Welcome to the CalPERS Health Program

For information about your health plan choices and to help you make the best selection for your needs, we've compiled these resources for you.

Here you'll find:

A brief overview of HMO and PPO plans and our Health Plan Search by ZIP Code tool so you can determine which plans are available in your residential or employer ZIP code
Information on our health plan rates (PDF); monthly premiums are the total amount, not including any employer contribution you may receive
Publications, online tools, and forms

For details about our health plans, refer to our:

HMO Versus PPO: Pick the Right Health Plan for You

About Our Plans

HMO - Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans provide a comprehensive range of health benefits, including preventive care. Members select a primary care provider (PCP) from the HMO network, who coordinates your care and provides referrals to specialists. Other than applicable copays, you pay no additional costs for pre-authorized services from network providers. Except for emergency or urgent care, if you obtain care outside the HMO network without a referral from the health plan, you will be responsible for the total cost of services.
PPO - Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans operate like traditional “fee-for-service” health plans. Members either select or are matched with a primary care provider and have access to a network of preferred providers but may choose to see non-preferred providers at a higher out-of-pocket cost. PPO members may also see specialists without a referral. PPO plans have an annual deductible that must be met before certain benefits apply. Members are responsible for coinsurance (a percentage of charges), while the plan pays the remaining allowable amount. For care received outside the PPO network, members must pay any charges above the allowable amount.
EPO - Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans are available in certain California counties and provide the same covered services as HMO plans. Members must use the plan’s network of preferred providers but can see doctors and specialists without a referral. EPO plans require copayments for some services, but there is no deductible, no claim forms, and a geographically restricted service area.
Combination Plans - CalPERS requires all family members to have the same health carrier. A combination plan means at least one family member is enrolled in a Medicare plan and at least one family member is enrolled in a Basic plan through the same health carrier. If your current Basic plan does not offer a CalPERS-sponsored Medicare plan, a health plan change would be required.

Find Available Health Plans & Access Rates

Visit our Plans & Rates page to access:

Using myCalPERS

myCalPERS is your gateway to conduct business electronically with CalPERS and access real-time details about your CalPERS account, including your health information, in a confidential and secure environment. myCalPERS gives you 24/7 access to:

Find doctors and providers available in CalPERS health plans.
Find what health plans are available in your area.
Research monthly premiums of medical plans with the Search Health Plans tool.

Find out more about the benefits of Using myCalPERS and how you can set up your account or retrieve your password.

CalPERS Special Power of Attorney

A CalPERS special power of attorney allows you to designate a representative or agent, known as your attorney-in-fact, to conduct your health and retirement affairs. You may already have a power of attorney set up through another resource; however, it may not address your CalPERS health benefits.

For more information on how to designate an attorney-in-fact, visit our Special Power of Attorney page.

Contact CalPERS

Have questions about the CalPERS Health Program? Contact us at 888 CalPERS (or 888-225-7377).