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UC Care for retirees

UC Care is 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 Blue Shield network of providers, as well as 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

How the plan works

For questions about medical coverage, claims, finding providers and more, start with Accolade. Call (866) 406-1182 (Monday–Friday, 5 a.m.–8 p.m. PT) or visit the Accolade member portal.

For questions about prescription drug coverage and costs, call Navitus Customer Care at (833) 837-4308 or visit the Navitus member portal.

Register for a monthly Accolade webinar to learn how your PPO works and how Accolade can help. Find all your plan details on the UC Faculty and Staff PPO plans website.

Best fit for you if:

  • You want direct access to most providers without a referral
  • You want no deductible and fixed copays for using providers in the Tier 1 (UC Select) network
  • You want coverage when you are traveling or living abroad
  • You and/or your family members live outside California

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.

Monthly premium costs for retirees in 2026

Enrolling in Medicare

UC Medicare PPO is considered the “partner plan” of UC Care. That means that if you are a retiree enrolled in UC Care, you’ll be transferred into UC Medicare PPO when you turn 65, once Medicare has approved your enrollment form.