As part of Intel’s ongoing efforts to align our healthcare offerings with the needs of our employees and the company, we periodically review our benefit plans to ensure they continue to remain effective and sustainable. After careful consideration, we have made the decision to discontinue Kaiser Permanente Connected Care, Kaiser Permanente HMO, and Kaiser Permanente DHMO plans, effective Jan. 1, 2027.
In addition, Providence Health Plan will discontinue Connected Care Providence for 2027. This change is the result of a Providence decision, not an Intel decision. While Providence medical options will no longer be offered, you may still have access to Providence providers—more than 99% of Providence doctors and facilities are expected to remain available and in-network through the Anthem medical options for 2027.
Review the additional information below to prepare you for the transition and help you make well-informed decisions about your healthcare benefits.
Why is Intel discontinuing Kaiser plans?
- Intel periodically reviews benefit plans to ensure they remain effective and sustainable for both employees and the company. After careful consideration, this decision aligns our healthcare offerings with evolving needs.
When do Kaiser plans end?
- All Kaiser Permanente medical and dental plans in Oregon and California will be discontinued on Jan. 1, 2027.
Which Kaiser plans are being discontinued?
- Kaiser Permanente Connected Care (OR), Kaiser Permanente HMO (CA) and Kaiser Permanente DHMO (OR) plans will all end Dec. 31, 2026.
What is changing with Providence?
- Providence has announced that it intends to sell Providence Health Plan (the division that provides plans to employers and individuals). As a result of the Providence decision, Intel’s Connected Care Providence HDHP and Connected Care Providence Primary Care Plus will not be available for the 2027 plan year.
- Importantly: Providence's doctors and facilities will continue to be available through the Anthem network
Is this an Intel decision?
- No. This change is driven by Providence’s decision to sell its Providence Health Plan division and their communicated inability to support the Intel Connected Care Providence options in 2027.
Is my current Connected Care Providence coverage changing now?
- No. There is no change to coverage today. Employees enrolled in Connected Care Providence for 2026 will continue with the same coverage for the full plan year.
- Over 99% of Providence providers remain available through Anthem.
- For 2027, employees may choose an Anthem PCP or Anthem HDHP plan.
This transition allows continuity of care despite Connected Care Providence options ending in 2027.
What is staying the same?
A significant amount remains unchanged, and this was already planned as part of Intel’s care delivery strategy:
- Providence medical groups, providers, hospitals and facilities remain in the Oregon market.
- Over 99% of current Providence providers are in-network through Anthem.
This change affects the medical plan options available, not the Providence providers or facilities.
What medical plans will be available in Oregon for 2027 Annual Enrollment?
For 2027 Annual Enrollment (Oct. 2026), Intel medical options in Oregon will be:
- Anthem Primary Care Plus (PCP).
- Anthem High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).
- Anthem-Intel site: learn more about the plans, coverages, and networks.
Through Anthem, employees may continue receiving care from most Providence providers as well as access the broader Anthem provider network across Oregon.
Can employees continue seeing their Providence doctors in 2027?
Yes, in most cases.
- Over 99% of Providence providers are currently in-network with Anthem.
- Employees can remain with Providence providers while enrolled in an Anthem medical option.
- Employees also gain access to a broader Anthem provider network in Oregon.
As with any plan year, employees are encouraged to confirm provider participation during Annual Enrollment (Oct. 2026).
How can employees check if their provider is in-network with Anthem?
Employees can:
- Use the Provider Search Tool (using these instructions)
- Call Anthem Health Guides at 1-800-811-2711
What does this mean for employees currently enrolled in Connected Care Kaiser?
There is no change to current 2026 Kaiser coverage. This FAQ is early notice related to 2027 health plan options only. This aligns with what was already planned:
- Kaiser members were expected to transition into either the Providence or Anthem medical options.
- Through Anthem, Providence providers remain accessible because over 99% of Providence providers are part of the Anthem Oregon network.
- For 2027 Annual Enrollment (Oct. 2026), Kaiser members will select either Anthem PCP or Anthem HDHP.
Do employees need to take action now?
No action is required at this time.
This FAQ is for awareness and planning purposes only. Employees will make medical elections during 2027 Annual Enrollment (Oct. 2026).
Where should employees direct questions?
Employees should be directed to:
- AskHR for questions on this change
- Anthem Health Guides at 1-800-811-2711 for provider and network support
Is the Progyny benefit ending?
Progyny is not a health plan benefit. It is a fertility vendor that Providence contracted with to administer fertility services. That vendor relationship will end on December 31, 2026, along with the Providence medical plans.
