CalPERS Benefits Education Event Details
What Is a CalPERS Benefits Education Event (CBEE)?
CBEEs are free events that help you understand your retirement and CalPERS health benefits at any stage of your career. Through interactive classes and access to Ask the Experts, you’ll gain the information and tools you need to make informed decisions and plan your retirement with confidence.
Why Attend a CBEE?
Whether you're just starting your career or preparing for retirement, a CBEE is the perfect opportunity to:
- Gain a deeper understanding of your CalPERS benefits.
- Learn how to maximize your retirement and CalPERS health options.
- Get answers to your questions from trusted experts.
- Walk away with the tools and knowledge you need to plan confidently for your future.
Watch this video to learn more:
Class Options Overview
CBEEs offer five class options designed to meet your needs at every stage of your career.
- Tailored Classes: Retirement Benefits, CalPERS Health Benefits, and Save & Invest classes are offered in two versions:
- Early to Mid-Career: For members who are more than 10 years away from retirement.
- Nearing Retirement: For members who are within 10 years of retirement.
- For Everyone: Social Security and myCalPERS & Your Retirement Options classes are designed for all members, regardless of career stage.
Explore the class options below and download the digital class notes to prepare for your session.
Class Descriptions & Digital Class Notes
Who Should Attend
This class is only for members who are eligible for or receive health benefits through CalPERS. Check with your employer to verify your eligibility.
Class Descriptions
- Early to Mid-Career: Learn about health benefits eligibility, enrollment, contributions, COBRA, and available tools and resources.
- Nearing Retirement: Prepare for retirement with a review of health benefits, Medicare, and state dental and vision coverage (for state members).
Downloadable Class Notes
Who Should Attend
- Early to Mid-Career: All CalPERS members
- Nearing Retirement: All CalPERS members
Class Descriptions
- Early to Mid-Career: Learn the basics of your CalPERS retirement benefits, including how your pension is calculated, purchasing service credit, pre-retirement death benefits, and the importance of a CalPERS Special Power of Attorney.
- Nearing Retirement: Understand the three factors used in your pension calculation, the types of CalPERS retirement, working after retirement, and how to make informed decisions for your next chapter.
Downloadable Class Notes
Who Should Attend
All CalPERS members
Class Description
Choosing the right retirement payment option is one of the most important decisions you'll make. In this class, we’ll guide you through the different payment options available to help you make an informed choice. We’ll also cover helpful tools on the CalPERS website and within your myCalPERS account, including a walk-through of the online retirement application process.
Downloadable Class Notes
Who Should Attend
All CalPERS members
Class Descriptions
- Early to Mid-Career: Learn how to save and invest for your retirement with tools and strategies tailored to your career stage.
- Nearing Retirement: Explore investment options and strategies for managing your savings as you transition into retirement.
Presented by the Savings Plus Program, which administers the 401(k) and 457 plans for state employees, this class offers valuable retirement planning insights for all CalPERS members. While taught by Savings Plus, the information is broadly applicable. Public agency or school employees should check with their employer or plan administrator for available plan options.
Downloadable Class Notes
Who Should Attend
All CalPERS members
Class Description
Gain a general understanding of Social Security benefits, including eligibility, calculations, Medicare, and the Social Security Fairness Act. Learn how to access your online my Social Security account and use its features.
Downloadable Class Notes
Ask the Experts
Take advantage of the Ask the Experts at the upcoming CBEE. This is your chance to connect directly with knowledgeable professionals who can answer your questions about retirement, health benefits, and more.
Whether you need guidance on specific programs, clarification on your options, or insights into available resources, our experts are here to help you make the most of your CBEE experience.
Event Details
- In-Person Hours: Open both event days from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Virtual Event Hours: Open both event days from 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Closed for lunch 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
- Drop-In Format: No appointment necessary—visit anytime during the event hours.
- Participation of CalPERS representatives, partnering organizations, and health plan providers may vary by event.
