Retiree Plans & Rates
Visit your health plan's website to learn how benefits, claims, and payment of claims are covered, as well as the service limitations and exclusions that may apply. You can also log in to myCalPERS to use the Search Health Plans tool to research the health plan coverage and benefits most important to you and your family.
Some health plans are available only in certain counties and/or ZIP Codes. Contact the health plan before enrolling to make sure they cover your ZIP Codes and that their provider network is accepting new patients in your area. You may also use our online service, the Health Plan Search by ZIP Code.
Open Enrollment is an annual process that occurs in the fall. During this time, you can enroll, change health plans, add eligible dependents, delete dependents, or cancel coverage.
Are you an active member? View Active Member Plans & Rates customized just for you.
Rates & Employer Contributions
View How CalPERS Sets Health Rates to get details on the rates and plans process.
2022
View the 2022 health premiums approved by the CalPERS Board of Administration:
Employer Contribution Amounts
Below are the contribution rates. Your cost is any amount above the employer contribution.
CalPERS Health Program
| State Annuitant Contribution Rates for 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 100/90 Basic and Medicare Annuitants | Single (1) | Two-Party (2) | Family (3+) |
| $816 | $1,548 | $1,983 | |
| 80/80 Basic Annuitants | Single (1) | Two-Party (2) | Family (3+) |
| $651 | $1,302 | $1,686 | |
| 80/80 Medicare Annuitants | Single (1) | Two-Party (2) | Family (3+) |
| $246 | $502 | $738 | |
Contribution Formula Availability – State Annuitants
State retiree contribution formulas outlined in the table below, vary by first hire date to the State of California and State Bargaining Unit. State Annuitants enrolled in Basic plans use the Basic 80/80 formula and State Annuitants enrolled in Medicare plans use the Medicare 80/80 formula. All bargaining units not listed as 80/80, have the 100/90 state retiree contribution formula.
| First hired by the State of California | Hired into State Bargaining Unit (SBU) | 100/90 or 80/80 Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Prior to 01/01/2016 | All SBU | 100/90 |
| On or after 01/01/2016 |
SBU
|
80/80 |
| On or after 01/01/2017 |
All SBU
|
80/80 |
| On or after 04/01/2017 |
All SBU
|
80/80 |
Retired CSU Members
| Group | Single | Two-Party (2) | Family (3+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Employees (Except Unit 6) | $816 | $1,548 | $1,983 |
| Unit 6 | $821 | $1,558 | $2,003 |
CalPERS 2022 Statewide COBRA Health Premiums
Effective Date: January 1, 2022
COBRA premiums are calculated at 102% of the Basic premiums, but some carriers may charge less than these maximum amounts.
| Plan Name | Single (1) | Two-Party (2) | Family (3+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthem Blue Cross Del Norte | $965.72 | $1,931.43 | $2,510.86 |
| Anthem Blue Cross Select | $865.04 | $1,730.08 | $2,249.11 |
| Anthem Blue Cross Traditional | $1,222.03 | $2,444.06 | $3,177.28 |
| Blue Shield Access+ | $918.22 | $1,836.45 | $2,387.38 |
| Blue Shield Trio | $757.55 | $1,515.11 | $1,969.64 |
| CAHP | $784.04 | $1,522.10 | $1,990.76 |
| CCPOA - North | $893.59 | $1,791.50 | $2,418.84 |
| CCPOA - South | $736.77 | $1,477.79 | $1,997.02 |
| Health Net Salud y Más | $496.24 | $992.48 | $1,290.23 |
| Health Net SmartCare | $1,027.27 | $2,054.55 | $2,670.91 |
| Kaiser (CA) | $820.76 | $1,641.53 | $2,133.98 |
| Kaiser (Out-of-State)1 | $1,161.73 | $2,323.46 | $3,020.50 |
| PERS Platinum | $965.72 | $1,931.43 | $2,510.86 |
| PERS Gold | $663.39 | $1,326.78 | $1,724.81 |
| PORAC | $765.00 | $1,477.98 | $1,965.54 |
| Sharp | $713.19 | $1,426.39 | $1,854.31 |
| UnitedHealthcare Alliance | $834.39 | $1,668.78 | $2,169.42 |
| UnitedHealthcare Harmony | $752.10 | $1,504.19 | $1,955.45 |
| Western Health Advantage | $756.09 | $1,512.17 | $1,965.83 |
Since health care costs vary throughout California, regional pricing adjusts premiums to reflect the actual cost of health care in your specific region. This ensures that your CalPERS premiums are appropriate and competitive for where you live.
To find your specific health plan premium rates, choose your region from the options below:
- Region 1 Premiums (PDF) - View rates for Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Benito, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tuolumne, Yolo, and Yuba.
