How CaliforniaChoice Total Choice Delivers More for Your Employees

February 12, 2026by Alex Strautman

As a CaliforniaChoice employer group, you already know that offering just one HMO or PPO isn’t enough. Today’s employees expect flexibility, provider access, and coverage that fits their needs.

That’s exactly what CaliforniaChoice delivers. Depending on your region, employees can choose from up to seven health plans and 100+ coverage options all under one program. Each employee selects the plan and network that works best for them, while you keep one streamlined program. It’s a win for all.

Total Choice for Maximum Flexibility

Keep in mind, with CaliforniaChoice you can give your employees Total Choice, which provides access to all four metal tiers — Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Total Choice provides employees with the most plan choices and price points to be sure everyone’s needs are met. Here are additional benefits:

  • Employees can buy up or down, allowing you to keep your costs low without limiting choice.
  • It encourages increased participation by offering a lower-cost option for employees who want to enroll their dependents.
  • There’s no cost to offer Total Choice!

Insert Total Choice Video

Cost Control for Your Business

With CaliforniaChoice, you can also stay in control through a Defined Contribution model. Here’s a reminder of your options:

  • Contribute a Fixed Percentage (50%–100%) of a selected plan.
    or
  • Contribute a Fixed Dollar Amount for each employee.

Your employees apply your contribution to their preferred plan. If they select a higher-cost option, they pay the difference. If they select a lower cost option, they pay nothing. At renewal, you can adjust your contribution, up or down, helping you manage benefits costs year after year.

Built-In Benefits That Support Employee Health

Member needs are changing. Remember, all CaliforniaChoice medical plans include:

  • Preventive care
  • Telehealth services
  • Wellness programs

Early detection, screenings, and proactive care help your employees maintain their health and may reduce long-term health care costs.

Additional Coverage Options

You can also offer supplemental benefits through CaliforniaChoice:

Dental
  • SmileSaver DHMO
  • MetLife DHMO
  • Ameritas PPO
Vision
  • Vision One Eyecare discount program

Chiropractic
  • Landmark Healthplan (includes exams, adjustments, optional acupuncture)

Life & AD&D
  • Assurity Life life insurance coverage starts at $5,000

Member Value Suite & Business Solutions Suite

Be sure you’re taking advantage of CaliforniaChoice’s value-added services that support both you and your employees, including:

  • Premium Only Plan (POP) setup
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for groups with 15+ employees
  • COBRA and Cal-COBRA administration
  • EPIC Hearing Service Plan savings
  • California Rx Card prescription discounts
  • Cal Perks entertainment and travel discounts
  • Discounted fitness memberships

Keep Maximizing Your Value

CaliforniaChoice Total Choice continues to give your employees the flexibility they expect while helping you maintain cost control and administrative simplicity.

If you’d like to review your contribution or explore additional options at renewal, connect with your benefits broker to make sure you’re maximizing the value of your CaliforniaChoice program.

Group Health Insurance Questions – FAQ Guide

Here's just a preview of what you'll find inside:
  • Common questions from businesses like yours about group health insurance and the CaliforniaChoice program
  • Answers to questions about managing the cost of offering health insurance coverage
  • Information on group health insurance eligibility and requirements
  • Insights on the benefits of offering group health coverage
  • Tips for allowing your employees to pick a health plan that works best for their needs