Prescription drug plan coverage is available to everyone with Medicare. All Medicare prescription drug plans provide at least a standard level of coverage set by Medicare.

Creditable Coverage

The University of California has determined that the prescription drug coverage in the Anthem Blue Cross PLUS, Anthem Blue Cross PPO, Core CA Retiree with Medicare, High Option Supplement to Medicare, Health Net/Seniority Plus, Health Net Medicare COB, Kaiser Permanente/Senior Advantage-California, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic (KPMA), and Kaiser Umbrella plans is considered Creditable Coverage. This means the prescription drug coverage in these plans is expected to pay out as much as standard Medicare prescription drug coverage pays.

Under Medicare rules, if you drop or lose your current creditable coverage with the University of California and don’t join a Medicare drug plan within 63 days after your current coverage ends, you may pay a higher premium (a penalty) to join a Medicare drug plan later. You may be enrolled in only one Part D plan at any given time.

Non-Creditable Coverage

The University of California has determined that the prescription drug coverage in the following plans in not considered Creditable Coverage:

• PPO Medicare Without Prescription Drugs Plan
• CIGNA Choice Fund Plan (this plan is available to Medicare-eligible employees and dependents under limited circumstances)

This means the prescription drug coverage in these plans is NOT expected to pay out as much as standard Medicare prescription drug coverage pays.

• This is important to know because if, by the end of an individual’s Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) for Part D, the individual has not enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug plan and does not have creditable prescription drug coverage for any continuous period of 63 days or longer following the end of the IEP, the individual may have to pay a higher premium (a penalty) for late enrollment.
• Additionally, if you decide to join a Medicare drug plan, your University of California coverage in these plans will not be affected. You and your eligible dependents will still be eligible to receive all of your current health benefits

Quick Links

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