Experts Available at the CBEE
| Who You Can Speak With | What You’ll Learn |
|---|---|
| CalPERS Health Benefits Program | Members who are eligible for CalPERS health benefits can speak with a CalPERS representative about eligibility and enrollment rules and verify your eligibility if you aren't sure. CalPERS representatives can also provide other useful information and resources which can assist you in making informed decisions regarding your health benefits. |
| CalPERS Power of Attorney & Beneficiary Designation | Who will handle your retirement affairs if you’re no longer able? Visit our Power of Attorney and Beneficiary Designation Ask the Expert table to learn why the CalPERS Special Power of Attorney and Pre-Retirement Lump-Sum Beneficiary Designation forms are essential documents to have on file to ensure that your loved ones and benefits are protected. Ready to submit your forms? We’ll be accepting them and can provide a quick review to make sure they’re complete. Note: CalPERS Power of Attorney & Beneficiary Designation representatives are available to speak with at Ask the Experts during in-person CBEEs only. |
| CalPERS Regional Offices: General Benefits Information | Whether you are nearing retirement or earlier in your career, CalPERS Regional Office representatives are available to answer questions related to retirement planning, help you enroll in education classes, assist you with your myCalPERS account, review Forms & Publications, and online planning aids such as the Service Credit Cost Estimator and health program tools. |
| CalPERS Service Credit Purchase | Visit with our service credit purchase experts to discuss service credit purchase options, learn the benefits of purchasing early and calculate a cost estimate for most types, and discuss the request process and payment options which includes rollovers. |
| CalPERS Supplemental Income Plans | Representatives are available to provide information related to the CalPERS 457 Plan and the Supplemental Contributions Plan. The CalPERS 457 Plan is for participating public agency and school employees (not employed by the State of California) and offers both a pre-tax, and Roth after-tax contribution option. The after-tax CalPERS Supplemental Contributions Plan is for state employees and members of Judges' Retirement Systems I and II. |
| Who You Can Speak With | What You’ll Learn |
|---|---|
| California School Employees Association (CSEA) | The largest classified employees’ union and retiree unit representing classified school and community college employees. You can receive valuable information from representatives on how they can benefit by joining CSEA's Retiree Unit after retirement. |
| California State Retirees | Representatives are available from California State Retirees, Inc., the largest and most experienced organization exclusively representing State of California retirees. |
| CSU System Wide Benefits Office – For CSU Employees | Representatives will be available for California State University members to discuss various benefit programs including: dental, vision, group term life insurance, Supplemental Retirement Plan (SRP) 403(b), and various other voluntary benefits. Note: CSU Benefits will not be attending the Monterey CBEE. |
| HICAP – California Health Advocates | The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) helps Medicare beneficiaries of any age make informed choices and provides advocacy when their health care benefits and rights are threatened or denied. HICAP provides free and unbiased individual counseling and advocacy to Medicare beneficiaries about Medicare, Supplemental Insurance, Prescription Drugs and Medicare Advantage plans, Long-Term Care Insurance, Medicare Appeals, and Low-Income Assistance programs. Individual appointments are available throughout the county with trained volunteer counselors who are registered with the California Department of Aging. HICAP does not sell, endorse, or recommend any specific insurance product or plan. |
| Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) | RPEA is the only statewide, non-profit association representing all CalPERS active members and retirees: state, classified school, and public agency. |
| Savings Plus | Savings Plus is a voluntary retirement program that allows California State employees, including active, part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees, to supplement their retirement benefits through pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) payroll contributions. Savings Plus offers the 401(k) and 457(b) Plans. Representatives can provide information about the differences between the plans, investment options, enrolling, lump sum contributions, and ways to help achieve financial goals. |
| ScholarShare 529 | Explore California’s tax-advantaged college savings plan, open to everyone. Learn how ScholarShare can help you invest in education and make college funding easier with built-in tax benefits. Representatives are available to answer questions and provide information. |
| Social Security Administration (SSA) | Visit SSA representatives for information about Social Security retirement, disability, spouse, and survivor benefits, Medicare, and the Social Security Fairness Act. Also, learn about the features of the my Social Security website where you can access your Social Security statement, apply for benefits, and more. Note: SSA will not be attending the Monterey CBEE. CalPERS staff will conduct Social Security classes and answer general questions at Ask the Experts. For detailed assistance, please contact the Social Security Administration directly. |
- Participation May Vary: Health plan providers available at the event may vary depending on the CBEE location.
