Health is universal
We are committed to breaking down the barriers of achieving optimal health because everyone deserves access to quality care.
A nonprofit health trust built by and for California's public sector communities
CalVEBA connects members with trusted providers and comprehensive health services designed to support your whole self. We believe in accessible care that meets you where you are.
Our mission
To build strong communities through a healthy, engaged, and emboldened membership that enjoys a total state of well-being.
160,000+
Members and dependents served across California
30+ Years
Serving public sector employees since 1993
80+
Employer and district partners statewide
Our vision
A vision for access. A commitment to equity.
At California Schools VEBA, our vision is for all Californians to have accessible and equitable health care.
"I was feeling sluggish and doubtful of my abilities. Using CalVEBA resources, I was able to create the balance and knowledge I needed to find myself. Working with the Care Navigator made a huge difference in my life."
Aimee Martinez
CalVEBA member since 2013
our values
What guides everything we do
Members come first
As a nonprofit trust, we do the right thing, for the right reason, every single time. Our members are the purpose behind everything we do.
There is always a better way
We work tirelessly to build an integrated health care system that delivers on each person's needs at an affordable cost.
People and equity, always
We are in the business of people and embrace unique perspectives, backgrounds, and situations.
our offerings
Your health, our purpose
From seamless benefit access to personalized programs and dedicated employer support — find what you need.
Your benefits hub
Access your coverage, find a provider, enroll in programs, and get support — all in one place.
- Browse your current enrollments and explore your plan options
- Access programs & services
- Enroll in wellness programs and classes
Deliver better benefits, with less complexity
CalVEBA partners with California public employers to deliver high-quality, affordable benefits, while simplifying the work behind them. Learn how:
- We reduce administrative burden for your team
- Our partnership model drives long-term savings
- Our tools and programs support your employees' well-being
Board of directors
Stronger together, united in purpose
Moises Aguirre
Superintendent, Sweetwater Union High School District
Celende Alderete
CSBT Representative, Charter Oak Educators Association
Liz Bystedt
Superintendent, Jamul-Dulzura Union School District
Dr. Fabi Bagula
Management Chair, Superintendent, San Diego Unified School District
Michael Breyette
Labor Vice-Chair, Field Director, California School Employees Association
Helen Farias
Negotiations Specialist, California Teachers Association
Clark Hampton
CSBT Representative, Deputy Superintendent, Capistrano Unified School District
Jessica Garcia Heller
Field Organizer, San Diego Education Association
Dr. Andy Johnsen
Superintendent, San Marcos Unified School District
Brandi Krepps
President, Escondido Elementary Educators Association
Espie Medellin
Field Director, California School Employees Association
Jon Petersen
Management Vice-Chair, Superintendent, Escondido Union High School District
Mark Reagles
Regional Representative, Region 15 & Chapter President, Cajon Valley 179, California School Employees Association
Gregg Robinson
Representative, American Federation of Teachers, Local 1931
Betty Robles-Leal
Associate Vice Chancellor, Employee Services, San Diego Community College District
Dr. Debra Schade
President, California School Boards Association
Michael Simonson
Deputy Superintendent, San Diego County Office of Education
Robin Watkins
Labor Chair, Representative, American Federation of Teachers, Local 1931
origins
A response to a growing challenge
1993
Building Strong Foundations
California Schools VEBA ("CalVEBA") formed when labor and management leaders across California’s public education system came together to address a shared concern: rising health care costs were limiting access to care for school employees and their families.
Rather than accepting a system that was becoming less affordable and harder to navigate, they formed a nonprofit health trust built on partnership, shared responsibility, and long-term sustainability.
2007-2011
Member-Centered Partnerships
By bringing partners like Best Doctors and Teladoc Medical Experts into the member experience, CalVEBA put specialized, high-quality care within easy reach — establishing the partnership model that still defines how members get expert support today.
- 2007: Best Doctors partnership launches expert second-opinion access for members
- 2010: Teladoc Medical Experts joins the member benefits stack
- 2007–2011: Strategic partnerships establish the member-first care model that still defines CalVEBA
2019-2022
Access & Infrastructure Expansion
From launching Resource Centers and virtual services to securing California’s landmark K–12 direct-contracting law (AB 1124), we broke down logistical barriers and built a lasting foundation for member health benefits.
- 2019: Mission Valley Resource Center opens
- 2020: Care Navigation and Resource Centers pivot fully virtual during COVID
- September 2020: Gov. Newsom signs AB 1124, authorizing CalVEBA’s Direct Contracting Pilot
- 2022: Kearny Mesa Resource Center opens
2023
Economic Impact Milestone
An independent 2023 SDNEDC study confirmed what we suspected: preventive, whole-person care doesn’t just improve lives, it moves the regional economy — generating nearly 10× Comic-Con’s annual impact and giving policymakers, partners, and members a new way to talk about CalVEBA’s role at scale.
