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Open Enrollment: September 19 - October 14

CSU Benefits Open Enrollment

The CSU Open Enrollment period has ended.

Register for a ​Virtual Benefit Fair

Open Enrollment is your opportunity each year to review your current benefit plan selections to ensure they continue to meet your personal and family needs. During this time, you can:​​

  • Enroll in a benefit plan
  • Change or add to your benefit plans
  • Add or remove eligible family members
  • Elect to decline or cancel coverage
  • Re-enroll in annual Health Care or Dependent Care reimbursement (HCRA/DCRA) accounts
  • Update or enroll in voluntary benefit plans
  • Update your beneficiaries and ensure your personal information is up to date

If you would like to make a change, please visit your campus benefits open enrollment website for instructions on how to enroll, change or cancel health, dental, vision and HCRA/DCRA benefits. Visit your campus site by clicking on the dropdown under “Campus Benefit Information” on the right hand side of this page. For voluntary benefits (excluding HCRA/DCRA), you must visit the vendor websites to enroll, change or cancel.  Instructions will be provided on the respective vendor sites.  

If you have no changes to your current health, dental, vision or voluntary plans, you don’t need to do anything during Open Enrollment. Your plans will automatically continue for the upcoming plan year (excluding any HCRA/DCRA elections).



What’s New For 2024

Health Plan Rate Changes

Effective January 1, 2024, rates for most health plans will change.

HealthNet Smart Care Removed from the CalPERS Health Program

Effective January 1, 2024, HealthNet Smart Care will no longer be an available health plan to CSU employees. Employees who are in this plan will need to elect a different health plan coverage during Open Enrollment. Employees currently enrolled in HealthNet Smart Care will be administratively transferred to Blue Shield Access+ effective January 1, 2024 if they don’t make a plan change. Members in Napa County will be transferred to Western Health Advantage, effective January 1, 2024 if a plan change is not made.

Blue Shield Plan Changes

New to Access+ HMO, Trio HMO and Blue Shield EPO for 2024, the Away From Home Care Program is available. Learn more about the Blue Shield plan.​

Health Plan Expansions

  • Blue Shield Access+ EPO plan expansion into Del Norte and San Benito counties.
  • UnitedHealthcare Harmony HMO plan expansion into Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties.

Health Plan Exit

Anthem Traditional from Glenn County: Members, and their dependents who live in Glenn County who do not choose another health plan during Open Enrollment, will automatically be enrolled in Blue Shield Access+ effective January 1, 2024.

Legal Insurance Plan Carrier Change and Enhancements

Effective January 1, 2024 voluntary legal insurance benefits will now be provided by ARAG®. You’ll receive greater legal protection with no loss in coverage at a lower price. ARAG offers you access to local network attorneys who can help you address life’s legal situations.

Plus, network attorney fees are 100% paid in full for most covered matters. ARAG legal plan coverage can only be enrolled in during Open Enrollment.​

Eligibility

  • ​To qualify for most benefits, you must initially have employment exceeding six months, with a time base of at least .50.
  • Academic-year lecturers and coaches are eligible for benefits if appointed for a minimum of one semester or two consecutive quarters with a time base of .40 or greater.
  • Affordable Care Act (ACA)—Employees who do not meet eligibility requirements listed above may qualify for health care under ACA.
  • If you do not meet any of the eligibility criteria above, you may still be eligible to enroll in many of the voluntary plans. Learn mo​re here​.

Benefits Plans for 2024

CalPERS is your Health Benefits Officer and administers health insurance coverage for CSU employees. If you choose to change your health plan for 2024, you will need to make with change with your campus. Visit your campus specific Open Enrollment page for more information.

Your plan's monthly premium - What's paid by the CSU = Your monthly cost 

The state employer contribution amounts for 2024 are:

Monthly Cost of Coverage

Coverage levelWhat's Paid by CSU Monthly
Employee Only$983
Employee + 1$1,890
Employee + 2 or more$2,366

Refer to the documents below to determine your monthly plan costs:
CalPERS Health Plan Information​
Health Plan Rate Guide​

You can contact CalPERS at (888) CalPERS or (888) 225-7377 or by visiting calpers.ca.gov.


Delta Dental

The CSU pays 100% of the monthly premium cost for dental coverage for you and your eligible dependents, including a spouse or a registered domestic partner and/or children up to age 26.

When it comes to choosing a dental plan, you want your benefits to fit the needs of you and your family. Delta Dental PPO and DeltaCare USA both offer comprehensive dental coverage, quality care and excellent customer service.

Learn more about Delta Dental on their flyer or visit their website​.

Recent Enhancements for the Delta Dental PPO Plan includes:

  • When you visit a PPO dentist, your diagnostic and preventive services (such as cleanings and exams) will not count toward your maximum.
  • Enhanced coverage has been added for gum disease associated with a number of diagnosed systemic conditions (diabetes, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis or stroke).

