Health Insurance Change Information Hub
Health Insurance Change Information Hub
Provider Comparison:
Below you will find a detailed comparison of the various Health & Welfare benefit vendors currently under review. This information is organized by key criteria to help you understand the different options being considered and how they align with the needs of Amador County USD and Amador County Office of Education employees.
CVT – Declined to Quote | CalPERS | |
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Size | Extremely Large – 1.5m Members | |
Meeting w/Units | Held – February 3rd, 2025 @ 3:45 PM Additional requested for all staff in May - TBA |
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Rates |
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2025 Available Now - Northern CA - Region I 2026 Preliminary Rates available in June 2025 – Rates confirmed July 2025 |
Plan Year | Amador is currently on |
1/1 - 12/31 (3-month plan year - year 1) |
Offer Medical, Dental, Vision | Only Medical Amador would pursue a Dental/Vision plan from other Vendors if we go with CalPERS |
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Plan Availability | Kaiser limited to Ione/Plymouth, Work/Live in Amador County |
Blue Shield / Kaiser Kaiser limited to Ione/Plymouth, Work/Live in Amador County To view plans available where you live visit (link). |
Retiree Options | Premiums paid via check/ACH No hard cost to District |
Yes Premiums paid by STRS/PERS retirement checks Hard cost to District Can Enroll at any time assuming member retired from CalPERS within 120 days of retiring from the District |
Tiered v. Composite | Only Tiered | |
Tiered Options | New Tier Option - Employee + Children |
3-Tier Options - Standard |
Opt Outs | May allow grandfathering of Opt Out % (TBA) |
Yes |
Deductible | Deductible starts over | |
Renewal Timeline | October 1, 2025 - Doable |
At least 90-Days - Est. closer to 120 days Requires Board Adoption of Resolutions October 1, 2025 - Doable |
2025 CalPERS vs. Current Amador Rate Comparison:
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the available 2025 CalPERS plan rates for Jackson, CA, and our current 2024-25 NewFront rates. To facilitate easy comparison, the most comparable CalPERS plan name is indicated in brackets next to our current plan name. For example, "(Gold)" next to "PPO 9" signifies the comparison to the CalPERS Gold plan.
CalPERS Rates for 2025
12-Month Rate | Single | 2-Party | Family | Deductible | OOPM |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
PERS Gold | $1,013.70 | $2,027.40 | $2,635.62 | 1000/2000 | 3000/6000 |
PERS Platinum | $1,476.10 | $2,952.20 | $3,837.86 | 500/1000 | 2000/4000 |
Kaiser | $1,112.90 | $2,225.80 | $2,893.54 | None | 1500/3000 |
Rates end 12.31.25 |
NewFront Rates for 2025
Comparable 12-Month Plan | Single | Employee +1 | Employee + Fam | Deductible | OOPM |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
PPO 9 (Gold) | $ 1,004.00 | $ 1,726.00 | $ 2,178.00 | 1000/2000 | 5000/10000 |
PPO 6 (Platinum) | $ 1,243.00 | $ 2,138.00 | $ 2,698.00 | 250/500 | 2000/4000 |
PPO 9 (Platinum) | $ 1,350.00 | $ 2,322.00 | $ 2,930.00 | 100/200 | 1250/2500 |
Kaiser HMO 2 (Kaiser) | $ 1,331.04 | $ 2,289.41 | $ 2,888.38 | None | 1500/3000 |
Rates end 9.30.25 |
California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)
Meeting scheduled for May 29, 2025.
