UC Health Stays In-Network for CalPERS Blue Shield Members

After months of negotiations, the University of California Health system and Blue Shield of California have reached a formal agreement.

The new contract allows CSR members enrolled in select CalPERS Blue Shield health plans to continue receiving in-network care at UC Health facilities.

With their previous contract set to expire on June 30, Blue Shield and UC Health extended the deadline twice as negotiations continued.

"We are thankful that an agreement has been reached,” CalPERS CEO Marcie Frost said. “The new deal means our members will be able to keep their doctors — some of whom they know and have trusted for years — and that their health care will continue without any disruptions in service.”

The agreement is pending approval from the California Department of Managed Health Care. It applies to members enrolled in the following CalPERS Blue Shield plans:

• PERS Platinum PPO

• PERS Gold PPO

• Blue Shield Access+ HMO and EPO

• Trio HMO

• Blue Shield Medicare Advantage PPO

In May, Blue Shield mailed letters to HMO members warning of potential network changes. However, with this new agreement, all six University of California medical centers and their affiliated clinics will remain in-network for the listed CalPERS plans.

CSR members with CalPERS Blue Shield coverage can continue accessing UC Health services without facing out-of-network costs.