How to Enroll in the Postdoctoral Scholars Benefits Plan (PSBP)

1. All UC Postdocs, their spouse/partner and dependents are eligible to enroll in the PSBP, which includes medical, dental and vision coverage, short- term disability coverage, and life and AD&D insurance.
2. You must enroll within 31 days of your appointment date to avoid a delay in coverage. Click here for instructions on how to enroll.
3. If you have any questions about enrolling in benefits, contact the union at uaw5810@uaw5810.org or contact Gallagher Benefits Services (the benefits plan administrator) at UniversityServices.GBS.psbp@ajg.com

Making Plan Choices: Medical, Dental, Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance

Selecting a Medical Plan
You can choose between the Health Net HMO plan and the Health Net PPO plan. Click here for a summary of the benefits included in each plan and the differences between HMO and PPO plans. More detailed information on the medical plans is available here.

Selecting a Dental Plan
You can choose between the Health Net HMO plan and the Principal POS plan. Click here for a summary of the benefits included in each plan and the differences between HMO and POS plans. More detailed information on the dental plans is available here.

Vision Coverage, Life/AD&D Coverage and Disability Plans
You can elect to enroll in the Vision Plan at no extra cost. You are automatically enrolled in Life/AD&D Insurance and Short-Term Disability plans. When you are first hired as a Postdoc you can elect to enroll in the Long-Term Disability plan for $8.55 per month. More detailed information about these plans is available here.

Monthly Premium Rates
(effective 1/1/2023)Medical HMO/Medical PPO/DentalVision/Long-Term Disability

Using Your Benefits

Within a few weeks of enrolling you will receive your insurance cards in the mail. Even if you haven’t received your cards, your coverage starts on your appointment date. If you need to access care before you receive your insurance cards, contact Gallagher Benefits Services at 1-800-254-1758 or at UniversityServices.GBS.psbp@ajg.com

HMO Plans: If you select the Medical or Dental HMO plan, for treatment you must first see your Primary Care Provider, who acts as a gatekeeper for all of your care. Typical procedures tend to be less expensive than the PPO/POS plans; a summary of benefits and costs is available here for the HMO Medical plan and here for the HMO Dental plan. Except for emergencies, you can only see doctors or dentists that are included in the plan (also known as in-network), and you must obtain a referral from your PCP prior to any type of consultation or treatment with a Specialist.

PPO and POS Plans: PPO and POS offer more flexibility in provider choice than HMO plans but costs can be higher. Under these plans, there is no need to be assigned a Primary Care Provider and you may see both in-network and out-of-network providers without a referral. The in-network benefits are generally less expensive than out-of-network benefits. You can read cost and benefit summaries here for the Medical PPO plan and here for the Dental POS plan.

Selecting a Doctor or Dentist: Click here for provider directories for the Medical, Dental and Vision Plans. For the Medical and Dental HMO plans, you will be assigned a Primary Care Provider (PCP) at enrollment but you can change your PCP as frequently as once per month. To change your PCP, either register for an online account or call Health Net at 1-800-522-0088 (Medical HMO) or 1-800-445-9090 (Dental HMO).

Additional Benefits

Teladoc: 24/7 access to doctors via phone or secure video
Mental Health Coverage
Chiropractic Benefits
Sittercity: Child Care Referral Service

Problems/Questions Regarding Your Benefits?
If you have any problems with your benefits or questions, contact the Postdoc Union at uaw5810@uaw5810.org or 510-845-5726