Open Enrollment for Active Members
The 2025 Open Enrollment dates are September 15–October 10. Changes made during Open Enrollment will take effect January 1, 2026.
Are You a Retiree?
Visit Open Enrollment for Retirees to get Open Enrollment information specific to our retired members. Active members can explore their options below.
Health Plan Changes for 2026
Access Annual Health Plan Changes for details on health plans, service areas, and benefit design changes for 2026.
Open Enrollment Member Webinar
We're hosting a one-hour Open Enrollment Member Webinar on Wednesday, September 10, at 11:00 a.m. PT. This webinar will be livestreamed on YouTube.
Join us as we share information about 2026 health benefit design and plan changes, guide you to Open Enrollment resources available online and in myCalPERS, and answer your Open Enrollment questions.
Members are encouraged to review the webinar topics (PDF) as live questions will not be available during the webinar. Questions were submitted in advance until September 3 and will be addressed during the webinar.
Pharmacy Benefits Manager Webinar
Starting January 1, 2026, CVS Caremark will be the pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) for many CalPERS health plans.
Join us for a live webinar on Thursday, September 18, at 10:00 a.m. PT to learn more about the transition and get your questions answered. The webinar will be livestreamed on YouTube.
California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) Virtual Benefits Fair
CalHR is hosting a Virtual Benefits Fair for state civil service employees on September 10 and 11. During the Virtual Benefits Fair, you can view on-demand webinars, participate in live Q&As, and access resources to help make informed choices during the Open Enrollment period. Additional details about upcoming Benefits Fairs can be found on the CalHR Open Enrollment webpage.
California State University (CSU) Systemwide Virtual Benefits Fair
The CSU Systemwide Virtual Benefits Fair for CSU employees will take place on September 30, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Additional details about upcoming Benefits Fairs for you can be found on the CSU Open Enrollment webpage.
Behavioral Health & Wellness Programs by Health Plan
Discover the wide range of behavioral health and wellness programs offered through your health plan. Visit the Behavioral Health Programs by Health Plan and Health & Wellness Programs by Health Plan pages for detailed information on mental health services, substance use support, fitness programs, preventive care services, and other resources tailored to support your well-being.
Dental & Vision
2025 Open Enrollment for state of California and California State University (CSU) sponsored dental and vision plans is September 15–October 10.
Access Dental & Vision Benefits for more information and details on how to make changes to your dental and vision plan outside of Open Enrollment.
Prepare for Open Enrollment
It's important to review the details of your health enrollment and understand how health benefit changes may impact you and your dependents. To prepare for Open Enrollment, you should:
Your Health Plan Statement will be available in myCalPERS on September 8. When you review it, ensure the health enrollment information is accurate. Use A Guide to Understanding Your Health Plan Statement if you have questions about the information on your Health Plan Statement.
Will your plan still be available next year, or is there a better option for you? If you change plans, will you still have access to your preferred doctors and/or specialists? Use How to Choose a Health Plan (PDF) as a checklist of factors to consider and resources to guide you as you explore your options.
- myCalPERS: Log in and use the Search Health Plans tool to find the best health plan for you and your family.
- You can compare 2026 monthly premiums; find plans your doctors, specialists, or medical groups participate in; compare benefits and costs; and view member satisfaction ratings for each plan.
- Active Member Plans & Rates: View a full listing of 2026 health plans, premiums, and health plan websites and phone numbers. Access Evidence of Coverage and Summary of Benefits publications (available by September 15).
- Eligibility & Enrollment: Learn about the CalPERS Health Program, including eligibility requirements and general enrollment information.
- Online Health Enrollments: With your employer’s approval, make health enrollment changes through your myCalPERS account.
- Open Enrollment Newsletter: Review 2026 health program highlights, notable health plan changes, and important health reminders
- 2026 Health Benefit Summary (PDF): Compare covered services, co-payments, and benefits for each CalPERS health plan.
- Medicare Enrollment Guide (PDF): Provides information on how Medicare works with your CalPERS health benefits.
- Medical Board of California: Learn how the state is protecting health care consumers and access to quality medical care.
Making Changes During Open Enrollment
During Open Enrollment, you can:
- Change your CalPERS health plan
- Add eligible dependents
- Remove dependents
- Cancel your existing CalPERS health coverage
- Enroll in a CalPERS health plan if you don't currently have coverage
With your employer’s approval, make Open Enrollment changes online through your myCalPERS account instead of submitting a hard copy form to your employer. Contact your personnel specialist or health benefits officer in human resources to confirm if your employer participates in online enrollments. Visit Online Health Enrollments to learn more.
If you aren't making changes to your coverage, no action is needed.
Important Health Enrollment Reminders
- Be aware that a medical group ending its contract with a health plan and changes to memoranda of understanding, bargaining unit agreements, or employer contribution amounts doesn't create a qualifying event to change plans outside of Open Enrollment.
- If you change your health plan, you’ll receive new ID cards from your new health plan, not from CalPERS. Contact your health plan directly if you need additional cards.
- Your new health plan takes effect January 1, 2026.
- Carefully review your pay warrant to ensure the health plan premium deduction is made when you change health plans, enroll for the first time, or add/delete dependents.
- If your January 2026 warrant doesn't show the new premium deduction, you should find the premium payment adjustment in a subsequent pay period.
- If you don't find the correct health plan premium deduction applied in your February 2026 warrant, contact your personnel specialist or health benefits officer in human resources.
Videos