Delta Dental PPO

This plan allows you to select the dentist of your choice. Both you and Delta Dental have a shared responsibility of paying the dentist for services rendered. If you choose a dentist who participates in the Delta Dental PPO network and/or the Delta Dental Premier network in California, claims will be filed on your behalf.

Please note: If you select a dentist from the Delta Dental PPO Network, you will pay less in out-of-pocket expenses.

DeltaCare USA

A prepaid dental health maintenance organization (DHMO) is available for California residents only. All covered dental services must be performed by DeltaCare USA panel dentists. No claim forms are required. Each covered dental service has a specific copayment amount and several services are covered at no charge. You will receive an identification card and welcome letter, which lists your DeltaCare USA panel dentist. You may change your assigned dentist by contacting DeltaCare USA.

For additional information, visit Delta’s website, or call (800) 626-3108 if you are enrolled in the Delta Dental PPO Plan. Call (844) 519-8751 if enrolled in the DeltaCare USA Plan.

Vision Service Plan (VSP)

Eye exams are an important part of overall health care for the entire family. The Vision Benefits Summary​​ on the next page may help you decide which plan best fits the needs of you and your family.

Learn more about VSP on their flyer​.

The VSP offers a large network of contracting providers, including optometrists and ophthalmologists. When a contracting network provider is used, the care is considered “in-network.” Out-of-pocket costs will be less, and t​h​e highest level of benefits is received. If a provider outside the network is used, the care is considered “out-of-network.” Coverage is still provided, but the out-of-pocket costs will be significantly higher. Learn more at their website​​​ or by calling (800) 877-7195.

Premier Plan Eligibility

Eligibility requirements are the same across all plans (health, dental and vision) and defined in the Open Enrollment Brochure under eligibility. However, unlike with health and dental, the Premier Plan requires all dependents to also be enrolled in the Premier Plan coverage or they will lose their Basic vision coverage. You cannot enroll in the Basic and Premier vision plans at the same time or split enrollments by leaving any dependents in the Basic vision plan.

Monthly Cost of Coverage

Enrolled Employee and Eligible DependentsBasic PlanPremier Plan
Employee Only $0 $4.03
Employee + One $0 $15.01
Employee + Family $0 $28.41

Voluntary Benefits​​

Health Care Reimbursement Account Plan​

This plan allows you to set aside a portion of your pay on a pretax basis to reimburse yourself for eligible health, dental and vision care expenses for you, your spouse/registered domestic partner and eligible dependent(s). You may contribute up to $3,050 for the 2024 plan year through payroll deduction.

Enrollment in the Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA) is required each year along with your designated contribution amounts. The 2024 monthly maximum is $254.16. ASIFlex is the claims administrator for this plan. 

Learn more about the HCRA plan in the brochure.​​

Debit Card

The ASIFlex Card (a limited use pre-paid debit card) provides an easy way to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses for you, your spouse, and any tax dependents. The advantage of the card is that you do not have to pay with cash or a personal credit card. The ASIFlex Card will allow you to pay directly from your health care account and can be used at health care providers that accept VISA and certain retail merchants that inventory eligible health care products.

ASI Flex Mobile App

You can check your balance from the palm of your hand with the ASIFlex Mobile App! Submit claims from anywhere, anytime. The app is available to download in the Apple Store and Google Play.

FSA Store

Employees can purchase eligible products and services through the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) site, called FSAstore. The FSAstore has the largest inventory of FSA-eligible products and services on the web. It’s a website you can trust to provide competitive pricing and quick turnaround for Flexible Spending Account information and shopping. Cardless pay is now available through the FSAstore by simply choosing the ASIFlex Payment option during the checkout process. Most FSA debit cards, as well as all major credit cards are accepted. Please note: Although it accepts FSA debit cards, ASIFlex might require a receipt for your purchase to substantiate the claim.

Dependent Care Reimbursement Account Plan

The Dependent Care Reimbursement Account plan (DCRA) allows you to set aside a portion of your pay on a pretax basis to reimburse yourself for childcare expenses for your eligible dependent child(ren) under the age of 13. Additionally, if you have an older dependent who lives with you and requires assistance with day-to-day living and is listed as a dependent on your annual tax return, you can claim these eligible expenses through your DCRA. You may contribute up to $5,000 each plan year ($2,500 if married, filing a separate tax return) through payroll deduction. Neither contributions nor reimbursements are taxed. Enrollment in the DCRA is required each year along with your designated contribution amounts. The 2024 monthly maximum amount is $416.66. ASIFlex is the claims administrator for this plan.

Learn more about the DCRA plan in the brochure.

Critical Illness Insurance

Group Critical Illness Insurance is offered through The Standard, which provides a lump-sum payment to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses and costs associated with life changes following the diagnosis of a covered critical illness. In addition, there are cash benefits for specified health screenings. You and/or your spouse/registered domestic partner must be between the ages of 18-64 and enrolled in a health insurance plan to participate in this plan. Employees may only enroll or cancel during Open Enrollment. To learn more about this benefit and/or enroll, go to their website or call (800) 378-5745.

