Anthem to replace OptumRx for PPO pharmacy benefits in 2018
August 14, 2017 •
Effective Jan. 1, 2018, Anthem Blue Cross will administer pharmacy benefits for all of UC’s preferred provider organization (PPO) medical plans. This change will affect faculty, staff and retirees enrolled in the following PPO plans:
- Core
- UC Care
- UC Health Savings Plan
- UC High Option Supplement to Medicare
- UC Medicare PPO with Rx
Anthem currently administers medical and behavioral health benefits for UC’s PPO plans, and will continue in that role in 2018.
The decision to shift from OptumRx to Anthem for 2018 followed consultations with faculty, staff and retiree groups, as well as the approval of senior managers within both UC Health and UCOP Human Resources. Although UC and OptumRx have worked hard to improve member experience and to address problems with enrollment and authorizations, UC determined that Anthem would be a better fit as pharmacy benefits administrator for UC’s PPO plans moving forward.
UC is finalizing implementation details with Anthem, working to ensure as smooth a transition as possible for PPO members. More information and answers to your questions will be provided as soon as they’re available, and highlighted in Open Enrollment materials.
OptumRx will continue as the pharmacy benefits administrator for UC’s PPO plans through 2017. If you have questions about your current PPO pharmacy benefits, visit the OptumRx website or call OptumRx at 855-798-4682.
