Welcome, benefits administrators

Creating a Culture of Kindness

September 29 | 5 pm – 6 pm | Virtual
Through inspiring real-world examples and practical strategies, learn how small actions can support stronger workplace connections, collaboration, and innovation.

Webinar Details:
September 29 | 5 pm – 6 pm | Virtual via Zoom

Register Now

Lunch & Learn

Circle of Care: Virtual Caregiver Series

September 16 & 23 | 5 pm – 6 pm | Virtual via Zoom
Join experts from UC San Diego, Elder Law & Advocacy, and the San Diego Caregivers Coalition for two caregiver-focused workshops designed to provide practical support, self-care strategies, and helpful resources. Attend one session or both based on your interests.

September 16: You Matter Too: Self-Care Caregivers
Explore strategies for managing stress, restoring balance, and supporting your well-being while caring for others.

September 23: Support Starts Here: A Guide to Caregiver Resources
Learn about caregiver support, Medicare and respite care options, and local, state, and federal resources.

Register Now

The California Schools VEBA (CalVEBA) 2025 Impact Report is now available. It highlights a year of expanded access to care, improved health outcomes, and continued support for member well-being.

Thank you for the important role you play in helping members understand and navigate their benefits.

View Impact Report

Open Enrollment Hub

Open Enrollment is approaching. Visit the Open Enrollment Hub for educational resources, key dates, and tools to help you prepare for upcoming benefit decisions.

Explore the Hub

For general eligibility questions or help finding an in-network mental health professional, contact The Advocacy Team at CalVEBA.org/Contact/ or call 888-276-0250.

Therapy Through CalVEBA

Short-term support for mental health needs is also available through CalVEBA. A lifeline to you during moments of urgency, a licensed therapist can serve as your bridge between the professional care you need now, and the care provided by your health plan benefits. Therapy appointments are available virtually and in-person at the Kearny Mesa Resource Center.

Book an appointment here.

Optum Emotional Wellbeing Solutions (EWS)

In partnership with Optum Emotional Wellbeing Solutions (EWS), Dedicated Consultants are available virtually and in-person at the Carlsbad, Chula Vista, and Kearny Mesa Resource Centers. Get support with issues like stress, relationship conflicts, work-life balance, communication strategies, and more.

To explore the benefits of this service, watch this program overview video. Want to get started? Visit the Optum Employee Portal to make an account and schedule an appointment.

Available for CalVEBA members and their dependents age 18+.

For additional Optum EWS resources, visit LiveAndWorkWell.com (access code: VEBA). Please note that you may experience longer wait times with this method.

Looking for alternative therapy appointments? Check out these options available:

• CalVEBA members enrolled in a Kaiser plan: For care or treatment of a mental health concern, call Kaiser Permanente at 800-464-4000(8 am – 5:30 pm, Monday – Friday). No referral needed.
• CalVEBA members enrolled in a UHC plan: Sign in to your member account or call the number on your member ID card to determine eligibility for specific mental health care services.
• San Diego CalVEBA members enrolled in an Optum plan: Request a telehealth individual or group therapy appointment through Mindpath Health (formerly Psychiatric Centers at San Diego). Here’s how to access this benefit:
  • Get an authorization code: Call Optum at 888-625-4809.
  • Schedule your appointment: Call 619-528-4600 with your authorization code.

Mental Well-Being Benefits and Services

Inform your members about the range of mental well-being services and programs available to them, both virtually and in person, on our dedicated page. They can explore immediate support options, connections to in-network therapists, and short-term therapy solutions designed to help them navigate life’s challenges.

The California Schools VEBA Advocacy Team

What can The Advocacy Team help with?

• Claims Issues
• Authorization Issues
• Benefit Questions
• Access & Quality of Care Issues
• Prescription Issues

How do I contact?

• Call The Advocacy Team Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm at 888-276-0250 (Option 2).
• Submit an online contact form at CalVEBA.org/Contact to submit a request.
  • Important note: For urgent requests, please click the “Urgent” box located on the contact form. Inquiries typically receive a response within one business day of receipt.
• Districts or Employers may email The Advocacy Team at Advocacy@CalVEBA.org.
  • Please note: when inquiring on behalf of a CalVEBA member, include the member’s name, date of birth, social security number, phone number or email, and if we should reply to the district/employer or the member.

The California Schools VEBA Benefit Operations Team

What can The Benefit Operations Team help with?

• Enrollment Issues
• Plan Changes
• Eligibility Issues
• Inactive Coverage Issues
• Demographic Changes

How do I contact?

• Call The Benefit Operations Team at 888-276-0250 (Option 3).
• Email Operations@CalVEBA.org.
  • Please note: The Benefit Operations Team does not work directly with members. When inquiring on behalf of a CalVEBA member, include the member’s name, date of birth or social security number, phone number or email, and if we should reply to the district/employer or the member.

Have questions? You may always send your requests directly to your dedicated Account Manager.

To help clarify expectations, below is the anticipated turnaround time for eligibility requests.

Urgent Requests

Requests should only be sent urgently if there is an immediate denial of access to care for medication or essential services due to medical necessity. A member’s enrollment will not be active in the carrier’s system immediately upon submission; however, they may still seek services and all claims can be resubmitted once eligibility has been updated.

Urgent requests must include the following three items:

1. “URGENT” in the subject
2. The specific reason for the urgency
3. Which plans are needed to be expedited (for example Medical, Prescription, Dental, and/or Vision)

If the request does not include all these details, it cannot be prioritized.

Reasons for urgency will be reviewed and if it does not fall within the requested parameters (immediate denial of access to care for medication or essential services due to medical necessity), it cannot be guaranteed that it will be processed urgently.

If the submitted urgent request falls within all guidelines, the expected turnaround is one to two business days upon receipt, subject to business demands.

Questions? Please email Operations@CalVEBA.org.

Open Enrollment Season Operations Timeline

CalVEBA Eligibility Process Turnaround: five to seven business days upon receipt, subject to business demands.

• Once a district request is completed, a ticket closure confirmation email is sent.
• Each Friday: eligibility changes are transmitted to carriers for processing.

Carrier System Updates Reflected: two to four business days

• Digital ID cards should be available upon enrollment by the carrier.
• All ID cards are digital this year. 
• For inquiries about requesting physical ID cards, please contact the carrier directly. Click here for the list of carrier contacts.

Total Turnaround Timeline: 10-15 business days after enrollment is submitted to CalVEBA by the district before benefits are active with the carrier.

Please share this waiting period with your members so they understand when they can expect to appear active with the carrier.