- CalPERS Health Benefits Presentation for ACUSD & ACOE
- CalPERS Health Plan Search by Zip Code
- 2025 Health Benefit Summary
- 2025 Rate Sheets
- Plans and Rates
- OptumRx Formulary Medication Search Tool
- Kaiser Formulary Medication Search Tool
- PPO Plan Doctor & Hospital Search Tool
- Health Program Guide
- Health Plan Contact Information & Links to Summary of Coverage & Evidence of Coverage Booklets
- Public Agency & Schools Health Benefits Guide (includes qualifying events to change health plans on page 39)
- 2025 CalPERS Health Premiums
- Health Program Webpage
- PERS Gold Statement of Coverage (SOC)
- PERS Gold Evidence of Coverage (EOC)
- PERS Platinum Statement of Coverage (SOC)
- PERS Platinum Evidence of Coverage (EOC)
California’s Valued Trust (CVT)
Meeting scheduled for May 28, 2025.
- CVT Website
More information coming May 14, 2025
Timeline
- Health & Welfare Transition Timeline – PDF
- Likely to change
Previous Meetings
Updates – Wednesday, May 14th, 2025
- Meeting Recording
- Attendees: Alliant, ACUSD & ACOE Staff
- Topics:
- Updates from CVT Conversations
- Updates on SISC Status
- Information regarding CalPERS
- Updated Timeline of Next Steps
- Survey Results
- Other
Subject: The USD and COE will host an informational meeting for all staff to discuss a potential transition to Alliant from NewFront as our Broker of Record for Dental, Vision, and Voluntary Benefits.
- Date: Monday, April 14
- Location: Conference Room A @ District Office
- Meeting Recording
- Passcode: wg^2Cj7g
Retiree Information
Please note that information regarding retiree benefits is still being developed as Amador County USD (ACUSD) and Amador County Office of Education (ACOE) evaluate potential changes for the upcoming year. We understand this may create uncertainty, and we are committed to providing updates as soon as they become available.
Current & Potential Options:
- CalPERS & CVT: Both CalPERS and CVT offer retiree health benefit options. CalPERS plan information is listed below, and CVT plan details will be added once available.
- Retiree's First: We recognize that many retirees have transitioned to Retiree's First and have reported positive experiences with their plans and services. We are currently reviewing the feasibility of continuing this relationship, regardless of the final provider selected by ACUSD and ACOE.
- Dental & Vision: CVT currently offers a dental plan for retirees. Additionally, the District is exploring options through Alliant to potentially provide dental and vision benefits very similar to the current offerings. This exploration with Alliant may help ensure a smoother transition, particularly as we anticipate an October 1, 2025 adjustment.
Payment Processing:
The process for retiree benefit payments through Allied is likely to change depending on the health and welfare provider ultimately selected by the USD and COE. We will provide updated information regarding payment procedures as soon as decisions are finalized.
As new information regarding retiree benefits becomes available, we will promptly update this page. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to our payroll department if you have any immediate questions or concerns. Thank you for your patience as we navigate this transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, these are separate deductible amounts.
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Two or more people count as a family in relation to the family deductible. On page 32 of the PERS Gold Evidence of Coverage Document, it states: “If your plan has Family coverage, there is an individual Deductible within the Family Deductible. This means an individual Family Member can meet the individual Deductible before the entire Family meets the Family Deductible.”
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September 16 - October 11, 2025, with changes taking effect January 1, 2026.
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- PERS Gold: Mark Twain Medical Center in San Andreas, Marshall Medical Center in Placerville, and Mercy Hospital of Folsom
- PERS Platinum: Mark Twain Medical Center in San Andreas, Sutter Amador Hospital in Jackson, Marshall Medical Center in Placerville, and Mercy Hospital of Folsom.
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These do not apply to us as they are for PORAC, which is for Safety Members.
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That is correct, Sutter Amador Hospital is out-of-network for PPO Gold. You can still use their services, but you would pay the out of network Co-pay and Co-insurance rates.
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With all of CalPERS plans, if you have an emergency you can seek care. And the plans can be used.
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That is correct, you can still go to the hospital, but will pay the out-of network cost.
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Mark Twain Hospital in San Andreas
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It is all based on Zip Code, but in Amador County for Active Employees there is only one option.