- Learn More About Providers:
- Visit Health Plan Search by Zip Code to find plans in your area.
- Access Plans & Rates for Active Members and Plans & Rates for Retirees.
| Who You Can Speak With | What You’ll Learn |
|---|---|
| Anthem Blue Cross | Our Anthem Traditional and Select HMO plans give you and your family access to quality care, with no cost surprises, allowing you to know the cost upfront. Also offered for our retired and Medicare eligible members is the Anthem Medicare Preferred (PPO), Medicare Advantage plan. Note: Anthem will not be attending the Monterey CBEE. |
| Blue Shield of California | Blue Shield of California is a nonprofit health insurance company offering health plans to CalPERS employees since 2003. Blue Shield of California is honored to offer several plans to fit the needs of every CalPERS member. Two PPO plans – PERS Platinum and PERS Gold give you and your family access to quality care and the freedom to choose you doctors and hospitals, nationwide. These plans are also offered as a Supplement to original Medicare. Blue Shield of California currently offers three health plans with the broad network Access+ HMO, the select network Trio HMO plan, and the Blue Shield Access+ EPO plan. As of 2022, Blue Shield also offers a nationwide Medicare Advantage plan to eligible members. |
| CVS Caremark | CVS Caremark manages your CalPERS prescription benefits.1 That means we make sure you have access to affordable medication—when and where you need it, with access to over 64,000 pharmacies nationwide. 1CVS Caremark manages prescription benefits for all CalPERS health plans except the following:
|
| Health Net of California | For over 40 years, Health Net has supported Californians through various stages of life, and that's what we continue to do. We work to make a positive difference in the lives of the people we serve. Note: Health Net will not be attending the Monterey CBEE. |
| Included Health (PERS Gold and PERS Platinum PPO Basic Plans) | Included Health is a personalized, all-in-one healthcare resource and dedicated Member Services team for CalPERS PPO Basic members. We combine in-person and virtual care with expert navigation, comprehensive support, and AI-powered technology. By bringing together clinicians, data scientists, and care advocates, we help members navigate the healthcare system, maximize your benefits, and partner closely with Blue Shield of California to transform your healthcare experience. |
| Kaiser Permanente | Kaiser Permanente is proud to be a trusted healthcare partner and to have cared for CalPERS members for almost 70 years. Kaiser Permanente is committed to providing high-quality, affordable health care services and improving the health of our members and the communities we serve. |
| Sharp Health Plan | Sharp Health Plan is proud to provide CalPERS members with access to award-winning care from our nationally recognized physicians and hospitals at Sharp HealthCare. We are the only locally based not-for-profit commercial health plan in San Diego, and we're honored to serve you. And now, CalPERS' highest member-rated Commercial plan is also the only 5-Star Medicare Advantage Plan with access to Sharp HealthCare. Find out why better health insurance matters. Note: Sharp Health Plan will not be attending the Monterey CBEE. |
| UnitedHealthcare | At UnitedHealthcare, we serve millions of people from their earliest years through their working lives and into retirement. What unites us is our mission to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. UnitedHealthcare provides CalPERS members with network providers you want, digital tools you need, doctors in your corner and health plans that make it easier to get the care you want. |
| Western Health Advantage | Western Health Advantage (WHA) is a regional HMO health plan serving 10 Northern California counties (Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Yolo, Colusa, Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Marin and Humboldt). WHA been serving the people and businesses of Northern CA for nearly 25 years. Our approach to health coverage allows medical decisions to be made by medical professionals, not an insurance company. We offer CalPERS members a basic plan and effective January 1, 2022, we will have a Medicare Advantage plan available. As a member of Western Health Advantage, you have choices in how you receive care. Note: Western Health Advantage will not be attending the Monterey CBEE. |