If I enroll in Anthem, will Anthem provide fertility coverage?
Yes. The Intel fertility benefit remains available under Anthem. While Anthem does not use Progyny as its fertility claims administrator, eligible members will continue to have access to Intel's fertility benefit and should work with Anthem to identify in-network fertility providers.
Contact the Anthem Health Guide: 800-811-2711 Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. PST
Will the fertility benefit change when I move from Providence to Anthem?
No. The fertility benefit remains the same:
- $40,000 lifetime maximum for fertility medical services
- $20,000 lifetime maximum for fertility prescription drugs
How do I find a fertility provider after transitioning to Anthem?
Once enrolled in Anthem, contact Anthem directly or use Anthem's provider directory to locate in-network fertility providers.
Contact the Anthem Health Guide: 800 811-2711 Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. PST
Will my fertility lifetime maximum reset when I move to Anthem?
No. The fertility benefit is a lifetime maximum. Any amounts previously used under Providence/Progyny will continue to apply after you transition to Anthem and will not reset.
I am currently receiving fertility treatment through Progyny. What should I do?
We encourage you to contact Anthem as soon as possible to understand your provider options and discuss any ongoing treatment needs before your transition to Anthem coverage.
Contact the Anthem Health Guide: 800 811-2711 Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. PST
What happens in 2027?
For 2027 Annual Enrollment (Oct. 2026), Intel medical options in Oregon will be:
- Anthem Primary Care Plus (PCP).
- Anthem High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).
- Anthem-Intel site: learn more about the plans, coverages, and networks.
Through Anthem, employees may continue receiving care from most Providence providers as well as access the broader Anthem provider network across Oregon.
View dental options for 2027 through Delta Dental on the Dental & Vision Education Module.
Will I have to change doctors, dentists and/or providers?
Providence members: In most cases, employees can continue seeing their Providence providers. Over 99% of Providence providers are currently in-network with Anthem . Employees can remain with Providence providers while enrolled in an Anthem medical option. Employees also gain access to a broader Anthem provider network in Oregon. As with any plan year, employees are encouraged to confirm provider participation during Annual Enrollment (Oct. 2026).
Kaiser members: Yes. Kaiser Permanente operates as a closed network, which means you must be enrolled in a Kaiser health plan to access Kaiser providers, facilities, and pharmacies. Because Kaiser coverage will no longer be available beyond 2026, current Kaiser members will not be able to continue receiving care from Kaiser providers or facilities in 2027 under the new plans.
Exception – Transition of Care (TOC): In certain situations, you may be able to continue care with a Kaiser provider for a limited period of time through a Transition of Care (TOC) request. Kaiser has confirmed they will not accept out-of-network care unless there is an approved TOC agreement in place between Kaiser and your new health plan. TOC is typically granted for specific conditions, such as ongoing treatment for serious or complex medical needs. Transition of Care >
Key details:
- When: Jan. 1, 2027
- Why: Kaiser providers won't be covered in-network under any Intel healthcare plans starting in 2027
- What to do: You'll need to select new in-network providers under your chosen Intel healthcare or dental plan if you want to maximize your coverage benefits.
What support will Intel provide during this transition?
- Intel is committed to providing information and support to help you navigate this transition. This page will continuously be updated as more information and resources become available. Additional resources can be found here.
When should I start planning for the change?
You can now begin exploring plans and providers.
Medical:
- Anthem Primary Care Plus (PCP).
- Anthem High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).
- Anthem-Intel site: learn more about the plans, coverages, and networks.
Dental:
How do I find new doctors and providers?
- During annual enrollment, you'll receive information about in-network providers for available plans. Please see these additional resources to learn about our options and available support during the transition.
Step 1: Evaluate your medical needs
- Review your current treatment plan, medications, and provider relationships.
- Determine if you have complex or acute care needs.
- Understand if Transition of Care (TOC) is applicable to your medical needs.
*Providence members are unlikely to need Transition of Care (TOC) support if they are retaining their current providers.
Step 2: Maintenance prescriptions
To make sure you have the medications you need during the transition:
- Refill your maintenance medications from Kaiser or Providence in December, before your current plan ends.
- Ask the Pharmacy Tech if there is an option to refill the medication for a 3-month supply, even if it comes with higher retail cost share.
- Request your provider to renew your prescription for 3-6 months, so you’ll have refills available when you transfer the prescription to a new pharmacy.
- Transferring prescriptions to a new pharmacy:
- Most non-controlled medications with refills can be transferred between pharmacies by a licensed pharmacist.
