Understanding health insurance costs is crucial, especially when choosing the right plan for you and your family. For California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) members, navigating the different contribution rates and premiums can be complex. This article breaks down the 2024 health premiums approved by the CalPERS Board of Administration, offering a clear comparison of rates for active state and CSU members, as well as COBRA premiums. Whether you are an active employee or considering COBRA coverage, understanding these rates is the first step in making informed healthcare decisions.
Employer Contribution Amounts for Active State Members
For active state employees, the amount your employer contributes towards your health benefits depends on your bargaining unit and whether you fall under the 80/80 or 85/80 formula. Your cost will be any amount exceeding the employer contribution. To determine which formula applies to you, it’s best to contact your employer or refer to your bargaining unit details.
The following tables outline the State Employer Health Benefit Contributions and State Employer Consolidated Benefits (CoBen) for different formulas and coverage levels:
| Formula | Single (1) | Two-Party (2) | Family (3+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80/80 Formula (Bargaining Units 1, 3, 4, 11, 14, 15, 20 and 21)* | $912 | $1,657 | $2,101 |
| 80/80 Formula (Bargaining Units 6, 10, 12 and 13) | $747 | $1,492 | $1,936 |
| 85/80 Formula (Bargaining Units 5 and 9) | $794 | $1,538 | $1,982 |
*The health contributions include an additional $165 health care supplemental contribution that was bargained for SEIU-represented employees.
This table shows the employer contributions for health benefits based on the 80/80 and 85/80 formulas for various bargaining units.
| Formula | Single (1) | Two-Party (2) | Family (3+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80/80 CoBen (Bargaining Units 2, 7, 16, 18 and 19) | $793 | $1,567 | $2,040 |
| 80/80 CoBen (Bargaining Unit 17)*** | $958 | $1,732 | $2,205 |
| 85/80 CoBen (Bargaining Unit 8) | $840 | $1,613 | $2,086 |
| 85/80 CoBen (Excluded) | $842 | $1,624 | $2,100 |
**CoBen is the employer-provided benefit allowance for employees in bargaining units 2, 7, 8, 16, 17, 18, 19, and excluded employees to offset the cost of health, dental, and vision benefits.
***The CoBen contributions include an additional $165 health care supplemental contribution that was bargained for SEIU-represented employees.
The CoBen table details the consolidated benefits contributions, which employees can use towards health, dental, and vision coverage.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the applicable Memorandum of Understanding or utilize the Benefits Calculator available on the CalHR website.
Employer Contribution Rates for Active CSU Members
Active California State University (CSU) members have a different contribution rate structure. Below are the contribution rates for CSU employees:
| Group | Single (1) | Two-Party (2) | Family (3+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Employees (Except Unit 6) | $983 | $1,890 | $2,366 |
| Unit 6 | $988 | $1,900 | $2,386 |
This table outlines the health insurance contribution rates specifically for active CSU members, categorized by employee groups.
CalPERS 2024 Statewide COBRA Health Premiums
If you are considering COBRA coverage, it’s important to understand the premiums. COBRA premiums are generally calculated at 102% of the basic premiums. However, it’s worth noting that some carriers may charge less than this maximum amount. The following table provides a comparison of the CalPERS 2024 Statewide COBRA Health Premiums, effective from January 1, 2024:
| Plan Name | Single (1) | Two-Party (2) | Family (3+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthem Blue Cross Del Norte EPO | $1,240.19 | $2,480.37 | $3,224.49 |
| Anthem Blue Cross Select HMO | $944.08 | $1,888.16 | $2,454.61 |
| Anthem Blue Cross Traditional HMO | $1,221.90 | $2,443.80 | $3,176.93 |
| Blue Shield Access+ EPO | $910.34 | $1,820.68 | $2,366.88 |
| Blue Shield Access+ HMO | $910.34 | $1,820.68 | $2,366.88 |
| Blue Shield Trio HMO | $826.44 | $1,652.89 | $2,148.75 |
| CAHP | $862.45 | $1,674.31 | $2,189.84 |
| CCPOA – North | $1,012.42 | $2,030.14 | $2,741.18 |
| CCPOA – South | $834.67 | $1,674.56 | $2,263.07 |
| Health Net Salud y Más | $670.10 | $1,340.20 | $1,742.26 |
| Kaiser Permanente (CA) | $983.43 | $1,966.87 | $2,556.93 |
| Kaiser Permanente (Out-of-State) 1 | $1,338.70 | $2,677.40 | $3,480.62 |
| PERS Gold | $876.50 | $1,752.99 | $2,278.89 |
| PERS Platinum | $1,240.19 | $2,480.37 | $3,224.49 |
| PORAC | $870.06 | $1,742.16 | $2,264.40 |
| Sharp Performance Plus | $849.90 | $1,699.81 | $2,209.75 |
| UnitedHealthcare SignatureValue Alliance | $900.64 | $1,801.28 | $2,341.67 |
| UnitedHealthcare SignatureValue Harmony | $778.97 | $1,557.95 | $2,025.33 |
| Western Health Advantage HMO | $823.37 | $1,646.75 | $2,140.78 |
1 These premiums cover all Kaiser out-of-state areas.
This comprehensive table allows you to compare COBRA health insurance rates across various plans, helping you find the most suitable and cost-effective option.
Conclusion
Understanding and comparing health insurance rates is a vital step in managing your healthcare expenses. The 2024 CalPERS health premiums provide a clear picture of costs for active state and CSU employees, as well as those considering COBRA coverage. By reviewing these rates and understanding the different contribution structures, CalPERS members can make informed decisions about their health insurance needs and choose the plans that best fit their individual and family circumstances. Always refer to official CalPERS resources and your employer for the most accurate and personalized information regarding your health benefits.
