Open Enrollment begins September 14 and ends October 9, 2026
The 2026 Open Enrollment period will run from Monday, September 14, through Friday, October 9, 2026. Elections made during the Open Enrollment will take effect January 1, 2027.
Open Enrollment is your opportunity to enroll in, change, or cancel participation in the following benefit plans:
- CalPERS health plans
- Dental and vision plans
- FlexCash
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (DCRA)
- Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA)
- Voluntary benefit Plans
What's New for 2027
During Open Enrollment, you can enroll in, change or cancel your benefit plans. Here are some important highlights for 2026 Open Enrollment period:
Rates for most CalPERS health plans will change effective January 1, 2027. Please review the 2027 rate sheet for additional information.
- UnitedHealthcare SignatureValue Alliance HMO & UnitedHealthcare SignatureValue Harmony HMO will no longer be offered in any county effective January 1, 2027.
- If you do not select a new plan during Open Enrollment, CalPers will administratively transfer you and your dependents to another available health plan for 2027.
- Blue Shield of California EPO will expand into Alpine, Amador, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, San Bernardino, Sutter and Yuba counties.
- Kaiser Permanente HMO will expand into Carson City, Douglas, Lyon, Storey, and Washoe counties in northwestern Nevada.
Employee currently enrolled in either UnitedHealthcare plan should carefully review their available options and select a new health plan during Open Enrollment.
Beginning July 1, 2027 all CalPERS Basic Health plans will include coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. This change applies to the following plans:
- Anthem Blue Cross Select
- Anthem Blue Cross Traditional
- Blue Shield Access+
- Blue Shield Trio
- Health Net Salud y Más
- Kaiser Permanente
- PERS Gold
- PERS Platinum
Additional information about these changes is available on the CalPERS Annual Health Plan Changes webpage.
For 2027, eligible active employees will have an opportunity to apply for Voluntary Life Insurance without providing Evidence of Insurability. Employees may apply for up to $100,000 in coverage for themselves and up to $50,000 in coverage for a spouse or registered domestic partner.
This opportunity is available to employees who are not currently enrolled or who have less than $100,000 in existing coverage.
Employees must re-enroll each year to continue participating in Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA) or Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (DCRA).
The 2027 annual DCRA contribution limits are:
- $7,500 for employees earning less than $160,000 annually. The maximum contribution for married couples filing separate tax returns is $3,750.
- $5,000 for employees earning $160,000 or more annually. The maximum contribution for married couples filing separate tax returns is $2,500.
Important Reminders
- If you do not make any changes, your current benefit elections will automatically continue, provided your plans remain available in 2027.
- You must re-enroll each year to continue participating in HCRA or DCRA.
- A physician or medical group leaving your health plan's network is not considered a qualifying life event and does not permit you to change plans outside of Open Enrollment.
- Before selecting a health plan, confirm that your preferred physicians, medical groups, hospitals, behavioral health providers, and pharmacies participate in the plan.
CHRS Self-Service Open Enrollment Guide
Open Enrollment elections must be completed through Employee Self-Service in CHRS:
- Log in to the MyCalStateLA portal
- Select the HRM (CHRS) tile under the Admin and Finance section.
- Navigate to the Employee Self-Service page.
- Select Open Enrollment and follow the prompts to review and submit your elections.
For step-by-step instructions on completing your enrollment through Employee Self-Service, please review the Start Open Enrollment guide.
Update Benefits during Open Enrollment
Benefit Fairs and Office Hours
Location: Golden Eagle Ballrooms
Date: Monday, September 28, 2026
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Please note: CalPERS health plan representatives will be available from 9:00am to 11:00am only.
Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026
Time: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Registration is required. Register for the CSU Systemwide Virtual Benefits Fair.
| Date | Time | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|
| September 17 | 10:00am - 11:00am | Register here |
| September 22 | 10:00am - 11:00am | Register here |
| September 25 | 9:00am - 10:00am | Register here |
| September 30 | 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Register here |
| October 7 | 10:00am - 11:00am | Register here |
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 24 | 11:00am - 12:00pm | SSB LL120 |
| October 9 | 10:45am - 12:00pm | SSB LL120 |