- The new pharmacy (where you want to fill the prescription) will contact your Kaiser or Providence pharmacy to complete the transfer.
- You will need to provide the filling pharmacy with:
- Name and telephone number of your pharmacy
- Medication details and Rx number (found on your pill bottle, which should be taken with you to the pharmacy, or on your online pharmacy account).
- Visit a pharmacy covered by your new plan when coverage becomes effective Jan. 1, 2027.
See below, for more information on medications including pharmacy locations
- For Anthem Plans and Connected Care California:
- Visit Express Scripts’ Open Enrollment Site at: Express Scripts (Open Enrollment). For additional support, contact an Express Scripts representative by calling (855) 315-4523. This process helps ensure you have a supply of your medications while your new treatment plan and providers are being established.
- Kaiser Permanente and Providence Pharmacy resources:
- Kaiser Permanente: - Your pharmacy information can be found on kp.org under the "Pharmacy" section. For further questions visit the Kaiser Transition Resources.
- Providence Pharmacy: - Have questions? Member Advocates are available. Call (855) 346-5057 Monday - Friday 4 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Pacific Time). - Visit our Pharmacy FAQ page for more answers to commonly asked questions.
Step 3: Request prior authorizations
- Identify any medications or treatments that require prior authorization.
- Contact your new medical carrier on or after Dec. 1, to:
- Start the prior authorization process
- Submit necessary documentation
- Ensure continuity of coverage for these treatments
Step 4: Transfer medical records
- Authorize Kaiser or Providence to release your medical records to your new carrier. (On or after December 1). This helps:
- Avoid repeating step therapies
- Maintain continuity in your treatment plan
- Ensure your medical history is available to new providers
Step 5: Establish care with new providers
Anthem plans, employees can:
- Use the Provider Search Tool to locate your new carrier’s provider directory to find:
- Primary care physicians (PCPs)
- Specialists
- Call Anthem Health Guides at (800) 811-2711 to:
- Schedule initial appointments early in 2027.
- Be prepared for some baseline testing, but your transferred records will help reduce redundancy.
Step 6: Monitor the transition
- Contact your new plan to confirm that:
- Prescriptions are active and fillable
- Authorizations are approved
- Appointments are scheduled
- Keep a personal copy of all documents.
Additional Tips
- For complex cases, consider requesting a case manager from your new carrier.
- Keep track of deadlines for open enrollment and paperwork submissions.
What is Transition of Care (TOC)?
- Due to Kaiser’s model, the only way members can access care with a Kaiser Permanente provider after coverage terminates, for a limited timeframe, is through an approved transition of care/continuity of care agreement between Kaiser and the new medical plan.
- Providence members are unlikely to need Transition of Care (TOC) support if they are retaining their current providers (99%+ in Anthem network).
Transition of Care (TOC) process can be initiated by the member:
- Transitioning for Jan. 1, 2027 - begin the TOC process on or after Dec. 1, 2026
Who is eligible for Transition of Care (TOC)?
Understand if you may be eligible for a Transition of Care (TOC) plan. The member must have a qualifying condition approved by both your current and your new plan, and approval is typically granted for a limited timeframe (e.g., 90 days). Examples of qualifying conditions include:
- Undergoing a course of treatment for a serious and complex condition, which may be:
- An acute condition requiring specialized treatment to avoid death or permanent damage, or a chronic illness or condition that is: - Life-threatening, degenerative potentially disabling, or congenital, and Requires specialized care over a prolonged period
- Institutionalized or receiving inpatient care
- Scheduled for nonelective surgery, including postoperative care
- Pregnant (e.g., third trimester, high-risk pregnancy)
- Terminally ill
- Only the member approved for a TOC qualifies for continued care with their current providers during the TOC approved timeframe.
Are all medical services and treatments covered under an approved Transition of Care (TOC)?
- TOC only applies to the medical services and treatments related to the condition specifically outlined as approved on the TOC application. All unrelated medical services (e.g., PCP visits, immunizations, injury, general care) would need to be scheduled with the receiving plan.
- Only the member approved for a TOC qualifies for continued care with their current providers during the TOC approved timeframe.
How do I initiate Transition of Care (TOC) with a new carrier?
- After selecting a new medical plan, reach out to your new plan’s member services (on or after December 1) to begin TOC (see plan-specific resources below). This process is initiated by the member.
- Request TOC paperwork and complete it as soon as possible
This allows the new carrier to:
- Contact your current plan on your behalf
- Retrieve your medical records
- Assist in finding new providers and specialists
Transition of Care (TOC) resources
Transition of Care (TOC) support
- All TOC support will be provided directly by your new medical plan to protect your privacy.
