Virtual Visits
$Lowest cost
10-min or less
Best for minor illnesses, infections, rashes, and quick consultations from home.
(Teledoc/Telehealth)
Issues treated:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Cold/Flu
- Sinus infections
- Pink Eye
Open Enrollment doesn't have to be overwhelming.
Make confident decisions about your health coverage. This is your one-stop resource for everything you need to know about Open Enrollment — whether you're new to the process or looking for a refresher.
First things first
Learn the basics
Open enrollment
What Is Open Enrollment?
Open Enrollment is when you can sign up for an insurance plan for you and your family for the upcoming year. During this period, you can review and compare insurance plans, make changes to your current coverage, or enroll in a new plan. You can also add or remove dependents or spouses and adjust your vision and dental coverage.
Where Do I Start?
While it may be tempting to stick with your current plan, it's important to review your options each year because plan specifics and premiums can change. In addition, new plans may be available that are a better fit for your health needs. To ensure coverage, it's essential to evaluate your options and enroll before the Open Enrollment deadline.
Did you know?
67%
of employees spend 30 minutes or less reviewing their benefits information.*
Overlooking an annual review of your benefits can lead to unexpected costs.
As plan coverage can change every year, it's crucial to take a few minutes to evaluate your options. Taking the time to reflect on your health care experience could provide long-term benefits.
MyVEBA
Introducing the New MyVEBA Member Portal
The new MyVEBA Member Portal gives you personalized access to your CalVEBA benefits — all in one place. View your current enrollments and coverage details, explore plan documents and resources, find providers and carrier support, access programs and services available to you, and register for CalVEBA wellness programs, classes, and events.
Why Register?
Registering lets you see more relevant information based on your benefits and interests, and quickly find the resources you need most. You can also book CalVEBA classes, events, and services through Wellness Living, our new streamlined scheduling tool.
About CalVEBA
What is California Schools VEBA?
Founded in 1993, California Schools VEBA (CalVEBA) is a joint labor-management trust established by the County of Education, employee associations, and district management.
What is CalVEBA's purpose?
To innovate health care purchasing, manage rising costs, and improve care access for members and their families. CalVEBA serves 160,000+ members, is the 4th largest health care purchaser in California, and partners with 80+ public sector employers.
Simplifying Health Insurance
Explore these posts and be better equipped to make decisions regarding your health care and benefits — helping you feel more prepared and less stressed during the Open Enrollment process.
New Year, New Health Plan: 4 Ways to Maximize Your Benefits
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Your Year-End Health Plan Checklist: 5 Key Actions to Take
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Trusting Your Gut When It Comes to Your Health Care
When choosing your health care team and your health plan, you want to make decisions based on reliable and sound information. This information can…
Five Open Enrollment Tips to Help You Find a Health Plan That Fits Your Needs
Health care isn’t one size fits all and your health plan shouldn’t be either. Choosing the wrong health plan can cost you more than…
Your Open Enrollment Checklist
Plan Smart Choosing a health care plan is one of the most important decisions for yourself or your family each year. Open Enrollment is…
Assessing a Plan’s Network in Three Steps
The quality and extent of a health plan’s provider and health care facility network can be a central factor in deciding whether to stay…
Is Your Health Plan Still Right for You? 5 Key Things to Check
A lot can happen over a year. Your health, budget, life situations, and more can all change. Open Enrollment is a great time to…
New Health Plan: Here’s What to Do Next
Selecting a new health plan that is right for your health and budget is an important part of healthy living. Now that you’ve made…
Know before you go
Care Cost Comparison
Find the most convenient, cost-effective health care option — choosing the right setting can save you time and money.
Your Doctor's Office
$Low cost
~24-min average
Best for ongoing care, referrals, chronic conditions, and preventive check-ups.
Personalized care with a Primary Care Physician (PCP) who knows your medical history.
Issues treated:
- Fever
- Cold
- Flu
- Sore throat
- Minor burns
- Ear/sinus pain
- Physical
- Shots
Convenient Care Clinic
$Low–moderate
15-min average
Best for minor injuries, vaccinations, strep throat, and UTIs without an appointment.
(In retail stores/pharmacies)
Issues treated:
- Infections
- Cold/flu
- Minor injuries/pain
- Shots
- Flu shots
- Sore/Strep Throat
- Skin problems
- Allergies
Urgent Care
$$$$Moderate cost
11-20 mins average
Best for sprains, cuts, high fever, or when your doctor is unavailable.
(Immediate care for non-emergency conditions) No appointment needed (good for when you can't get in to see your PCP). Convenient hours, including nights and weekends.
Issues treated:
- Migraines/headaches
- Cuts that need stitches
- Abdominal pain
- Sprains/Strains
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Emergency Room
$$$$$$Highest cost
4+ hours average
For life-threatening situations only — chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe injury.
(ER) – for serious, life-threatening conditions
Issues treated:
- Chest pain/stroke
- Seizures
- Head or Neck injuries
- Sudden/Severe Pain
- Fainting/Dizziness/Weakness
- Uncontrolled Bleeding
- Problems breathing
- Broken bones
Featured plan
Journey – Build Wealth with an HRA*
*Plan availability is subject to employer offerings.
CalVEBA’s Journey Plan is a smart, low-cost health care option that helps you save on premiums while staying protected. It includes a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) through Gallagher’s HealthInvest HRA, which covers qualified medical expenses — all tax free. You receive annual employer contributions that roll over yearly and stay with you even if you change jobs or health plans. Watch the video to learn more!
- No monthly premium cost to you
- Employer-funded HRA contributions
- Unused funds roll over year to year
- Access to same broad provider networks
Whatever my body needs, CalVEBA has something for that. Whether I need acupuncture, or I'm in desperate need of therapy because of a loss in the family, or I want to make sure I have a doctor who understands my body — I've always had access to that with CalVEBA.
Kristen LoPrell
CalVEBA member since 2011
Get help
Two ways to get help.
Reach the right team for the right question — the Advocacy Team handles benefits and care navigation, your carrier handles plan-specific details and account changes.
Advocacy Team
Talk to the Advocacy Team
Our team provides personalized guidance and troubleshooting support for a wide range of concerns:
- Who can assist me with a question about Open Enrollment?
- I need help finding a doctor.
- Is acupuncture covered under my plan?
- My claim has been denied. Help!
- I can’t get in touch with my carrier. What do I do?
Contact The Advocacy Team For:
- Open Enrollment Questions
- Finding or Choosing a Doctor
- Claims Denial
- Billing Assistance
- Carrier Connection Issues
- Expedited Care for Urgent Situations
Questions? Contact The Advocacy Team: Phone: 888-276-0250 (Monday-Friday, 8 am – 5 pm)
Contact us
Your Carrier
Contact your carrier directly
Your carrier can provide direct assistance for administrative and plan-specific inquiries:
- Where do I get an ID card for my plan?
- I need help with my health plan forms.
- I’m moving. How do I update my contact information?
- I want to change my Primary Care Provider (PCP). How do I proceed?
Contact Your Carrier For:
- Digital ID Cards (generated by your provider)
- Form Assistance
- Address or Phone Number Changes
- Changing a Primary Care Provider (PCP)
Questions? Contact Your Carrier:
Find your carrierAccessible health care starts here
Our team is ready to answer your questions and discuss your needs.
View my plan
Log in to MyVEBA to see your coverage details, ID card, and more.
Get care now
Contact your carrier and access the right care for all your health needs.
Have questions?
Find answers to common questions about your coverage, care, and how to access the support.