A Life Well Lived Benefits Newsletter
A Life Well Lived Benefits Newsletter — January 2026
New year, fresh start. We’re here to help you feel your best. Small steps add up—book appointments, try a wellness activity and make smart money moves.
Schedule Your Annual Checkups
Start the year off right by scheduling your preventive appointments with your doctor, dentist, and optometrist. If you don’t yet have a provider, use the tiles below to find contact information for your specific health, dental, and vision plans, and use your plan’s resources to help you find a doctor, dentist, or optometrist near you.
- Medical: Schedule your annual visit with your primary care provider.
- Dental: Book your cleanings early—appointments fill up fast.
- Vision: January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. An eye exam can catch problems early.
Did you change plans during Open Enrollment? Your new coverage starts in January. View the Benefits Summary Guide for benefits details and contact information.
Health Plans Contact Information
Dental Plans Contact Information
VSP Contact Information
Wellness Spotlight: Be A Better You
We’re launching a NEW wellness platform for all state employees. Explore quick classes, guided activities and tips that fit your day—and join the “Be A Better You” challenge to build healthy habits.
How to get started:
- Register on the wellness platform.
- Take the short quiz for personalized recommendations.
- Track your Wellbeing Minutes—try a yoga class or a guided meditation on the platform or sync a device.
- Join the challenge and build momentum week by week.
Explore a variety of free content to support your overall wellness, including:
- Exercise and fitness routines
- Guided meditation sessions
- Nutrition tips and healthy recipes
- Financial wellbeing resources
Get started by clicking the Live Well tile block below to create an account!
Keep Smiling: 6 Reasons to See Your Dentist
Even with good brushing and flossing habits, dental cleanings play a big role in your overall health. Regular visits can:
- Prevent cavities – remove plaque and tartar buildup
- Stop tooth loss – catch gum disease early
- Brighten your smile – polish away stains
- Freshen your breath – keep your mouth healthy and odor-free
- Boost overall health – dentists can spot signs of conditions like heart disease or stroke risk
- Save money – preventive visits are often low or no cost and can prevent costly treatments later
Use your dental benefits to schedule a cleaning today! Read the article below for more information on what a dental cleaning can do for you!
Protect Your Sight: Glaucoma Awareness Month
Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss, often with no early symptoms. Regular, comprehensive eye exams help find changes early and protect your sight over time.
Risk factors include:
- Severe nearsightedness (high myopia)
- Diabetes
- Previous eye surgery or injury
- High blood pressure
- Family history of glaucoma
- Use of corticosteroids (eye drops, inhalers, pills, creams)
Take action: Get a yearly eye exam—it’s covered with your benefits. Visit the VSP website to find a provider and schedule your appointment.
Financial Health Tip: FlexElect Reimbursement Accounts
If you participate in FlexElect Reimbursement Accounts, these accounts can help you save money by using pre-tax dollars for eligible expenses:
- Medical Reimbursement Account (MRA): Use for eligible healthcare costs such as copays, prescriptions, dental care, and vision care.
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (DCRA): Budget for eligible childcare or eldercare costs.
Why it matters: Contributing to these accounts can reduce your taxable income, help you budget for expected expenses, and stretch your dollars further throughout the year.
Tips to make the most of your FlexElect accounts:
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Review your annual election and spending plan to ensure you’re contributing enough to cover anticipated expenses.
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Keep track of claim deadlines—unused funds may be forfeited (“use it or lose it”).
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Organize receipts and documentation for faster reimbursement.
Click the tile below to learn more about FlexElect account resources and see how these accounts can help you save money and plan ahead.
Live Well in 2026
Make your appointments, explore your benefits, and set one simple goal for the month. We’re cheering you on.
For more information about your benefits, visit the CalHR Benefits Website. You can also contact your Personnel Officer with questions—see the California Personnel Office Directory to find your HR contact. If you are looking specifically for health benefits information, visit the CalPERS Website.
