Dear Benefits Eligible Colleagues,
I wanted to provide you with an important update regarding the contract negotiations between Anthem and UC Health System (UC Health). On Oct. 12, 2023, both parties came to an agreement to extend healthcare coverage under the existing contract to March 1, 2024. This extension past the original date of Dec. 31, 2023, provides Anthem with additional time to reach a comprehensive agreement on all terms and rates with UC Health.
Anthem and UC Health remain committed to finalizing all the necessary terms and rates by Dec. 31, 2023, for an effective date of Jan. 1, 2024.
What does this mean for you?
- If an agreement is reached on or before Dec. 31, 2023:
No action is required by you.
- If an agreement is not reached on or before Dec. 31, 2023:
For Anthem members enrolled in the HMO plan, Anthem would send out letters to all plan members in early Jan. 2024, advising that UC Health would no longer be in-network. Members who have UCLA primary care providers (PCPs) or are using the UCLA network could continue to use UCLA providers and services through Feb. 29, 2024. Those members not currently using the UCLA network would no longer have access to UCLA providers and services, starting Jan. 1, 2024.
For Anthem members enrolled in the PPO and HealthSave plans, UCLA services would be considered out-of-network starting March 1, 2024. PPO and HealthSave members could continue to use UCLA services under their existing out-of-network coverage after March 1, 2024.
Anthem and UC Health remain dedicated to achieving a comprehensive agreement by the end of this calendar year and strive to secure a new contract agreement moving forward.
Your understanding and support during this continuing process are greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to LMU Human Resources at hr@lmu.edu.
With appreciation,
Nancy L. Pluzdrak
Vice President, Human Resources