- Generated $1.15B in regional economic impact
- Delivered ~10× the impact of Comic-Con
- Supported 6,800+ jobs across the region
- Independently validated by the San Diego North Economic Development Council
2024-2026
Innovation & Growth
Pushed the validated model forward by launching VEBA Direct — the first directly-contracted health plan built specifically for K–12 public-sector employees — alongside fertility services and two new Resource Centers, establishing a model of transparent, member-funded care where every dollar saved becomes a new benefit.
- 2024: VEBA Direct launches, and the Direct Contracting Pilot is extended
- 2024: First end-to-end fertility services for California educators
- 2025: Carlsbad Resource Center opens
- 2026: Chula Vista Resource Center opens
Labor and management aligned on a simple idea: by working together, they could pool resources, strengthen negotiating power, and design benefits that better served employees and their families.
As the trust grew, so did its commitment to reaching every member — removing barriers to care and meeting people where they are, regardless of role, region, or background.
By purchasing care directly and partnering with high-value providers, CalVEBA delivers better outcomes while keeping coverage affordable for districts and members alike.
The principles that shaped CalVEBA in 1993 — partnership, shared responsibility, and long-term sustainability — continue to guide every decision we make today.
Why it matters
Our ripple effect
Economic reports
How we improve member health and deliver measurable results. How those results support jobs, local revenue, and stronger communities.
Download the report
Latest report
2025 Impact report
We're excited to share our inaugural Annual Report. 2025 was a year of partnership, growth, and support for our California Schools VEBA (CalVEBA) community.
2024 Annual Report
Download PDF
Press
News & media
Latest news, partnerships, and member stories from CalVEBA.
June 18, 2025
Chamber Chat: Telling the story of CalVEBA’s impact
June 5, 2025- A new SDNEDC report shows how CalVEBA’s healthcare model supports thousands of jobs, saves local governments millions, and reinvests in the region.
Read more
May 28, 2025
New report quantifies CalVEBA trust’s impact, Study finds group has saved school districts up to $1.5B.
SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2025– The San Diego-based California Schools Voluntary Employees Benefits Association had $1.1 billion in economic impact across San Diego County in 2023, according to the organization’s annual report released…
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March 20, 2023
VEBA Resource Center’s Dr. V featured in the SDBJ’s Women’s Healthcare Roundtable
Mar 13, 2023 – The VEBA Resource Center’s acupuncturist and holistic health doctor, Ioanna Vouloumanou, LAc DAOM (better known as Dr. V) has been featured in the San Diego Business Journal’s Women’s…
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March 14, 2023
VEBA Co-Chair Robin Watkins Named SDBJ’s Top 50 Nonprofit Board Leaders of Influence
Mar 13, 2023 – California Schools VEBA Co-Chair and Representative, Robin Watkins, was recently selected as one of the San Diego Business Journal’s Top 50 Nonprofit Board Leaders of Influence! With a…
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September 20, 2022
Laura Josh, Gallagher Area President on behalf of California Schools VEBA, Featured in SDBJ’s Healthcare Roundtable
Sep 19, 2022 – Laura Josh, Gallagher Area President on behalf of California Schools VEBA, was featured in The San Diego Business Journal’s Healthcare Roundtable. Laura joins the region’s top behavioral health…
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July 11, 2022
California Schools VEBA honored as ‘Healthy People 2030 Champion’
July 6, 2022 – California Schools VEBA has been recognized by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a…
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May 18, 2022
VEBA Featured in May 2022 Edition of Giving Back Magazine
May 1, 2022 – California Schools VEBA was featured in the May edition of Giving Back Magazine. The article celebrates May as National Educator’s Appreciation Month and VEBA thanks all of the…
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May 3, 2022
Laura Josh, Gallagher Area President on behalf of California Schools VEBA, Featured in SDBJ’s Healthcare Roundtable
May 2, 2022 – Laura Josh, Gallagher Area President on behalf of California Schools VEBA, was featured in The San Diego Business Journal’s Healthcare Roundtable. The issue focuses on Mental Health Awareness…
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April 1, 2022
VEBA Featured in April 2022 Edition of Giving Back Magazine
Apr 1, 2022 – California Schools VEBA was featured on the cover and in an article in the April edition of Giving Back Magazine. The article celebrates the new VRC building being…
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January 5, 2022
VEBA Co-Medical Director, Dr. Angie Neison, featured in SDUT Article on Gut Health
Dec 30, 2021 – Co-Medical Director of California Schools VEBA, Dr. Angie Neison, wrote an opinion article on the importance of gut health for the San Diego Union Tribune. Dr. Neison is…
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December 16, 2021
VEBA’s 30-minute Documentary featured on NBC 7 San Diego
Dec 13, 2021 – Watch California Schools VEBA’s 30-minute documentary, “Breaking the Stigma”, that premiered on NBC 7 San Diego. The VEBA Resource Center and The Honor Foundation joined together to help…
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December 1, 2021
VEBA Featured in December 2021 Edition of Giving Back Magazine
Dec 1, 2021 — California Schools VEBA was featured in the December edition of Giving Back Magazine. The article celebrates the upcoming three year anniversary of the Mission Valley VEBA Resource Center…
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