2026 Medical Open Enrollment

Monday, September 15, 2025 through Friday, October 10, 2025

Open Enrollment is your once-a-year opportunity to review your medical coverage and cafeteria election and make changes for the upcoming calendar year. If you have any questions regarding Open Enrollment, please contact Jennifer Gutjahr by email at jgutjahr@cityofredlands.org  or by phone at 909-798-7514, ext. 1728. 

If you want to make an in-person appointment, please contact Jennifer Gutjahr using the information provided above.

Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Colonial, and Reliance information will be provided at a later date prior to Supplemental Benefits – Open Enrollment.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When is Open Enrollment?

Open enrollment for the 2026 plan year starts September 15, 2025 and ends at 5pm on October 10, 2025.

When is coverage effective?

Coverage is effective January 1, 2026.

How do I make changes during Open Enrollment?

You will need to complete the HBD-12 Enrollment Form for medical changes.

•  HBD-12 Form

You will need to complete the Cafeteria Election Form to apply any surplus City contributions to eligible cafeteria benefits such as Flex Spending Account (FSA) and Post-Employment Health Plan (PEHP). If you do not complete the Cafeteria Election Form, your surplus will automatically be deposited into a PEHP account for you. 

• Cafeteria Election Form

All changes must be emailed to jgutjahr@cityofredlands.org by October 10, 2025 by 5pm. If you would like to schedule an in-person appointment, please contact Jennifer Gutjahr either by email at jgutjahr@cityofredlands.org  or by phone at 909-798-7514, ext. 1728.

When will my deduction change for the new plan year?

All changes made during Open Enrollment will be effective January 1, 2026, and payroll deductions will begin in December 2025.

Do I need to take action if I am not making any changes to my medical?

Yes, you will need to complete the Cafeteria Election Form to apply any surplus City contributions to eligible cafeteria benefits such as Flex Spending Account (FSA) and Post-Employment Health Plan (PEHP). If you do not complete the Cafeteria Election Form, your surplus will automatically be deposited into a PEHP account for you. 

• Cafeteria Election Form

How do I continue to opt-out of medical coverage for 2026?

You would need to complete the Medical Opt-Out Form and submit with proof of coverage to continue to waive your medical coverage in 2026. If this is not submitted by October 10, 2025 at 5pm, you will not receive your stipend for 2026. 

• Opt-out Medical Form

The Medical Opt-out Form and proof of coverage must be emailed to jgutjahr@cityofredlands.org by October 10, 2025 by 5pm. If you would like to schedule an in-person appointment, please contact Jennifer Gutjahr either by email at jgutjahr@cityofredlands.org  or by phone at 909-798-7514, ext. 1728.

What are the available health plan options, medical premium rates, and City contributions?

• Medical Premiums and Contributions

Effective January 1, 2026, CVS Caremark (CVS) will replace OptumRX as the new pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) for the following CalPERS health plans: Anthem Blue Cross Traditional, Anthem Blue Cross Select, Health Net Salud y Mas, PERS Gold, PERS Platinum, UnitedHealthcare SignatureValue Alliance, and UnitedHealthcare SignatureValue Harmony.  If you are impacted by the change CalPERS will be sending you more information.  You can also go to the CalPERS website at  https://www.calpers.ca.gov/members/health-benefits/plans-and-rates/cvs-caremark-pharmacy-benefits to read more about the change and find frequently asked questions.

What supporting documentation do I need to enroll my dependents?

• To add your spouse or registered domestic partner:
  • Provide a copy of your marriage certificate or Declaration of Domestic Partnership
  • Provide your spouse’s or domestic partners Social Security Number
• To add your children, adopted children, stepchildren, or domestic partners children:
  • Provide a copy of the birth certificate
  • Provide your dependents Social Security Number

Important information to keep in mind.

ID cards are issued by the health plan, not CalPERS. If additional ID cards are needed, please contact your health provider directly.