In order to improve the delivery of services and to standardize care, UC is making an important change to mental heath and substance abuse benefits in 2008.

Beginning in January, mental health and substance abuse benefits will be provided by United Behavioral Health (UBH) for all non-Medicare plans except Core*, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic and Kaiser Umbrella. This may change the providers available to you in for some plans, add coverage to other plans and provide consistency of care across all UC-sponsored medical plans. UBH has a comprehensive nationwide provider network and they require all intake staff to be Masters' level-prepared and Care Advocate staff to be licensed mental health clinicians.

Below are some of the changes employees and retirees can expect based on this decision:

• UBH will cover the first three in-network mental health visits for all plans without a copayment for services.
• The behavioral health provider for Health Net and Western Health Advantage members will change to United Behavioral Health (UBH).
• UBH will also provide the behavioral health benefits for the new CIGNA Choice Fund.
• All plans with UBH except Blue Cross PPO* will provide in-network benefits only. Blue Cross PPO* members will be covered for out-of-network benefits.
• Kaiser Permanente - California members will have access to Kaiser Permanente - California behavioral health benefit plus the UBH in-network benefits.
• Employees and retirees in Medicare Advantage plans (Health Net Seniority Plus, Kaiser Senior Advantage - California and Mid-Atlantic States and WHA Care+) will not have UBH benefits; Medicare and the respective health plan will provide the mental health and substance abuse benefits.
• Behavioral health benefits are being added to the Core* plan and will be offered by BC Life & Health Insurance Company. Both in-network and out-of-network providers are covered.
• If you receive treatment that continues into 2008 with a provider who is not in the UBH network, you may be eligible for a "transition of care" benefit. If receiving outpatient care call UBH at 1-888-440-UCAL (8225) between November 1, 2007 and January 31, 2008 for certification of the transition of care benefit. The transition of care benefit allows for continued treatment with the same provider for up to six months. If the treatment received is in a facility (either inpatient or "intermediate" such as residential, partial/day, intensive outpatient) and begins prior to January 1, 2008 and continues uninterrupted into 2008, no action is required. UBH, the facility, and your current health plan will work together to ensure there is a smooth transition and coordination of care.

Additional information about these changes will be provided during the upcoming Open Enrollment period.

* Blue Cross PPO is offered by Blue Cross of California®. Core is offered by BC Life & Health Insurance Company.

Blue Cross of California® and BC Life & Health Insurance Company are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association (BCA). The Blue Cross name and symbol are registered service marks of the Blue Cross Association.