- Region 2 Premiums (PDF) - View rates for Fresno, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Orange, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare, and Ventura.
- Region 3 Premiums (PDF) - View rates for Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino.
- Out-of-State Premiums (PDF) - View rates for health plans available outside of California.
CalPERS 2022 Public Agencies and Schools COBRA Health Premiums
Effective Date: January 1, 2022
COBRA premiums are calculated at 102% of the Basic premiums, but some carriers may charge less than these maximum amounts.
View the 2022 COBRA premiums by region (PDF).
2021
View the 2021 health premiums approved by the CalPERS Board of Administration:
Employer Contribution Amounts
Below are the contribution rates. Your cost is any amount above the employer contribution.
CalPERS Health Program
| State Annuitant Contribution Rates for 2021 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 100/90 Basic and Medicare Annuitants | Single (1) | Two-Party (2) | Family (3+) |
| $798 | $1,519 | $1,937 | |
| 80/80 Basic Annuitants | Single (1) | Two-Party (2) | Family (3+) |
| $607 | $1,216 | $1,567 | |
| 80/80 Medicare Annuitants | Single (1) | Two-Party (2) | Family (3+) |
| $274 | $547 | $826 | |
Contribution Formula Availability – State Annuitants
State retiree contribution formulas outlined in the table below, vary by first hire date to the State of California and State Bargaining Unit. State Annuitants enrolled in Basic plans use the Basic 80/80 formula and State Annuitants enrolled in Medicare plans use the Medicare 80/80 formula. All bargaining units not listed as 80/80, have the 100/90 state retiree contribution formula.
| First hired by the State of California | Hired into State Bargaining Unit (SBU) | 100/90 or 80/80 Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Prior to 01/01/2016 | All SBU | 100/90 |
| On or after 01/01/2016 |
SBU
|
80/80 |
| On or after 01/01/2017 |
All SBU
|
80/80 |
| On or after 04/01/2017 |
All SBU
|
80/80 |
Retired CSU Members
| Group | Single | Two-Party (2) | Family (3+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Employees (Except Unit 6) | $798 | $1,519 | $1,937 |
| Unit 6 | $803 | $1,529 | $1,957 |
CalPERS 2021 Statewide COBRA Health Premiums
Effective Date: January 1, 2021COBRA premiums are calculated at 102% of the Basic premiums, but some carriers may charge less than these maximum amounts.
| Plan Name | Single | Two-Party (2) | Family (3+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthem EPO Del Norte | $866.21 | $1,732.43 | $2,252.16 |
| Anthem Select HMO | $816.56 | $1,633.12 | $2,123.06 |
| Anthem Traditional HMO | $1,244.73 | $2,489.45 | $3,236.29 |
| Blue Shield Access+ | $957.74 | $1,915.48 | $2,490.13 |
| Blue Shield Trio | $737.01 | $1,474.02 | $1,916.23 |
| CAHP | $784.04 | $1,522.10 | $1,990.76 |
| CCPOA - North | $847.21 | $1,698.35 | $2,293.02 |
| CCPOA - South | $698.56 | $1,400.98 | $1,893.17 |
| Health Net Salud y Más | $433.52 | $867.04 | $1,127.15 |
| Health Net SmartCare | $942.85 | $1,885.69 | $2,451.41 |
| Kaiser (CA) | $776.85 | $1,553.70 | $2,019.81 |
| Kaiser (Out-of-State)1 | $1,060.95 | $2,121.91 | $2,758.48 |
| PERS Choice | $866.21 | $1,732.43 | $2,252.16 |
| PERS Select | $537.94 | $1,075.88 | $1,398.63 |
| PERSCare | $1,134.11 | $2,268.21 | $2,948.68 |
| PORAC | $765.00 | $1,477.98 | $1,965.54 |
| Sharp | $644.92 | $1,289.83 | $1,676.78 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $770.72 | $1,541.44 | $2,003.88 |
| Western Health Advantage | $772.16 | $1,544.32 | $2,007.62 |
Since health care costs vary throughout California, regional pricing adjusts premiums to reflect the actual cost of health care in your specific region. This ensures that your CalPERS premiums are appropriate and competitive for where you live.
To find your specific health plan premium rates, choose your region from the options below:
- Region 1 Rates (PDF) - View rates for Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Benito, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tuolumne, Yolo, and Yuba.
- Region 2 Rates (PDF) - View rates for Fresno, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Orange, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare, and Ventura.
- Region 3 Rates (PDF) - View rates for Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino.
- Out-of-State Rates (PDF) - View rates for health plans available outside of California.
CalPERS 2021 Public Agencies and Schools COBRA Health Premiums
Effective Date: January 1, 2021
COBRA premiums are calculated at 102% of the Basic premiums, but some carriers may charge less than these maximum amounts.
