When employees think about their health insurance, they’re not just thinking about premiums and copays. They’re thinking about whether their coverage will be there when they need it, whether they can see the doctors they trust, and whether their plan actually fits their lives. That explains why trust in health insurance and the broader health care system is so low.
A 2025 study by Forrester Research found that only 48% believe their health plan will act in their best interest. Research from Johns Hopkins University found a similar decline in confidence in the U.S. health care system overall, with public trust falling from 71.5% in 2020 to 40.1% in 2024.
For employers, that raises an important question. How can you help your employees feel more confident, informed, and in control of their health care? One answer may already be part of your benefits program: employee choice.
Your CaliforniaChoice Coverage Gives Employees Options
One of the advantages of being a CaliforniaChoice group is that your employees are not limited to a single health plan. Depending on the options you offer and where employees live, they may be able to choose from up to seven health plans and more than 100 coverage options, including HMO, PPO, and Health Savings Account (HSA) qualified plans. That matters because your employees don’t all have the same health care needs.
One employee may want to keep a particular doctor. Another may prioritize a lower premium. A family may need a different network than a single employee. Someone else may be looking for an HSA-qualified plan.
With CaliforniaChoice, employees have the flexibility to select coverage that makes sense for their individual circumstances.
More Choice Can Mean More Confidence
Health insurance can be complicated. Giving employees choices is valuable, but helping them understand those choices is equally important. Encourage your employees to take time during open enrollment to review their current coverage and consider whether it still fits their needs.
They may want to think about:
- Are their preferred doctors and specialists still in-network?
- Have their health care needs changed?
- Does their current plan still make sense for their family?
- Would an HSA-qualified plan make sense for them?
- Are they taking advantage of the benefits and resources available through their coverage?
A little time spent reviewing coverage can help employees make a more informed decision, and get more value from the benefit you’re already providing.
What Extra Benefits Come with CaliforniaChoice?
Your CaliforniaChoice benefits extend beyond Medical coverage. Employees also have access to additional resources through the Member Value Suite, while employers can take advantage of tools available through the Business Solutions Suite.
These resources include:
- California Rx Card: Prescription savings of up to 80% on eligible medications, which may help reduce out-of-pocket costs.
- Cal Perks: Savings on entertainment, theme and water parks, travel, retail, and more.
- ChooseHealthy™: Discounts on fitness and wellness services, including gym memberships and fitness gear.
- Pet insurance savings: Access to savings on pet insurance from MetLife and Spot.
- Hearing and Vision discounts: Savings through participating Hearing and Vision programs.
- Flexible Spending Accounts: A way for eligible employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified health care expenses.
- Premium Only Plans (POPs): Allows eligible employees to pay insurance premiums with pre-tax dollars and can help reduce employer payroll tax liability.
These may not be the first things employees think about when they think about their health benefits, but they can add meaningful value throughout the year.
Make the Most of the Benefits You Already Offer
You don’t have to completely rethink your benefits strategy to help employees get more from their health coverage. Sometimes, it’s about making sure employees know what they already have.
Your CaliforniaChoice program gives your employees access to a range of health plan choices and additional resources designed to help them manage their health care and everyday expenses.
When your renewal approaches, it’s the perfect time to remind employees to take another look at their coverage and not simply to ask, “What does my plan cost?” but also, “Is this still the right plan for me?”
Talk with Your Broker
Your broker is a valuable resource for helping you evaluate your current CaliforniaChoice program, understand your renewal options, and determine whether there are additional choices or resources you should make available to your employees.
Before your next renewal, talk with your broker about how you can make the most of the CaliforniaChoice benefits you already offer.