In a world where more and more professions are growing obsolete, the future looks promising for nurses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an impressive increase of nearly 200,000 positions from 2023 to 2033. With a 6% annual growth rate, nursing is growing faster than most jobs, making it an exciting career option.

Competition among employers to hire nurses is intense, and the California Hospital Association warns that systemic workforce shortages pose a threat to the future of health care for Californians. So, a key question for employers is, “What can you do to help you attract and retain nurses?” A competitive salary is important. But most of those who work in nursing are not focused just on the financial rewards. Like most employees, nurses want work/life balance, health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid time off.

Health Insurance for Nurses

When it comes to health insurance, CaliforniaChoice offers more choices for your employees. It can also help you control costs for your business. For 2025, CaliforniaChoice is the only program in the state giving you and your employees access to 110 options from some of California’s leading health plans.

1: Greater Plan Variety

At CaliforniaChoice, we understand that both you and your employees are unique, with distinct health care needs. Recognizing these differences, we offer a “California Different” approach to providing benefits.

As members of CaliforniaChoice, you and your employees have the flexibility to select from a diverse range of plans, including HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) and PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) options, as well as Health Savings Account-compatible High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs).

For instance, one employee might opt for an Anthem Blue Cross PPO to access a preferred doctor or hospital within its network. Meanwhile, another employee, who seldom visits the doctor, might choose an HMO from providers like Kaiser Permanente, Health Net, UnitedHealthcare, or a regional option such as Sharp Health Plan, Sutter Health Plus, or Western Health Advantage. A third employee may prefer HSA-compatible plans from the available selections. Our program has options for everyone.

2: Greater Provider Access

When you join CaliforniaChoice, you have access to 80,000+ doctors and 400+ hospitals, so it’s easy to match your coverage to your individual or family health care needs.

3: Cost Control

Beyond offering choice, a significant benefit of CaliforniaChoice for employers is cost control. With Defined Contribution, you decide how much to contribute to your employees’ premiums. You have the option to select a Fixed Percentage (ranging from 50% to 100%) of a particular plan and/or benefit. Alternatively, you can choose a Fixed Dollar Amount for each employee, ensuring everyone receives the same contribution. Your employees can then use your contribution toward the health plan and benefits they prefer. If their chosen plan exceeds your contribution, they simply pay the difference.

When you renew with CaliforniaChoice, you can adjust your contribution—either increasing or decreasing it—giving you full control over your employee benefits costs for the upcoming year. Employees can also change their coverage while remaining within the CaliforniaChoice program.

4: Options for Medical + More

CaliforniaChoice offers outstanding health benefits, but it offers other valuable coverage, including:

• Dental: Multiple voluntary options are available. Two MetLife DHMO plans, two SmileSaver DHMO plans, and a Dental PPO from Ameritas.
• Vision: Two voluntary plans are available in addition to the Vision One Eyecare Discount Program.
• Chiropractic & Acupuncture: Landmark Healthplan offers a Chiro only plan or a plan combining Chiropractic and Acupuncture.
• Life and AD&D: Assurity Life offers Life Insurance coverage from $10,000 to $100,000. AD&D and a living benefit provision are included.

5: No-Cost Perks

Through the CaliforniaChoice Business Solutions Suite and Member Value Suite, you can take advantage of value-added features and benefits, including:

• A Premium Only Plan (POP) allowing employees to pay their insurance premiums pre-tax, while also reducing your tax liability as an employer.
• State or federal COBRA participant invoicing, premium collection, and remittance. (Cal-COBRA or COBRA billing services depend on your company’s group size.)
• A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) that allows employees to set aside funds on a pre-tax basis to pay for eligible medical expenses like copays and prescriptions. (Available to groups with 15+ employees.)
• Prescription drug discounts when using the California Rx Card. It could reduce employees’ out-of-pocket cost to less than their Rx copay.
• Reduced fees for Dental Care services through Dentegra® Smile Club providers.
• Savings on hearing tests, hearing aids, batteries, ear protection, swim plugs, and more.
• A Cal Perks membership offering savings on theme and water parks, sporting events, museums, movies, travel, and more.
• Discounts on fitness center memberships and wellness.

Talk With Your Broker to Learn More

CaliforniaChoice is an outstanding benefits option for nurses and any organization with up to 100 employees. It expands employee options while helping you manage business costs. Additionally, it streamlines administration with a single bill and one website to manage all employee coverage.

Ask your broker for a CaliforniaChoice quote. If you don’t have a broker, search for one at MyCalChoice.com.