructions.
If you’re happy with your choice of medical plans for 2024, you do not need to take any action.
What’s changing for UC Medicare Choice PPO members who see UCSF Health providers
UCSF Health has shared the following message for members of UC Medicare Choice PPO:
Because UCSF Health Medical Group is the only UC medical group not included in UnitedHealthcare’s network for the UC Medicare Choice – UnitedHealthcare plan, UCSF Health will seek Letters of Authorization (LOA) from UnitedHealthcare on behalf of UC retirees and their dependents for care provided by UCSF Health providers, beginning Jan. 1, 2024.
Despite this change, UC retirees and their dependents enrolled in UC Medicare Choice PPO will be able to schedule and keep their appointments with no change in access to care or charges for health care services.
If you have questions about whether an LOA will be required based on your specific medical care situation, please contact UCSF Health directly at (888) 689-8273 or Referral.Center@ucsf.edu.
If you have questions for UnitedHealthcare or need assistance in finding alternate providers, you can speak to a customer service representative at (866) 887-9533, Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
If you would like to learn more about your medical plan options, please review your options at ucal.us/oe. It may also be helpful for you to discuss your options with the health care facilitator at your location.
How to make a change (or another change)
If you choose to make a change, you may submit your Open Enrollment elections on UC Retirement At Your Service (UCRAYS) until Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, at 5 p.m.
Please note: You can change your elections through UCRAYS as often as you need to, up to the extended deadline. For example, if you elected a new plan and submitted a corresponding Medicare enrollment form during the standard Open Enrollment period, you have until the new deadline if you decide you want to change your election back to your current medical plan (the plan you have had in 2023). The Medicare enrollment form you submitted will be disregarded and no additional Medicare form will be needed.
If you’re not able to enroll online or need assistance, the UC Retirement Administration Service Center (RASC) has extended hours through the extended Open Enrollment deadline. Call (800) 888-8267 Mon.–Fri., 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m., to speak with a representative. Please note that the center will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday on Nov. 23–24.