As Open Enrollment begins, get to know health plan changes for 2026. Whether you’re considering a change or just want to make sure your current plan still meets your needs, we have the resources to help.
Why Take a Fresh Look at Your Health Plan?
- Cost Changes: Your monthly health premium might increase in 2026. You may be able to find other CalPERS health plans with lower premiums or out-of-pocket costs and keep your doctor.
- Wellness and Behavioral Health Programs: Discover wellness and behavioral health services offered by your health plan and other CalPERS health plans. These programs are designed to support your wellbeing and a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
How Can You Explore Your Options?
Here are some resources to help you.
Open Enrollment Resources
Explore a variety of Open Enrollment Resources to help you navigate decisions and details with confidence.
Your Health Plan Statement
- Access your customized Open Enrollment information by logging in to your myCalPERS account (learn more about using myCalPERS).
- Find your 2026 monthly premium if you don’t switch plans, and check for any changes to your current plan.
Compare Health Plans
- Use the Search Health Plans tool in your myCalPERS account for an easy-to-read, side-by-side comparison of health benefits, monthly premiums, and member satisfaction ratings. You can also search for your doctors, specialists, and medical groups.
- Find detailed health plan information in the Health Benefit Summary (PDF).
Open Enrollment Newsletter
Explore our latest newsletter — available in both English (PDF) and Spanish (PDF) — for highlights and updates about what’s new in 2026.
How to Choose a Health Plan
Use this one-page checklist (PDF) to help select resources and research key factors like cost, coverage, and availability.
Plans and Rates
Visit Health Plans & Rates to find all available CalPERS health plans and their contact information along with a full listing of premiums and state employer contribution amounts. You can also access plan pages to learn about benefits, claims, and service limitations or exclusions.
Summary of Benefits & Coverage and Evidence of Coverage
- Available on the CalPERS website, these publications detail what the plan covers and what you pay.
- These publications also describe terms, conditions, covered services, and plan exclusions.
Join the 2025 Open Enrollment Webinar
Tune in Wednesday, September 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (PT) for our Open Enrollment webinar livestreamed on YouTube, where you can learn more about benefit and plan changes, recommended resources, and answers to common questions.
Additional Information for Certain Employees and Retirees
State Employees and Retirees
If you’re a state employee or retiree, Open Enrollment is also your chance to review, update, or enroll in other benefits like dental, vision, FlexElect reimbursement accounts, cash options, legal, life, or long-term disability (LTD) insurance administered by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR).
Review benefit enhancements and information for the 2026 plan year and learn more about enrolling or making changes to these benefits by visiting the CalHR Open Enrollment webpage.
Here is additional information on how to update or enroll in these benefits.
| CalHR Benefit Programs | Active State Employees | Retirees |
|---|---|---|
| Dental | Contact your departmental personnel office | Call CalPERS at 888 CalPERS (or 888-225-7377) |
| Vision | Contact VSP Vision Care online or call (800) 400-4569 | Contact VSP Vision Care online or call (800) 400-4569 |
| FlexElect Reimbursement Accounts and Cash Options | Contact your departmental personnel office | Retirees are not eligible |
| Life, Legal, LTD | Legal – Contact ARAG online or call (866) 762-0972
Excluded employees only: Life – Contact MetLife online or call (800) 252-8524 LTD – Contact your departmental personnel office |
Legal – Contact ARAG online or call (800) 511-4007
LTD – Retirees are not eligible Life – Excluded employees only and only if continuing services (cannot enroll) |
Dental and Vision Benefits for CSU Employees and Retirees
The CSU Office of the Chancellor administers the dental and vision programs for CSU active employees and retirees. For information about these benefits, contact your campus benefits office. CSU retirees should visit the CSU retiree website for plan information.
Here is information on how to enroll or make changes to your CSU-sponsored dental and vision plans.
| CSU Benefit Programs | Active Employees | Retirees |
|---|---|---|
| Dental | Contact your campus benefits office or human resources department | Call CalPERS at 888 CalPERS (or 888-225-7377) |
| Vision | Contact VSP Vision Care online or call (800) 400-4569 | Contact VSP Vision Care online or call (800) 400-4569 |