If you have CaliforniaChoice coverage through your employer, you’re in good company. According to KFF (formerly the Kaiser Family Foundation), more than 60% of Americans under age 65 had employer-sponsored health insurance in 2023. It’s the most common form of health coverage in the U.S.
And while your medical benefits are a big part of protecting your health, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. That’s where ancillary benefits come in – like Dental, Vision, Chiropractic & Acupuncture, and Life and AD&D insurance. These extras can help you and your family stay healthier, more comfortable, and more financially secure.
What Are Ancillary Benefits and Why Should You Care?
Think of them as smart add-ons that round out your health coverage. They help cover the things your medical plan doesn’t – and they’re often more affordable than you think, especially if your employer contributes to the cost.
In fact, most Americans agree:
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87% of people had dental insurance in 2023
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67% of U.S. adults had vision coverage, according to The Vision Council
And nearly half of those plans came through employers.
Optional CaliforniaChoice Coverage for Members
Beyond health benefits, your CaliforniaChoice plan offers additional benefit options for members. Keep in mind, these optional benefits may vary depending on what your employer has decided to make available.
- Dental: Choose from three plans: a MetLife DHMO; a SmileSaverSM DHMO; or an Ameritas PPO. All offer comprehensive care including office visits, surgery, X-rays, crowns, and more.
- Vision: EyeMed and VSP offer comprehensive vision services and prescription eyewear – with both in- and out-of-network coverage available.
- Chiropractic: Landmark Healthplan offers chiropractic benefits including examinations, and adjustments with affordable copays. Acupuncture discounts are also available.
- Life and AD&D: Assurity Life offers life insurance starting at $10,000 ($5,000 after your initial enrollment). AD&D and a living benefits provision. Your guaranteed issue amount depends on the number of employees in your group.
Dental and Vision are the most popular ancillary coverage options. In 2023, about 87% of Americans had dental insurance, with around half getting coverage through their employer, either through employer-sponsored or voluntary plans.
For vision care, 67% of U.S. adults had managed vision care coverage, according to The Vision Council’s VisionWatch Consumer Insights Q4 2024 study. About half of this coverage also comes from employer-sponsored plans.
Built-in Extras in Your Member Value Suite
Even if you don’t enroll in optional coverage, your CaliforniaChoice membership comes with built-in extras to help you save and stay healthy:
- Savings on dental care through a nationwide network of more than 20,000 Dentegra® Smile Club providers.
- Discounts on eye examinations, frames, and lenses. Visit Pearle Vision, LensCrafters, or Target Optical locations, and independent providers participating in the EyeMed Vision One Eyecare program.
- Up to 50% savings on hearing-related products, hearing tests, and more from EPIC Hearing.
- Prescription drug savings when using the California Rx Card. You may reduce your cost to less than your Rx copay with insurance.
- Cal Perks discounts on theme parks, water parks, sporting events, museums, hotels, and much more.
- Fitness and wellness savings on Garmin, Fitbit, and more plus fitness memberships. Plus, access to the Active&Fit program and gym memberships starting at just $28 per month.
It’s all part of our Member Value Suite, available just for being part of CaliforniaChoice.
CaliforniaChoice is committed to supporting its members. We offer a range of options to help you customize your insurance coverage. If you have plan-related questions, contact your Human Resources department or CaliforniaChoice Customer Service at 800-558-8003 or by email at CustomerService@CalChoice.com.