Transition of Care (TOC) Claims/Billing
- How is billing handled once I am approved for TOC? Examples of qualifying conditions include:
- Once approved for TOC, claims biling is coordinated between your current plan and your new plan.
- Your current provider services are billed by your new plan as in-network.
- Your new plan’s cost-share (the portion you are responsible for) applies (e.g., co-pays, deductibles, out of pocket maximums).
- If you have additional billing questions, please contact your new plan.
What medical plans will be available in Oregon for 2027 Annual Enrollment?
For 2027 Annual Enrollment (Oct. 2026), Intel medical options in Oregon will be:
- Anthem Primary Care Plus (PCP)
- Anthem High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
- Anthem-Intel site: learn more about the plans, coverages, and networks
Through Anthem, employees may continue receiving care from most Providence providers as well as access the broader Anthem provider network across Oregon.
If I am in the middle of long-term care when the transition period ends on Dec. 31, 2026, what happens to my treatment plan?
- You will no longer have access to the Kaiser Permanente network on Jan. 1, 2027. If you expect to need on-going treatment (i.e., family planning or chronic illness management), you can choose to transition your treatment beginning Jan. 1, 2026, by selecting an alternative medical plan during 2027 Annual Enrollment (Oct. 5 – 16, 2026) or you can wait until 2027 Annual Enrollment and transition your care on Jan. 1, 2027. If a current Kaiser member, the concierge can help you to navigate your specific situation. To learn more contact the Kaiser transition care team.
What happens to my Extra Bucks if I move from the Kaiser HDHP to an alternative HDHP plan?
- Your Extra Bucks will transfer over to your new HDHP plan. If you enroll in a non-HDHP (e.g., HMO, Co-pay plan) plan, you will lose your Extra Bucks.
Can I still access Intel’s Health for Life Centers (HFLC)?
- Yes, all Intel blue-badge employees (general full time, part time, Intel Contract and interns) from any U.S. location are eligible to use the on-site Health for Life Center services and programs. Dependents of blue-badge employees are also still eligible, provided they are enrolled in a medical plan option under the Intel Corporation Health and Welfare Benefit Plan.
What dental plans will be available for 2027?
- View the Dental & Vision Education Module.
If I am in the middle of long-term dental care (orthodontia, root canal, bridge work, etc...) when the transition period ends on Dec. 31, 2026, what happens to my treatment plan?
- A dental transition of care plan may allow you to continue receiving ongoing, multi-visit dental treatment. To learn more contact the Oregon Kaiser transition care team.
California HMO (EPO) Plan: How do I obtain access to my medical records?
- Northern CA HMO (EPO) Plan: If you need a copy of your medical record for yourself or those you care for – or to share with another health care provider – you can:
- Download a summary copy that includes allergies, immunizations, ongoing health conditions, medications, test results, and some procedures. Download your health summary here >
- Request to have a detailed copy sent to you through secure email within 5 days or less. Request your medical record >
If you have any questions or need assistance, contact Release of Medical Information (ROMI) department at 925-210-8834 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Southern CA HMO (EPO) Plan: If you need a copy of your medical record for yourself or those you care for, or to share with another health care provider, you can:
- Download a summary copy that includes allergies, immunizations, ongoing health conditions, medications, test results, and some procedures. Download your health summary >
- Request to have a detailed copy sent to you through secure email within 5 days or less. Request your medical record >
- Contact the Release of Information Department in your area if you have questions or need help.
Northwest Region Copay and HDHP Plans: How do I obtain access to my medical records?
- Northwest Connected Care Plans (Copay and HDHP): If you need a copy of your medical record for yourself or those you care for – or to share with another health care provider – you can:
- Download a summary copy that includes allergies, immunizations, ongoing health conditions, medications, test results, procedures, and more. Download health summary here >
- Request a detailed copy of your medical record to be sent to you by secure email within 5 days or less. Request your medical record >
- Request imaging records (x-rays, scans, ultrasounds), except for dental or eye films, from the Imaging department. Call 503-571-8451 for information.
- For dental or eye images only, please send your request to the Release of Information (ROI) department at nw.roi@kp.org or call 503-571-5051. The ROI department discloses images via email or a download portal. Here are links to helpful documents for accessing images through the portal: Patient Guide and PowerShare Mobile App.
Will former KP members continue to have access to kp.org?
- Former members have access to their records for seven years. However, other functionalities are inaccessible. For more information, please reach out to the Kaiser Team.