UC San Diego Health Care Facilitator Program

Learn about how this program can help you work with your health plans.

About the Health Care Facilitator Program 

The Health Care Facilitator Program is a free and confidential service available to faculty, staff, retirees, survivors and eligible family members. They can help you solve complex problems with your medical, dental or vision plan. Health care facilitators are best used to handle complex problems that you can’t solve on your own. 

Areas of Assistance

 Health Care Facilitator Program staff are trained to handle issues such as:

• Helping with billing problems for services which are covered by the health plan.
• Providing a detailed comparison of your benefit options when you have a complex medical condition.
• Intervening on your behalf with health plan representatives.
• Explaining how Medicare benefits coordinate with UC-sponsored medical plans.
• Completing the Request for Employment Information Form (CMS-L564 (PDF)) to enroll for Medicare Part B. 

Before you get in touch with your facilitator, try these other avenues first:

• Call the number on your ID card when you have questions about coverage, authorization requirements and provider networks.
• If you receive a bill, contact their office directly to verify they have your correct insurance information. Benefits plan contacts
• Review the Evidence of Coverage (EOC) booklet for detailed information of what’s covered and not covered. For more information, click here:
  • Medical Plans for Active Employees & Non-Medicare Retirees
  • Medical Plans for Medicare Retirees 

2026

• 2026 Online Retiree Health Plan Premium Estimator 
• Which medical plan is right for you? PDF 
• Which Medicare plan is right for you? PDF

Benefits Hub

Retiring on July 1? Will You or an Enrolled Family Member be Eligible for Medicare?

The University of California requires every prospective retiree—and any enrolled family members—to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B when you retire. This guide outlines the steps for signing up for Medicare and linking it to your UC‑sponsored retiree health plan. It includes essential information on the enrollment process, key resources, and tips to ensure you maintain comprehensive coverage throughout your transition to Medicare as a UC retiree.

When to Enroll

Begin your Medicare enrollment 60 days before your retirement date. Applying earlier than 60 days may result in the Social Security Administration rejecting your application.

For example:

• If your retirement date is July 1, you should start your Medicare application on May 1.

How to Enroll

You may enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B either:

• Online: through the Social Security Administration at https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up
• Schedule an appointment through your Local SS Officer Locator
• Apply by phone, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
  • Have personal information ready (SSN, birth date, employer info, CMS L564 if deferred)
  • Complete Medicare Part A & B application with SSA representative

Required Documentation

As part of your Medicare enrollment for Part B, Social Security must verify that you had continuous employer medical coverage after age 65. UC San Diego’s Health Care Facilitators (HCFs) can provide the required Medicare Request for Employment Information (CMS‑L564) form.

To request the form:

• Send the request for the CMS-L564 approximately one week before beginning Medicare enrollment.
• Where to Send: email HCFhelp@ucsd.edu
• Information to Include:
  • Separation date
  • Retirement date
  • If requesting the form for a spouse or domestic partner, list the full name of the individual.
• What NOT to Include: Do not provide Social Security Numbers or dates of birth in the email.

Medicare Effective Date

Request that your Medicare coverage start on the first day of the month following the end of your UC employee coverage.

Example:

• Separation date: June 29
• Retirement date: July 1
• UC employee coverage ends: July 31
• Medicare should begin: August 1

Receiving Your Medicare ID Card

Medicare typically issues your ID card within 4–6 weeks of enrollment. If needed sooner, you may download a Benefit Verification Letter from your Social Security online account once your enrollment has been processed.

Assigning Medicare to Your UC Retiree Plan

If you plan to continue UC-sponsored retiree health coverage, you must assign your Medicare benefits to your UC Medicare plan.

Once you or your spouse receive: 

• Your Medicare ID card, or
• A Benefit Verification Letter showing both Part A and Part B effective dates,

You must then complete the appropriate UBEN form for your UC-sponsored Medicare plan.

• Kaiser → Kaiser Sr. Advantage - UBEN 127: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/forms/pdf/uben-127.pdf
• UC Blue & Gold → UC Medicare Choice PPO - UBEN 121: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/forms/pdf/uben-121.pdf
• UC Care → UC Medicare PPO - UBEN 123: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/forms/pdf/uben-123.pdf

UBEN forms, along with a copy of your Medicare ID card or Benefit Award Letter, must be submitted to the Retirement Administration Service Center (RASC). You may send these documents securely through your UC Retirement At Your Service (UCRAYS) account using the secure message feature, or you may submit them by fax at 1‑800‑792‑5178.

Retirement Resources:

• Medicare at Retirement Enrollment Checklist PDF 
• Frequently asked questions about Medicare
• How to Pay Part A & Part B premiums | Medicare
• 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums
• 2026 Online UC Retiree Health Plan Premium Estimator 
• Retiree Health Plans
• Retirement Planning Webinars and Recordings

Virtual Presentation: Health Insurance After You Retire

This presentation will explain UC’s retiree health and welfare benefits; which benefits can continue into retirement; eligibility for retiree health benefits; the cost of retiree health benefits and what UC requires of you when you become eligible for Medicare. The Health Care Facilitator will also provide resources for those who do not qualify for UC’s retiree health and welfare benefits.

Occurrence: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Meeting URL: https://ucsd.zoom.us/j/98609117178 
Meeting ID: 986 0911 7178
Call-in: (669) 219-2599 

• Watch the video recording "Health Insurance After You Retire" presentation (2026 version)
• 2026 Download "Health Insurance After You Retire" presentation slides (PDF)

HCF Calendar of Events

More Information