Open Enrollment


Annual Benefits Open Enrollment

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. The annual benefits Open Enrollment period for CSU employees is September 16, 2024, through October 11, 2024. The effective date for all changes made during Open Enrollment will be January 1, 2025.

During the open enrollment period, eligible employees may:

  • Enroll in or change health or dental plans;
  • Add or remove spouse, domestic partner or eligible dependents to/from health and/or dental plan;
  • Elect or cancel FlexCash. If you have other non-CSU group medical and/or dental coverage, you may elect the FlexCash Plan which pays you cash in lieu of CSU coverage;
  • Elect participation or re-enroll in the Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA) or the Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (DCRA). If you are participating in 2024, and want to continue participation in 2025, you must re-enroll during open enrollment.

If you do not intend to make any changes to your health or dental benefits at this time, no action is necessary. However, please note that all employees are subject to health premium rate changes.

Virtual Open Enrollment Fair

The Chancellor's Office is hosting regional virtual benefits fairs for all CSU employees. During the fair, you'll be able to speak with the benefit plan carriers as well as staff from Benefits. The virtual fair will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2024 from 11 am to 2 pm. REGISTER HERE​ to receive link to attend.

What's New for 2025

  • Health Plan Rate Changes - Effective January 1, 2025, rates for most health plans will change.
  • PERS Gold and PERS Platinum:
    Effective January 1, 2025, Blue Shield of California will be the new administrator for all PPO plans. For members currently in a basic plan, they are partnering with Included Health to provide member services, including answering inquiries, guiding members to the most appropriate in-network and high-quality providers, and providing care coordination services for members, particularly those with complex health conditions. Included Health will also expand access to care through their supplemental virtual primary care and behavioral health care services. There are no changes to copays, coinsurance, or deductibles with the transition to Blue Shield.
  • Health Plan Expansions:
      • Blue Shield Trio will expand to Contra Costa county and select zip codes in Shasta county.
      • Health Net Salud y Más will expand into Imperial county.
      • Kaiser Permanente will expand into select zip codes of Monterey county.
      • UnitedHealthcare Harmony will expand into Napa county and select zip codes in Contra Costa and Solano counties.
  • Health Plan Exits:
    The Anthem Blue Cross Del Norte EPO plan will no longer be offered. Members that do not elect a health plan change will be automatically enrolled in Blue Shield Access+, effective January 1, 2025.
  • CalPERS Health Plan Design Changes:

      • Doula Benefit for all Pregnant and Postpartum Members - New benefit for all pregnant and postpartum Basic plan members to receive health education, advocacy, physical and emotional non-medical support before, during and after pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, and abortions.
      • Travel Benefit for Medically Necessary Care - Standardized travel and lodging coverage for eligible medically necessary services including, but not limited to abortion services, gender affirming care, complex surgeries, and cancer care that cannot be accessed within 50 miles from the member’s residence for all Basic and Medicare plan members, up to $5,000 per occurrence. This includes transportation, lodging, and meals for the member and a companion (both parents/guardians when patient is under 18).
      • For PORAC health plan only - Combine acupuncture and chiropractic visits to a 20-visit limit. Physical and occupational therapy have no visit limitations.

  • All employees enrolled in a CalPERS health plan can access their Health Plan Statement by logging into their my|CalPERS account 24/7. The CalPERS Health Plan Statement allows subscribers the opportunity to receive customized employee specific health information in a confidential and secure method, and provides a convenient central location for health plan resources. Employees can view their current monthly premium rates and 2025 monthly premium rates if they do not change health plans for Open Enrollment. The statement will also include specific health benefit changes that may impact them in the upcoming year. If an employee has not created a CalPERS account, they can create one by going to the my|CalPERS login page located at CalPERS and select Participant, Continue, then Register Now.
  • New employees can also review the Open Enrollment materials electronically online by visiting the CalPERS website beginning September 16, 2024.
  • The Standard – Guaranteed Issue Voluntary Life Insurance - New for 2025, The Standard Insurance will allow eligible active members the opportunity to enroll in Voluntary Life insurance (up to $100,000 for self and/or spouse/registered domestic partners for up to $50,000) without proving Evidence of Insurability. If you currently have less than $100,000 of coverage or you are not currently enrolled, you can apply for this enhanced benefit.
    Note: Previously declined employees or spouses/registered domestic partners​ will need to provide satisfactory Evidence of Insurability for this enhanced benefit.

