News

Perlman Medical Group will leave Anthem Blue Cross’s Commercial HMO network effective January 1, 2027. The change follows the termination of the CaliforniaCare HMO agreement and affects members in San Diego County. Approximately 70% of impacted Small Group members will be reassigned to the same or an alternative office through the UCSD-Perlman Medical Group agreement, while the remaining 30% will transition to another in-network HMO provider group in their area. Anthem mailed notification letters to impacted members on November 2 and will issue new ID cards no later than five days before January 1, 2027. The cards will identify the member’s newly assigned medical group and provide its phone number. While plan benefits will remain unchanged, affiliated hospitals and specialists may differ under the new medical group. Members should review their new primary care physician and provider assignments and use Sydney Health or Anthem’s Find Care tool to confirm network access. Brokers should encourage affected clients to review their new assignments before January 1, particularly members receiving ongoing care or who want to maintain relationships with specific physicians, specialists, or hospitals. Perlman Clinic’s 2027 guidance also indicates that Commercial HMO patients may have in-network Perlman Clinic options through certain medical group arrangements after January 1, making it important to verify the member’s specific health plan and medical group before making changes.

Blue Shield of California plans to introduce a refreshed member ID card design beginning November 19, 2026, with a simplified layout intended to make important information easier for members and providers to locate. While the cards will have a new appearance, the redesign will not change members’ plans, benefits, provider networks, primary care physicians, or access to care. The ID card effective date will be removed, while the primary care physician effective date will remain when applicable. Members will begin seeing the new design on their digital ID cards as the update rolls out. Physical cards will continue to be issued only when otherwise needed, such as after certain plan or primary care physician changes, so members will not automatically receive a new card solely because of the redesign. When new PPO cards are issued, households will receive three copies instead of two. Members receiving a new physical card will also receive an information letter in their preferred language explaining how to use the card and where to find additional information online. Brokers and employer groups do not need to take any action as part of the transition. Current replacement card processes will also remain unchanged. Members can access their most current digital ID card through their Blue Shield of California online account or mobile app, where it can be viewed, downloaded, printed, or shared with providers.

Effective January 1, 2027, UC San Diego Health and its affiliates will no longer participate in UnitedHealthcare’s Harmony Network in San Diego County. The change affects members enrolled in plans using the Harmony Network who currently receive care from UCSD providers. UCSD and its affiliates will remain available through the UnitedHealthcare Alliance Network. Impacted members are being contacted directly with information about the change and available options. Members undergoing active treatment may also qualify for Continuity of Care, which could allow them to temporarily continue treatment with certain UCSD providers when clinically appropriate. Brokers should work with affected groups early, particularly those renewing January 1, to identify members who rely on UCSD physicians, hospitals, or specialists and evaluate available network alternatives. Members can verify current provider participation through myuhc.com or contact UnitedHealthcare Customer Care using the number on their ID card. Groups that want to maintain broader access to UCSD should review applicable network options, including the Alliance Network, as part of their renewal discussions.