Accident Insurance 

Accidents can happen when least expected, and while they can’t always be prevented, you can have the financial support to make your recovery less expensive and stressful. This insurance, provided by The Standard, can help with out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles, copays, transportation to medical centers, and more. Employees may only enroll or cancel during Open Enrollment. To learn more about this benefit and/or enroll, go to their​ website or call (800) 378-5745.

Voluntary Life Insurance

You have the opportunity to purchase group life insurance for you and your eligible dependents. Employees have the opportunity to enroll or increase supplemental life insurance at any time. However, evidence of insurability may be required. Employees may enroll or cancel at any time. To learn more about this benefit and/or to enroll, go to the website or call (800) 378-5745.

Voluntary ​Long-Term Disability (LTD)

You have the opportunity to purchase a level of group disability insurance with either a 30-day or 90-day waiting period. Employees automatically enrolled in the CSU employer-paid LTD plan are not eligible to participate in this voluntary plan. Employees may enroll or cancel at any time. To learn more about this benefit and/or to enroll, go to the website or call (800) 378-5745.

Voluntary ​​Accidental Death ​and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

You are eligible to purchase group Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance that covers you and your dependents in the event of death or dismemberment as a result of a covered accident. You may elect up to $1 million in coverage. Coverage for spouse/registered domestic partner and dependent child(ren) coverage are also available. Employees may enroll or cancel at any time. To learn more about this benefit and/or to enroll, go to the website or call (800) 378-5745.

You can’t predict the future, but you can plan for it. An ARAG® legal insurance plan isn’t just for the serious issues. It’s for events you plan for, like getting married or creating a will. Or the unexpected situations, like a traffic ticket or landlord dispute. Network attorney fees are 100% paid in full for most covered matters. Benefit from a wide range of coverage and services to protect you and your loved ones. Employees can only enroll during open enrollment. To learn more about this plan and enroll, go to the website​ or call (800) 247-4184.

The CSU provides you the opportunity to participate in the 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan (SRP). The SRP is a voluntary program that can help you save money on taxes, invest in your future and supplement your income in retirement. By contributing into the CSU 403(b) SRP, you can improve your chances of reaching your retirement goals. Employees may enroll or cancel at any time. 

Whether retirement is a long way off or right around the corner, by participating in the CSU 403(b) SRP, you could make a big difference in preparing for your future. Start with what you can and build from there. The important thing is that you start!

There are two ways you can contribute:

Pretax Option​

Save for retirement by investing monthly pretax contributions in tax-deferred investments. Pretax contributions mean more savings go toward your retirement goals than after-tax savings.

Roth Contribution (After-Tax) Option

Unlike a traditional pretax 403(b), a Roth 403(b) allows you to contribute after-tax dollars and then withdraw tax-free dollars from your account when you retire.

Advantages of Saving in the CSU 403(b) SRP

  • Easy and convenient—Contributions are automatically deducted from your pay.
  • Tax-advantaged—Both pretax and Roth options available.
  • Variety of investment options—It’s easy to find an investment strategy that helps you meet your goals.
  • Guidance and education—Free consultations with Fidelity retirement planners are available at all 23 campuses.
  • Time is an asset—The sooner you start saving toward retirement, the more you benefit from compounding interest.
  • Consolidate your retirement assets—Your campus Fidelity retirement planner can assist you in rolling over your balances from previous employers or your other CSU 403(b)s.

​How to Enroll

​You may enroll in the plan at any time. You can:

  • Call Fidelity at (800) 642-7131 and mention CSU plan number 50537
  • Complete a paper form, available at your campus benefits office
  • Go to the ​website
    • ​Click on the “Enroll Now” button
    • Enter ​​your information, including CSU plan number 50537

For More Information

  • Visit our website
  • Visit your campus benefits office
  • CSU employees are entitled to complimentary one-on-one consultations with a Fidelity Retirement Planner on campus. Schedule your appointment by calling (800) 603-4015.

Regular review of your contributions and investment elections keep you on track towards reaching your retirement goals.

Discounted auto, home and renters insurance is offered exclusively to all CSU employees (excluding rehired annuitants and students) through California Casualty. Employees can save an average of over $500 and receive unique benefits like: free/waived deductible if your vehicle is hit/vandalized on campus, identity theft protection, 12-month rate lock guarantee, no charge personal property coverage up to $500 and payroll deduction available at no cost to active employees or monthly E-Z Pay Plans with skip payment options.

Employees can enroll at any time. For more insurance information, safety resources or to get a quote see their flyer​visit their website or call (866) 680-5142.

Whether they have two legs or four, every family member deserves quality health care. That’s why this pet health insurance gives you the freedom to use any vet, anywhere, including specialist and emergency providers. Nationwide offers various benefit options for your pets. This insurance can cover your pet’s accidents, illness and even preventive care and wellness services. Plans are available for dogs, cats, birds, small mammals and exotics (such as reptiles). Employees may enroll or cancel at any time.​ To learn more about this plan and/or to enroll, visit their website or call (877) 738-7874.