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 A Life Well Lived: CalHR Benefits Newsletter — December 2026 

December is a time to reflect on the year, prioritize your health and prepare for the year ahead. Your benefits offer resources to help you care for your physical, mental and financial wellbeing, manage holiday stress and prepare for unexpected challenges. This month, explore ways to stay healthy, make informed financial decisions and find support for a healthier, more balanced start to the new year.

End-of-Year Checkups: Make the Most of Your Benefits

As the year comes to a close, take a moment to check in on your health. Have you had your annual health checkup, dental cleaning and vision exam? These preventive services are part of your state employee benefits and can help you stay healthy throughout the year. Many preventive visits are covered at no cost, depending on your plan. Regular checkups can help identify potential health concerns early, keep you up to date on recommended screenings and help you avoid unexpected health care costs down the road.

The end of the year is also a good time to think about any health needs you may have put off. Have you been meaning to schedule a dental cleaning, update your glasses prescription or talk with your doctor about a health concern? Make time for those appointments and take advantage of the benefits available to you.

Not sure where to go? Use the carrier directory to find your health, dental or vision carrier. Your carrier can help you locate an in-network provider near you, understand your coverage and learn more about preventive services. You can also visit your carrier’s website to search for providers and review your benefits.

Make your health a priority before the year ends. A little time spent on preventive care today can help support your wellbeing in the year ahead.

Shop Smarter With Your Vision Benefits

Ready for a new pair of glasses? Your VSP vision benefits give you options for finding the eyewear you need and love. Whether you prefer to shop in person or online, you can explore different styles, familiar brands and ways to make the most of your coverage.

Prefer to shop in person? Visit your VSP network doctor’s office to explore a variety of frame brands and styles. Look for the VSP heart logo on the lens to identify participating frame brands that can help you maximize your benefits. Your VSP network doctor can also help you understand your coverage and find eyewear that fits your needs.

Already have your prescription? Prefer to shop online? Visit Eyeconic, VSP’s in-network online store, to shop for glasses and contact lenses from brands you know and love. You can browse different styles from the comfort of home, use your VSP benefits and even virtually try on glasses before making a purchase.

Prepare for Winter Weather and Natural Disasters

California is preparing for a potentially strong El Niño this winter, which could increase the risk of flooding, landslides and other severe weather. State and local agencies are taking steps to prepare communities, but you can take steps to protect yourself and your family, too.

If a natural disaster affects you or your family, your state employee benefits may help you navigate the unexpected. Explore Natural Disaster Resources to learn about available leave options, insurance benefits, emotional wellbeing support and other resources that may help during a natural disaster.

Get ready before severe weather strikes. Here are a few ways to prepare:

• Know your risk. Learn whether your home or neighborhood is at risk for flooding, landslides or other hazards.

• Prepare your home. Clear gutters and drains, secure outdoor items and check for potential water leaks.

• Pack emergency supplies. Keep water, nonperishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries and first-aid supplies on hand.

• Make a family plan. Discuss evacuation routes, emergency contacts and where to meet if you become separated.

• Stay informed. Sign up for local emergency alerts and monitor weather updates.

Live Well – XXX

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Whole You: Support Your Wellbeing During the Holidays

The holidays can bring joy and connection, but they can also bring stress, added responsibilities and unresolved feelings. If this season feels overwhelming, Whole You, your Employee Assistance Program (EAP), powered by Spring Health, offers free, confidential support for you and your eligible dependents.

Your EAP includes:

• Therapy and coaching for you and your eligible dependents*
• Personalized care recommendations and Care Navigator support
• Legal, financial, childcare, eldercare and work-life resources
• On-demand wellness exercises and self-guided tools
• 24/7 crisis support

Did you know? You can download the Spring Health app to access resources and schedule a therapy session, with appointments potentially available as soon as the next day.

Take a moment to prioritize your mental and emotional wellbeing this holiday season.

Financial Tip: Build Your Savings for Today and Tomorrow

The holiday season is a great time to check in on your finances and think about your financial goals for the year ahead. Whether you’re building an emergency fund or preparing for retirement, small steps can make a difference over time.

Start with your savings goals:

• Build an emergency fund. Aim to save enough to cover three to six months of expenses. This can help with unexpected costs like car repairs, medical bills or time away from work.

• Start small. If you’re not there yet, set a realistic savings goal and consider putting aside a little money from each paycheck.

• Think about retirement. Are you contributing to a supplemental retirement savings plan through Savings Plus? Even small contributions can add up over time.

Thinking about getting started? Explore Savings Plus to learn about supplemental retirement savings options and how to begin contributing.

Already contributing to Savings Plus? Consider setting up automatic contribution increases. Here are a few reasons to give it a try:

• Grow your savings over time. Set an automatic annual increase to your monthly contribution.

• Make the most of raises. As your income grows, put a little more toward retirement.

• Avoid lifestyle creep. Direct a portion of your increased income toward savings before you get used to spending it.

Remember, a few small steps today can help you build financial security for tomorrow.

What’s Happening This Month

Featured wellness webinars in December:

Physical Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Wellbeing

Financial Wellbeing

For the complete wellness webinar schedule, visit the Upcoming Events Calendar.

Live Well in December

This December, take time to care for your health and wellbeing during the holiday season. Explore tips for managing stress, supporting your emotional wellbeing, staying financially healthy and making time for what matters most.