More in Health & Medicare

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, available at www.calpers.ca.gov.

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.

2021

View the 2021 health premium rates 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

  • 9
  • 10
 80/80
On or after 01/01/2017

All SBU

  • 1-21
  • except 5 and 16
 80/80
On or after 04/01/2017

All SBU

  • 1-21
  • except 5
 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, 2021

COBRA 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
1These premiums cover all Kaiser out-of-state areas.

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).

2020

View the 2020 health premium rates 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 2020
Basic 80-80 Formula Single (1) Two-Party (2) Family (3+)
$609 $1,223 $1,585
Medicare 80-80 Formula Single (1) Two-Party (2) Family (3+)
$282 $562 $845
100-90 Formula Single (1) Two-Party (2) Family (3+)
$767 $1,461 $1,868
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

  • 9
  • 10
 80/80
On or after 01/01/2017

All SBU

  • 1-21
  • except 5 and 16
 80/80
On or after 04/01/2017

All SBU

  • 1-21
  • except 5
 80/80
Retired CSU Members
One-Party Two-Party (2+) Family (3+)
$767 $1,461 $1,868
COBRA Premiums

If you have continued health coverage through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), contact your employer for your monthly premium. Refer to COBRA for information on continuing health coverage for yourself and your dependents if you involuntarily lose your health benefits.

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.
Employer Contribution Amounts

Contributions vary by employer. Contact your employer to find out how much they contribute toward your monthly premium rate.

COBRA Premiums

If you have continued health coverage through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), contact your employer for your monthly premium. Refer to COBRA for information on continuing health coverage for yourself and your dependents if you involuntarily lose your health benefits.

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 Restrictions

Anthem Blue Cross (Basic) (HMO)

  • Select HMO
  • Traditional HMO

Anthem Blue Cross

(855) 839-4524

 No OptumRx is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) providing prescription benefits for this health plan.
Anthem Blue Cross (EPO)

Anthem Blue Cross

(855) 839-4524

 No Anthem Blue Cross EPO is available only in Del Norte county.
Anthem Blue Cross Medicare Preferred (PPO)

Anthem Blue Cross

(855) 251-8825

 Yes OptumRx is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) providing prescription benefits for this health plan.

Blue Shield of California (HMO)

  • Blue Shield Access+ HMO
  • Blue Shield Trio HMO

Blue Shield of California

(800) 334-5847

 No Blue Shield of California administers their own prescriptions.
 
Blue Shield (EPO)

Blue Shield of California

(800) 334-5847

 No

Blue Shield EPO is available only in Colusa, Mendocino and Sierra counties.

Blue Shield of California administers their own prescriptions.

California Association of Highway Patrolmen (PPO)

  • CAHP Basic Health Plan 
  • CAHP Supplement to Medicare
  • CAHP Medicare PDP

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. Contact us at 888 CalPERS (or 888-225-7377) for further assistance.

CAHP pharmacy benefits are administered by Express Scripts.

California Correctional Peace Officers Association (HMO)

  • CCPOA Access+ HMO
  • ​CCPOA Supplement to Medicare Plan
  • CCPOA Medicare PDP

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)

  • Salud y Más HMO
  • SmartCare HMO

Health Net of California

(888) 926-4921

 No OptumRx is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) providing prescription benefits for this health plan.
Kaiser (HMO)

Kaiser Permanente

(800) 305-1220

 Yes Kaiser administers their own prescriptions.

Peace Officers Research Association of California (PPO)

  • PORAC Prudent Buyer Health Plan
  • PORAC Out-of-State Basic Health Plan
  • PORAC Supplement to Original Medicare
  • PORAC Medicare PDP

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.

PERSCare (PPO)

  • PERSCare Basic Plan
  • PERSCare Supplement to Medicare Plan
  • PERSCare Medicare PDP

Anthem Blue Cross

(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 Choice (PPO)

  • PERS Choice Basic Plan
  • PERS Choice Supplement to Medicare Plan
  • PERS Choice Medicare PDP

Anthem Blue Cross

(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 Select (PPO)

  • PERS Select Basic Plan
  • PERS Select Supplement to Medicare Plan
  • PERS Select Medicare PDP

Anthem Blue Cross

(877) 737-7776

 Yes OptumRx is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) providing prescription benefits for this health plan.

Sharp Health Plan (HMO)

  • Sharp Performance Plus 
  • Sharp Medicare Advantage

Sharp Health Plan

(855) 995-5004

 Yes OptumRx is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) providing prescription benefits for this health plan.

UnitedHealthcare (Basic) (HMO)

  • UnitedHealthcare SignatureValue Alliance

UnitedHealthcare

(877) 359-3714

 No OptumRx is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) providing prescription benefits for this health plan.
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (PPO)

UnitedHealthcare

(888) 867-5581

 Yes The UnitedHealthcare® Group Medicare Advantage (PPO) plans include Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
Western Health Advantage (HMO)

Western Health Advantage

(888) 942-7377

 No OptumRx is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) providing prescription benefits for this health plan.

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

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.

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

Forms & Publications

Frequently Asked Questions