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[August 24, 2007]
Earlier this year, UC put its medical plans out to bid in order to explore new options for sustaining quality benefits at competitive prices. UC recently announced the winning bidders and is in the process of finalizing rates and plan information.
Below are highlights of the changes in the 2008 medical plans:
- As a result of HMO consolidation, Health Net will be UC's only network HMO provider. PacifiCare and PacifiCare Secure Horizons will no longer be offered. However, Health Net and Health Net Seniority Plus offer very similar benefits and many of the same primary care doctors, specialists and hospitals. The Kaiser and WHA HMOs will continue to be offered.
- The High Option Plan* for retirees without Medicare will be discontinued. In order to remain in High Option*, all covered family members must have Medicare.
- UC will offer most retirees and covered adult family members new wellness benefits through StayWell.
- UC will offer enhanced and standardized mental health and substance abuse benefits to most retirees in non-Medicare plans and to all retirees in the Blue Cross PLUS* and Blue Cross PPO* plans through United Behavioral Health. UC will also add mental health and substance abuse benefits to the Core* medical plan through Blue Cross*.
- Most UC retirees will pay the same co-pays (for things like office visits and prescription drugs) in 2008 as they currently do in 2007.
- Final information and rates will be available in early fall. Open Enrollment will be held from November 1 to 27, 2007. This is when you should review your medical plan options and determine the one that best fits your needs.
These are just the highlights. For more information about the medical plan selection process, see the presentation posted here. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available. Retirees will also receive information about the medical plans and other insurance coverage in the fall issue of New Dimensions and in their Open Enrollment packet; both will mail in October.
* Blue Cross PLUS and Blue Cross PPO are offered by Blue Cross of CaliforniaŽ. High Option and Core are 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.