You may request a change in health plans at the following times:

  • During any CalPERS Open Enrollment period
  • Within 60 days of the following events:
    • Your retirement
    • Enrollment in a Medicare health plan by you or your dependents
    • Change in your residence or a move to a new health plan service area

When you retire, become Medicare eligible, and enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B, CalPERS will enroll you in a CalPERS Medicare health plan. As you transition from a CalPERS Basic health plan to a CalPERS Medicare health plan, you may remain with your current health carrier’s CalPERS sponsored Medicare health plan or you may change your health plan.

If your current CalPERS Basic health plan does not offer a CalPERS sponsored Medicare health plan, a health plan change is required to continue health coverage in a CalPERS group health plan.

Review the information below for specific details regarding plan availability and any actions you need to take. Visit Retiree Plans & Rates to view your health plan options. There you may also review each plan's Evidence of Coverage, and Summary of Benefits and Coverage with Uniform Glossary.

Medicare Health Plan Availability

CalPERS offers the following Medicare health plans:

New Enrollees

When you retire, become Medicare eligible, and enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B here is what you need to know about your transition to a CalPERS Medicare health plan.

Medicare Retirees (Without Non-Medicare Dependents)
If Then
You are currently enrolled in a CalPERS Basic health plan that has a corresponding Medicare health plan available CalPERS will enroll you in your current health carrier's CalPERS sponsored Medicare health plan.
You are currently enrolled in a CalPERS Basic health plan that does not have a corresponding Medicare health plan available CalPERS and UHC will work together to enroll you into UHC’s Medicare health plan.
You want to change your health plan You may do so by providing your plan change request to CalPERS with your Medicare eligibility information or within 60 days of your enrollment in a Medicare health plan.
Medicare Retirees with Non-Medicare Dependents (Combination Plans*)
If Then
You are currently enrolled in a CalPERS Basic health plan that has a corresponding Medicare health plan available CalPERS will enroll you and your dependents in your current health carrier's combination plan.*
You are currently enrolled in a CalPERS Basic health plan that does not have a corresponding Medicare health plan available, have a dependent enrolled in a non-Medicare (Basic) plan, and your dependent resides in UHC's Basic plan's coverage area** CalPERS and UHC will work together to enroll you into UHC's combination plan. (The Medicare plan is a Medicare Advantage PPO and the Basic plan is an HMO.) Use the UHC Search Tool to determine if your dependent's current provider accepts UHC';s Basic coverage. To find other options available in your area, use the Health Plan Search by ZIP Code.
You are currently enrolled in a CalPERS Basic health plan that does not have a corresponding Medicare health plan available, have a dependent enrolled in a non-Medicare (Basic) plan, and your dependent resides outside of UHC's Basic coverage area** CalPERS and Anthem will work together to enroll you into the PERS Choice Medicare Supplement PPO combination plan.* To find other options available in your area, use the Health Plan Search by ZIP Code.
You are currently enrolled in a CalPERS Basic health plan that does not have a corresponding Medicare health plan available, have a dependent enrolled in a non-Medicare (Basic) plan, and you want to change your health plan You may do so by providing your plan change request to CalPERS with your Medicare eligibility information or within 60 days of your enrollment in a Medicare health plan.

* A combination plan means at least one family member is enrolled in a Medicare health plan and at least one family member is enrolled in a Basic health plan through the same health carrier. CalPERS requires all family members to have the same health carrier. View more on Combination Plans.

** Use the UHC Search Tool to determine if your dependent’s provider accepts UHC Basic coverage, if your dependent resides outside of UHC’s Basic plan coverage area, or to find providers by name, location, or medical groups/networks.

Resources

Forms & Publications

Frequently Asked Questions