California’s rich arts and entertainment history stretches back to the early 1900s, when motion picture production first emerged. Today, the vibrant world of arts and entertainment spans far beyond its origins. It includes performing arts organizations, schools, broadcasters, streaming platforms, television, radio, and many other fields.
In 2023, over 400,000 people were employed in arts and entertainment in California. When including those in hospitality—such as hotels, catering, food service, and events management—employment numbers reach into the millions. While some work for large firms, many are employed by what the insurance industry considers small and mid-sized companies.
If you’re an employer with 100 or fewer employees, CaliforniaChoice is a health insurance option you may want to consider. It allows you to offer “big business benefits” without a big-ticket price. That’s why it’s one of the fastest-growing health plans in California.
Our approach stands out from the competition because we understand that you and your employees are unique, with distinct health care needs. We offer what we call a “California Different” way to deliver employee benefits. Whether you have just one employee or a hundred, CaliforniaChoice provides more choice and greater access to health care providers than any other single health insurance program in California.
1: Find the Plan That’s Right for You
One of the standout advantages of CaliforniaChoice is its flexibility. Every member can tailor their coverage, choosing from a wide array of options.
One of your employees might choose a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan because it includes a particular doctor or hospital in its network. Another employee, who rarely visits the doctor, might choose a HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plan. A third employee might choose an EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) plan, which combines features of a PPO and HMO. A fourth might select a Health Savings Account (HSA)-compatible plan because of its cost and tax advantages. Each employee can choose what suits their needs with CaliforniaChoice.
The health plans participating in CaliforniaChoice for 2025 are:
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Health Net
- Kaiser Permanente
- Sharp Health Plan
- Sutter Health Plus
- UnitedHealthcare
- Western Health Advantage
The availability of each plan depends on where you and your employees live. Some plans are available statewide, while others are regional.
2: Cost Control for Your Business
With CaliforniaChoice, you decide the amount you want to contribute to employees’ premiums.
You can select a Fixed Percentage (50% to 100%) of a specific plan or benefit. Or you can contribute a Fixed Dollar Amount for each employee. (All employees must receive the same contribution to their premiums.)
Your employees then apply your generous contribution to the health plan and benefits they like best. If they choose a plan that costs more than you’re contributing, the employee pays the difference. It’s that simple.
At renewal, you can change your premium contribution for your next plan year. You can adjust it up or down. It’s your choice. That puts you in control of your benefits costs for another 12 months.
If your employees want to make changes to their coverage, they can move to a different plan type or a different insurance company. They don’t have to leave the CaliforniaChoice program.
3: Medical, Dental, Vision, and More
CaliforniaChoice offers more than just health coverage. You can offer ancillary benefits for your employees, too:
- Dental: Choose from three Dental plans – a MetLife or SmileSaverSM Dental HMO or an Ameritas Dental PPO.
- Vision: Voluntary Vision from Vision One Eyecare offers discounts on vision care services and prescription eyewear.
- Chiropractic: Landmark Healthplan offers chiropractic benefits including exams and adjustments plus optional benefits for acupuncture.
- Life and AD&D: Coverage is available from Assurity Life with Accidental Death & Dismemberment benefits and a living benefits provision.
4: Value-Added Extras
The CaliforniaChoice Business Solutions Suite and Member Value Suite include a range of “extra benefits” that you and your employees will appreciate. They include:
- A no-cost Premium Only Plan (POP)
- A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (For groups with 15 or more employees)
- COBRA participant invoicing, premium collection, and remittance (Availability of Cal-COBRA or federal COBRA billing services depends on your company’s group size)
- Dental Care services at reduced fees through Dentegra® Smile Club dentists
- Savings on hearing tests, hearing aids, batteries, and more from EPIC Hearing Service Plan
- Prescription drug savings when using the California Rx Card (Cardholders may be able to reduce their Rx out-of-pocket costs to less than their health plan copay)
- Free Cal Perks membership offering savings on tickets to theme and water parks, sporting events, museums, and movies – plus travel and other discounts
- Discounted fitness center memberships and savings on wellness services
Talk to a Broker to Learn More!
Ask your employee benefits broker how CaliforniaChoice can expand your employee benefits – and help you control your costs, too.
If you don’t already have a broker, it’s easy to search for one at MyCalChoice.com.