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 more here​​.

Benefits Plans for 2025

Health Plans

CalPERS is your Health Benefits Officer and administers health insurance coverage for CSU employees. If you choose to change your health plan for 2025, you will need to make with change with your campus. Visit your campus specific Open Enrollment page for more information.

The state employer contribution amounts for 2025 are:

Monthly Cost of Coverage

Coverage level

All Employees (except Unit 6)

Unit 6

Employee Only

$1,060

$1,065

Employee + One

$2,039$2,049

Employee + Family

$2,551$2,571

Refer to the documents below to determine your monthly plan costs:

CalPERS Health Plan Information​
Health Plan Ra​te Guide​​

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

Dental Plans

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​.

Current 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 their 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 Plans

Vision Service Plan (VSP) - Eye exams are an important part of overall health care for the entire family. 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. The CSU provides basic vision insurance automatically for eligible employees and their family members at no cost. The monthly premiums for the basic vision plan will continue to be fully paid by the CSU for the 2025 plan year. 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.

Both VSP plan options utilize the VSP network of providers, however, out-of-pocket costs associated with the plan options will vary. Employees should use the VSP Vision Benefits Summary to determine which plan suits their vision needs. Employees who choose to enroll in the new Premier Vision Plan, may enroll directly with VSP through the VSP website or by calling (800) 400-4569. If an employee chooses to enroll in the Premier plan, any dependents that need to be covered must also be upgraded to the Premier Plan coverage. Employees cannot enroll in both the Basic and Premier coverage at the same time.

    • Highlights of the CSU sponsored vision plan can be reviewed by visiting CSYou or by visiting VSP or by calling (800) 400-4569. Please refer to the vision plan's Evidence of Coverage (EOC) booklet for a complete explanation of the benefits covered, as well as limitations and exclusions that apply.

Enrolled Employee and Eligible Dependents

Basic Plan

Premier Plan

Employee Only

$0

$5.06

Employee + One

$0$17.08

Employee + Family

$0$31.73

Voluntary Benefits​​

ASI Flex: Health Care and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts

The Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA) and  Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (DCRA) permit you to set aside a portion of your pay on a pre-tax basis to reimburse yourself for eligible expenses. If you are currently enrolled in the HCRA and/or DCRA, and wish to continue participation in the plan(s), you are required to re-enroll annually during open enrollment.

  • The 2025 annual maximum contribution for the Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA) is:
    • increasing to $3,200 a year.
    • a minimum of $20 to a maximum of $266.66 each month ($3,200 a year).
    • Offers participants the ability to pay for eligible out-of-pocket medical expenses with pre-tax dollars.
    • The monthly maximum contribution amount is $266.66.
  • The 2025 annual maximum contribution for Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (DCRA) is:
    • remains unchanged at $5,000
    • a minimum of $20 to a maximum of $416.66 each month ($5,000 a year).

Debit Card:

  • The ASIFlex Visa Card is issued by ASIFlex
  • 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.
  • FSA claim payments are issued daily. Claims can be filed online at the ASIFlex website, through the ASIFlex Mobile Application, by fax or mail.

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.

The Standard: Critical Illness and Accident Insurance

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, visit their website or call (800) 378-5745. Rates for Critical Illness Insurance are listed in the Critical Illness Insurance and Accident Insurance premium rates for 2025.

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. Rates for Accident Insurance are listed in the Critical Illness Insurance and Accident Insurance premium rates for 2025.

The Standard: Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability and Accidental Death & Dismemberment

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.

New for 2025, The Standard Insurance will allow eligible active members the opportunity to enroll in Voluntary Life insurance (up to $100,000 for self and/or spouse/registered domestic partners for up to $50,000) without proving Evidence of Insurability. If you currently have less than $100,000 of coverage or you are not currently enrolled, you can apply for this enhanced benefit. To learn more, go to the website​ or call (800)378-5745. Note: Previously declined employees or spouses/registered domestic partners will need to provide satisfactory Evidence of Insurability for this enhanced benefit.

