Dear Benefits Eligible Colleagues,
I am writing to share potential changes that may impact your health care coverage. Please note this is only relevant for those Anthem Blue Cross members who use UCLA services.
Human Resources was recently made aware that some of our Anthem HMO participants who utilize a UCLA physician may have recently received a communication from UC Health System stating that effective December 31, 2023, UCLA will no longer be an in-network provider for HMO and PPO participants. PPO participants would still have the option to use UCLA as an out-of-network provider.
I recognize the frustration and uncertainty this may be causing, in light of what we just went through with Aetna and their contract negotiations with the UC system last year.
LMU senior leadership recently met with Anthem senior leadership, and I wish to share with you what Anthem has shared with us. Anthem is currently in mutual, good faith contract discussions with UC Health System, as the current contract agreement is set to expire on January 1, 2024. LMU is not a party to these negotiations. These contract discussions are a standard, normal and routine part of the health care industry.
During these negotiations, there is no impact to Anthem members, as they can continue to see their UC Health doctors and utilize UC Health facilities. Anthem understands reliable access to quality health care, in addition to affordability, is of the utmost importance to all of their members and customers, which is why they continue to actively engage with UC Health in an effort to reach a new agreement. As a long-time trusted health partner, Anthem has been serving Californians for more than 85 years and is committed to continuing its relationship with UC Health and it is their intent to reach reasonable contractual language and reimbursement rates that are beneficial to both organizations.
Thank you again for your continued patience as Anthem works to resolve these negotiations. We want you to be aware of this situation so you can make the best healthcare choices, and we will continue to update you as we learn more. In the meantime, please contact LMU Human Resources at hr@lmu.edu with any general benefits questions.
With appreciation,
Nancy L. Pluzdrak
Vice President, Human Resources
