UC Care for retirees

For 2026, UC Care will be administered by Blue Shield of California (medical) and Navitus (pharmacy); supported by Accolade Health Care Advocate

UC Care is a PPO plan created just for UC to ensure the best possible access to world-class UC hospitals and physicians.

For convenience and flexibility, you also have access to the Anthem Preferred network of providers through 2025 and the Blue Shield network of providers beginning in 2026, and coverage for non-network providers.

The information below is a summary. See plan documents for details.

Full Full eligibility available
Mid Mid eligibility available
Core Core eligibility available
Retirees Retirees eligibility available

On this page:

New for 2026
How the plan works
Best fit for you?
Understanding your costs
Enrolling in Medicare

New for 2026

Blue Shield is replacing Anthem

Blue Shield of California is replacing Anthem Blue Cross as the administrator of UC’s PPO plans — HealthSavings+ and UC Care. With a large national network, Blue Shield will offer broad provider choice that includes UC Health providers. Navitus will continue to administer your pharmacy benefits, and Accolade Care Advocates will continue to help you find care — virtual or in-person — book appointments and more.

In early October, Blue Shield began reaching out to people whose providers are no longer in your plan’s network to help with the transition.

To confirm your provider’s participation, use the Blue Shield provider search tool or call Accolade at (866) 406-1182.

Premiums will change for more equity across plans

In the past, UC covered a larger share of the total cost for Kaiser HMO compared to other plans with similar benefits. Beginning next year, UC is balancing premiums across similar health plans. Plans with provider choice, including in-network UC Health providers, will be more affordable overall. Premiums for represented employees will be implemented consistent with applicable collective bargaining agreements and the law.

Coverage for weight loss medications will be more limited

Coverage of medications such as GLP-1s for weight loss will be limited to individuals with a body mass index of 40 or above. Some exceptions may be possible for those continuing a course of treatment. UC medical plans will continue to cover GLP-1 medications for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Please see your plan documents for details.

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 UC Select or Anthem Preferred networks (transitioning to Blue Shield next year).
Annual out-of-pocket maximums limit what you pay. If you reach the annual maximum, the plan pays 100% of your covered medical costs for the rest of the year.
Behavioral health benefits are provided through Anthem Blue Cross (transitioning to Blue Shield next year).
Learn more about getting care outside California and the U.S.
See updated information about coverage for COVID tests.

Understanding your costs

When choosing a plan, make sure to consider all your costs, including your monthly premiums and what you can expect to pay out-of-pocket for care. ALEX will ask you a few questions to help you estimate how much you may need to spend.

Learn more about what you pay for care on the UC Faculty and Staff PPO plans website.

Typical out-of-pocket costs*

UC Select network (available only in California): You pay set copayments for covered services and there’s no deductible. The annual out-of-pocket maximum is $6,100 for individual coverage and $9,700 for family coverage.
- Office visits/urgent care: $30
- Emergency room visits: $300
- Hospital stay: $250
- Navitus network pharmacies:
  - Tier 1: $10
  - Tier 2: $30
  - Tier 3: $50
Anthem Preferred network (transitioning to Blue Shield next year): You pay 30% of the cost of service after the deductible has been met.
- Individual coverage: $500 deductible; $7,600 out-of-pocket maximum
- Coverage for a family of three or more: $1,000 deductible; $14,200 out-of-pocket maximum
Non-preferred or out-of-network: After the deductible has been met, you pay 50% of the allowable cost of service plus any billed charges that exceed the allowed amount.
- Individual coverage: $750 deductible; $9,600 out-of-pocket maximum
- Coverage for a family of three or more: $1,750 deductible; $20,200 out-of-pocket maximum

*UC Care deductible and out-of-pocket maximums do not cross-accumulate for in-network and out-of-network services. The UC Select and Anthem Preferred (transitioning to Blue Shield next year) out-of-pocket maximum do cross-accumulate.

Monthly premium costs for faculty and staff in 2025

Pay Band (full-time salary rate)	Self	Self + Child(ren)	Self + Adult	Family
$71,000 and under	$232.12	$414.73	$561.18	$744.42
$71,001–$140,000	$284.54	$508.41	$676.92	$901.51
$140,001–$210,000	$344.68	$615.86	$795.26	$1,067.18
$210,001 and above	$401.43	$717.27	$904.74	$1,221.33

Monthly premium costs for retirees in 2025

Open Enrollment: Big changes for 2026

Thursday, Oct. 30 through Friday, Nov. 21, 2025

Visit the Open Enrollment website

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