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CORE PPO for retirees
CORE PPO for retirees
Administered by Anthem Blue Cross (medical) and Navitus (pharmacy); supported by Accolade Health Care Advocate
CORE is being replaced by HealthSavings+ in 2026. If you’re a CORE or UC Health Savings Plan member and do not choose another plan for 2026 during Open Enrollment, you and your currently enrolled family members will automatically be enrolled in HealthSavings+ if you’re eligible.
To confirm your provider’s participation, use the Blue Shield provider search tool or call Accolade at (866) 406-1182.
CORE is a high-deductible PPO plan that offers access to the Anthem Preferred network of providers, which includes UC’s world-class hospitals and physicians, and has coverage for non-network providers.
The information below is a summary. See plan documents for details.
To ensure medical costs are shared fairly, the CORE PPO plan now requires premium contributions for employees and retirees.
CORE can be paired with a Health Flexible Spending Account (Health FSA); it is not compatible with the Health Savings Account.
- Full Full eligibility available
- Mid Mid eligibility available
- Core Core eligibility available
- Retirees Retirees eligibility available
How the plan works:
Accolade helps you navigate your medical plan and is your first stop for questions about your benefits. You can reach Accolade at (866) 406-1182 (Monday–Friday, 5 a.m.–8 p.m. PT). Find all your plan details on the UC Faculty and Staff PPO plans website.
- You may choose any doctor or care facility, worldwide. You pay less for care within the Anthem Preferred network.
- If you use an out-of-network provider, you might receive a bill from a provider for the difference between the provider’s charge and what your plan pays (balance billing). Check with your provider before you get services.
- Behavioral health benefits are provided through Anthem Blue Cross.
- Learn more about getting care outside California and outside the U.S.
- See updated information about coverage for COVID tests.
Best fit for you if:
- You want a lower monthly premium
- You want direct access to all providers without need for referrals
- You are willing to risk incurring high out-of-pocket costs
- You want coverage when you are traveling or living abroad
- You and/or your family members live outside California
Understanding your costs
CORE is being replaced by HealthSavings+ in 2026. Compare your options to find the right plan for you and your family.
| Pay Band (full-time salary rate) | Self | Self + Child(ren) | Self + Adult | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $71,000 and under | $25.91 | $46.63 | $110.50 | $131.22 |
| $71,001–$140,000 | $73.02 | $131.43 | $218.05 | $276.46 |
| $140,001–$210,000 | $121.22 | $218.19 | $314.14 | $411.11 |
| $210,001 and above | $170.90 | $307.61 | $413.24 | $549.96 |
Note that out-of-network providers may charge you the difference between the provider’s charge and what your plan pays. Once you’ve met the deductible, you pay:
- Office visit/urgent care visit: 20% (in-network preventive care has no charge)
- Emergency room: 20%
- Hospital stay: 20%
- Prescription drugs: 20%
When you’re ready to enroll in Medicare
UC Medicare PPO is considered the “partner plan” of CORE. That means that if you are a retiree enrolled in CORE, you’ll be transferred into UC Medicare PPO when you turn 65, once Medicare has approved your enrollment form.
Plan documents and contacts
- Documents and forms
- UC Faculty and Staff PPO Plans website
- Accolade Health Care Advocate: 866-406-1182
- Navitus: 833-837-4308