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.

ARAG: Legal Insurance

You can’t predict the future, but you can plan for it. For $16.95 a month via payroll deduction, ARAG can provide you and your eligible dependents legal coverage. 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, visit ARAGlegal.com/CSU​ or call (800) 247-4184.

Employees that are automatically enrolled in ARAG will receive a welcome email from ARAG with their Member ID and steps to get started. Employees can create their online account, review coverage details, and even start a case online effective with the new plan year. Employees can choose to discontinue enrollment during open enrollment if they do not wish to be automatically enrolled in the new ARAG Legal Insurance Plan by contacting ARAG’s Customer Care at 800-247-4184 or email service@ARAGlegal.com before 5pm PT on October 11, 2024, and provide policy ID number 19061csu.

Fidelity: 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan

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:

Pre-Tax Option - Save for retirement by investing monthly pre-tax contributions in tax-deferred investments. Pre-tax contributions mean more savings go toward your retirement goals than after-tax savings.

Roth Contribution (After-Tax) Option- Unlike a traditional pre-​​​tax 403(b), a Roth 403(b) allows you to contribute after-tax dollars and then withdraw tax-free dollars from your account when you

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: Below are ways in which to enroll:

  • Visit Fidelity NetBenefits or
  • Call Fidelity at 877-CSU-3699 (877-278-3699) and mention CSU plan number 50537
  • Complete a paper form, available at 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) 642-7131 (Plan number: 50537).

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

California Casualty: Auto, Home and Renters Insurance
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.

Nationwide: Pet Insurance

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.

Voluntary Benefits Contact Information
PlanVendor
Auto and Home Insurance 1-866-680-5142California Casualty
ARAG Legal 1-800-247-4184ARAG Legal 
Fidelity 403(b) (SRP Program) (877-278-3699)

Fidelity NetBenefits

Voluntary Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance 1-800-378-5745The Standard
Voluntary Life Insurance 1-800-378-5745The Standard
Voluntary Long Term Disability 1-800-378-5745The Standard
Critical Illness Insurance 1-800-378-5745The Standard
Accident Insurance 1-800-378-5745The Standard
KinderCare - Child Care Centers 1-888-525-2780KinderCare
Pet InsuranceNationwide
SavingsPlus - Voluntary Retirement plans 457(b) and 401(k) 1-855-616-4776SavingsPlus
ScholarShare 529 1-800-544-5248ScholarShare 529

Additional information regarding these voluntary benefit plans and how to enroll can be found on the CSU Systemwide Benefits Portal. Please note that all of the above voluntary benefit plans, with the exception of the ARAG Legal plan, allow employees to enroll throughout the year. Rates for The Standard Voluntary plans are listed in the 2025 Voluntary Standard Rates sheet.


To make an Open Enrollment change, please:

  • Complete the Benefit Enrollment/Change Worksheet.
  • All forms are due in the Benefits Office by Friday, October 11, 2024 by 5pm.
  • Your benefits will not change until January 1, 2025

Important Links


If there is a discrepancy between this information and the official plan documents and contracts, the official documents will always govern.

Deadline Date for Open Enrollment Forms

All documents should be submitted to the Benefits Services via the Benefits Services Secure Dropbox or in Welch Hall 340 by Friday, October 11, 2024 by end of business day (5pm).

Are You a Retiree?

CSU Retirees

This is the time of year to re-evaluate your existing benefits elections, discover the benefit plans that are best for you and your family, and make changes that best fit your needs. Plan changes will be effective as of January 1, 2025.

During Open Enrollment and throughout the year, CSU retirees can access health, dental, and vision information online. CSU Retirees with questions regarding health or dental eligibility should access my|CalPERS or contact CalPERS directly at (888) 225-7377. For vision plan questions, contact Vision Service Plan (VSP) at 800-400-4569.

Visit the CSU Retiree website to view the retiree open enrollment information.