View the 2021 COBRA premiums by region (PDF).
Health Plans
View all health plan Summary of Coverage and Evidence of Coverage documents.
All health plans have geographical restrictions except for PERS Choice and PERSCare. To find health plans available in your area, refer to Health Plan Search by ZIP Code.
| Plan Name | Administrator | Offers Medicare? | Plan Information |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Anthem Blue Cross (Basic) (HMO)
|
(855) 839-4524 |
No | OptumRx is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) providing prescription benefits for this health plan. |
| Anthem Blue Cross (EPO) |
(877) 737-7776 |
No |
Anthem Blue Cross EPO is available only in Del Norte county. OptumRx is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) providing prescription benefits for this health plan. |
| Anthem Blue Cross Medicare Preferred (PPO) |
(855) 251-8825 |
Yes | OptumRx is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) providing prescription benefits for this health plan. |
|
Blue Shield of California (HMO)
|
(800) 334-5847 |
No |
Blue Shield of California administers their own prescriptions. |
| Blue Shield (EPO) |
(800) 334-5847 |
No |
Blue Shield EPO is available only in Colusa, Mendocino, and Sierra counties. Beginning January 1, 2022, Blue Shield EPO is available only in Colusa, Lassen, Mendocino, Shasta, and Sierra counties. Blue Shield of California administers their own prescriptions. |
| Blue Shield of California Medicare PPO |
Blue Shield of California (888) 802-4599 |
Yes |
Blue Shield of California administers their own prescriptions. Blue Shield of California Medicare PPO is available as of January 1, 2022 |
|
California Association of Highway Patrolmen (PPO)
|
Anthem Blue Cross (800) 759-5758 |
Yes |
You must belong to the specific employee association and pay applicable dues to enroll in the California Association of Highway Patrolmen (CAHP). Note: The Prudent Buyer Network for CAHP’s Basic and Combination Plan is available only in California and in limited areas of selected states outside of California. CAHP pharmacy benefits are administered by Express Scripts. |
|
California Correctional Peace Officers Association (HMO)
|
Blue Shield of California (800) 257-6213 |
Yes |
You must belong to the specific employee association and pay applicable dues to enroll in the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA). The CCPOA plan is available only to dues-paying members of that organization and their families. CCPOA pharmacy benefits are administered by Blue Shield. |
|
Health Net of California (HMO)
|
(888) 926-4921 |
No |
OptumRx is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) providing prescription benefits for this health plan. |
| Kaiser (HMO) |
(800) 305-1220 |
Yes |
Kaiser administers their own prescriptions. |
|
Peace Officers Research Association of California (PPO)
|
Anthem Blue Cross (800) 288-6928 |
Yes |
You must belong to the specific employee association and pay applicable dues to enroll in the Peace Officers Association of California (PORAC). The PORAC plan is available only to dues-paying members of that organization and their families. PORAC pharmacy benefits are administered by Anthem Blue Cross. |
|
PERSCare (PPO)
|
(877) 737-7776 |
Yes |
PERS Platinum (PPO) is available as of January 1, 2022 This plan has no geographical restrictions. It provides coverage anywhere in the world. OptumRx is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) providing prescription benefits for this health plan. |
|
PERS Choice (PPO)
|
(877) 737-7776 |
Yes |
PERS Platinum (PPO) is available as of January 1, 2022 This plan has no geographical restrictions. It provides coverage anywhere in the world. OptumRx is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) providing prescription benefits for this health plan. |
|
PERS Select (PPO)
|
(877) 737-7776 |
Yes |
PERS Gold (PPO) is available as of January 1, 2022 This plan is only available in California. OptumRx is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) providing prescription benefits for this health plan. |
|
PERS Platinum (PPO)
|
(877) 737-7776 |
Yes |
This plan has no geographical restrictions. It provides coverage anywhere in the world. OptumRx is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) providing prescription benefits for this health plan. PERS Platinum (PPO) is available as of January 1, 2022 |
|
PERS Gold (PPO)
|
(877) 737-7776 |
Yes |
This plan is only available in California. OptumRx is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) providing prescription benefits for this health plan. PERS Gold (PPO) is available as of January 1, 2022 |
|
Sharp Health Plan (Basic) (HMO)
|
(855) 995-5004 |
No |
OptumRx is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) providing prescription benefits for this health plan. |
|
Sharp Direct Advantage (Medicare) (HMO) |
(833) 346-4322 |
Yes |
CVS Caremark is the Pharmacy for Sharp Direct Advantage (Medicare). |
|
UnitedHealthcare (Basic) (HMO)
|
(877) 359-3714 |
No |
OptumRx is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) providing prescription benefits for this health plan. UnitedHealthcare SignatureValue Harmony is available as of January 1, 2022 |
|
UnitedHealthcare (Medicare) (PPO)
|
(888) 867-5581 |
Yes |
The UnitedHealthcare® Group Medicare Advantage (PPO) plans include Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. OptumRx is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) providing prescription benefits for this health plan. UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Edge is available as of January 1, 2022 |
| Western Health Advantage (HMO) |
(888) 942-7377 |
No | OptumRx is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) providing prescription benefits for this health plan. |
| Western Health Advantage MyCare Select (Medicare) (HMO) |
(888) 942-7377 |
Yes |
OptumRx is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) providing prescription benefits for this health plan. Western Health Advantage MyCare Select (Medicare) (HMO) is available as of January 1, 2022 |
About Our Plans
- HMO - A Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan provides health care from specific doctors and hospitals under contract with the plan. You pay co-payments for some services, but you have no deductible, no claim forms, and a geographically restricted service area.
- PPO - A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is similar to a traditional "fee-for-service" plan, but you must use doctors in the PPO provider network or pay higher co-insurance (percentage of charges). You must usually meet an annual deductible before some benefits apply. You're responsible for a certain co-insurance amount and the plan pays the balance up to the allowable amount.
- EPO - The Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plan offers the same covered services as an HMO plan, but you must seek services from the plans' PPO network of preferred providers. You're not required to select a primary care physician.
- Combination Plans - 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.
Additional Resources
- Accessing Health Care During a Disaster
- Health Plan Events & Resources
- Non-Discrimination Notice (PDF)
- Open Enrollment
- Provider Disruption (PDF)
Making Changes
Once you retire, CalPERS becomes your health benefits officer. You can make changes during Open Enrollment, add a new dependent, or delete a dependent for certain life events. There are several ways you can make changes to your health plan.
- Complete the Health Benefits Plan Enrollment for Retirees (PDF) and mail or fax it to CalPERS.
- Contact us at 888 CalPERS (or 888-225-7377).
- Log in to myCalPERS.
Any health plan changes made during Open Enrollment become effective the following January 1.
If you choose to decline or cancel enrollment for yourself or your dependents, you'll have to wait for 90-days or until the next Open Enrollment period to enroll again — unless you have a qualifying life event.
Qualifying life events, such as having a baby or adopting a child, getting married or divorced, or losing other health coverage, allow you to make changes to your health plan outside of the Open Enrollment period.
- Adding a dependent child who is not your adopted, step, or recognized natural child requires an Affidavit of Parent-Child Relationship (PDF).
- Adding a registered domestic partner requires a copy of the approved Declaration of Domestic Partnership.
- Adding a spouse requires a copy of your marriage license.
For more information about additional enrollment opportunities, read the Health Program Guide (HBD 120) (PDF, 1.69 MB).
Dental
To make changes to your dental plan, refer to the table below. Your contact will differ based on where you retired from and whether your inquiry is related to enrollment or benefits.
| If you retired from: | Then your dental plan enrollment contact is: | And your dental benefits administrator is: |
|---|---|---|
| State | CalPERS - Call 888 CalPERS (or 888-225-7377) | CalHR |
| California State University (CSU) | CalPERS - Call 888 CalPERS (or 888-225-7377) | CSU Retirement Benefits |
| Public Agency | Your personnel office | Your personnel office |
Vision
The State Retiree Vision Program is offered through Vision Service Plan (VSP). To make changes to your vision plan, refer to the table below.
| If you retired from: | Then your vision plan enrollment contact is: | And your vision benefits administrator is: |
|---|---|---|
| State | VSP - Call (800) 877-7195 | CalHR |
| California State University (CSU) | VSP - Call (800) 400-4569 or visit VSP for CSU Retirees | CSU Retirement Benefits |
| Public Agency | Your personnel office | Your personnel office |
Health & Medicare
Resources
- California Health Care Quality Report Cards
- Dental & Vision Benefits
- Health Plan Search by ZIP Code
- Long-Term Care
- OptumRx Pharmacy Benefits
- Uniform Glossary of Health Coverage and Medical Terms (PDF)
Forms & Publications
- 2021 Health Benefit Summary (PDF)
- 2022 Health Benefit Summary (PDF)
- Health Benefits Plan Enrollment for Retirees (PDF)
- Health Program Guide (HBD 120) (PDF)
- Medicare Enrollment Guide (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I change to an HMO Medicare Managed Care (Medicare Advantage) plan if I was enrolled in a Basic HMO plan before retirement?
You may change health plans when you turn age 65 and transition from a Basic plan to a Medicare plan. Enrolling in a Managed Care plan involves two steps. First, notify CalPERS of your intention to enroll in a Medicare Managed Care plan. Second, complete and return the carrier's election form to finalize your transition. The carrier may send you an enrollment kit that includes the election form; if you didn't receive one, contact the carrier directly.