Benefits
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 A Life Well Lived: CalHR Benefits Newsletter — October 2026 

October is here, and Open Enrollment is almost over! While Halloween may bring ghosts, goblins and a few frights, your benefits do not have to be scary. With Open Enrollment ending October 9, take a moment to review your coverage and make any changes needed for the year ahead. October also recognizes important women’s health topics, including Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Menopause Awareness Month. Do not let preventive care haunt your to-do list. Schedule preventive care appointments and make your health a priority.

Open Enrollment is Ending Soon

Open Enrollment ends Oct. 9! If you have not already done so, now is the time to review your benefits and make any changes for the upcoming year. Changes you make during Open Enrollment will take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

The 2027 Benefits Summary Guide is now available to help you review your benefit options and make informed decisions during Open Enrollment. The guide provides an overview of your benefit plans, eligibility, costs and other important information.

Visit the Open Enrollment webpage for helpful resources to guide you through the enrollment process.

If you have questions about benefits eligibility, contact your departmental personnel office. If you’re not sure how to reach them, visit the California Personnel Office Directory (CPOD).

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, making it a good time to focus on breast health and the importance of early detection. When breast cancer is found at its earliest, localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate is over 99%.

You can support early detection by:

• Becoming familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel
• Performing regular breast self-exams to help notice changes, such as a new lump, swelling, skin changes or changes in size or shape
• Getting recommended screenings, such as mammograms
• Knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer
• Talking with your healthcare provider about any new or unusual changes

If you notice any new or unusual changes, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Breast self-exams can be a helpful breast health awareness tool but should not replace recommended mammograms or clinical breast exams.

Read the Breast Cancer Early Detection article from the National Breast Cancer Foundation to learn more about breast self-awareness, early detection and how to perform a breast self-exam at home.

Menopause and Oral Health

Menopause can affect more than just how you feel. Hormonal changes during menopause can also affect your oral health, contributing to dry mouth, gum problems, changes in taste and other concerns.

Understanding the connection between menopause and oral health can help you take steps to protect your smile and overall health.

How to protect your oral health during menopause:

• Maintain your daily routine: Brush twice a day and floss once a day
• Stay hydrated: Keep water nearby and drink regularly to help relieve dry mouth. Experts recommend six to eight cups of water a day, although individual needs may vary
• Choose tooth-friendly foods: Include calcium-rich foods to support strong teeth and bones
• Keep up with dental visits: Continue regular dental checkups and let your dentist know if you are experiencing menopause-related symptoms or changes in your oral health
• Talk about your symptoms: Your dentist and other healthcare providers can help you determine whether changes in your mouth may be related to menopause or another condition

Your Vision Benefits, Right at Your Fingertips

The new and improved VSP mobile app makes managing your vision benefits easier and more convenient than ever. Whether you’re looking for an eye doctor, checking your benefits or heading to an appointment, the app puts helpful information right at your fingertips.

With the VSP app, you can:

• Check your benefits: See what your vision plan covers and check benefit eligibility for yourself and your covered dependents
• Access your Member ID card: Pull up your ID card whenever you need it and save it to your digital wallet for easy access
• Find vision care: Search for in-network eye doctors and vision care providers near you
• Manage claims: Submit out-of-network claims in minutes and view your Vision Benefits Statement and claims
• Shop and save: Browse in-network options for glasses, contacts and sunglasses and explore Member Extras for discounts and savings on eyewear and more
• Get helpful information: Explore eye care and eyewear tips, learn about vision insurance plans and find a doctor — even before signing in
• Manage your account securely: Sign in using Face ID or biometrics and manage your account securely from anywhere

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Whole You: Support for Women’s Health

Whole You, your Employee Assistance Program (EAP), powered by Spring Health, provides free, confidential support to help you and your eligible dependents feel supported and empowered through everyday challenges and unexpected moments. Whether you are dealing with stress, relationship concerns, family responsibilities or other personal challenges, Whole You offers resources and support to help you navigate what comes next.

Did you know that you can explore resources on Whole You focused on Women’s Health topics, including: 

• Pregnancy and mental health: Support for navigating the emotional and mental health changes that can come with pregnancy and becoming a parent
• Work and parenting: Resources to help manage the demands of work, family and parenting
• Your mind and body: Information about the connection between mental health and your menstrual cycle and overall wellbeing
• Personalized support: Connect with a therapist or coach who understands women’s health and can provide support tailored to your needs

Don’t Be Scared of Legal Issues

October can bring plenty of frights, but legal issues do not have to be one of them! If you have Group Legal Insurance, you have access to legal services and resources.

This month, read helpful articles about how to work with an attorney, what to do if you are sued and how to protect your personal information from identity theft.

Considering Group Legal Insurance? Open Enrollment is your opportunity to add this benefit for the upcoming year. Learn more about Group Legal Insurance to see if this benefit is right for you.

Financial Tip: Save on Parking with Pre-Tax Dollars

Did you know you may be able to pay for work-related parking with pre-tax dollars? The Pre-Tax Parking Reimbursement Account Program allows eligible state employees to set aside a specific amount from each paycheck before taxes to use toward eligible work-related parking expenses. This can reduce your taxable income and may help you save money.

The program is voluntary and available to employees who do not have access to state-controlled or state-owned parking or a department-sponsored parking program.

What’s Happening This Month

Featured wellness webinars in October:

Physical Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Wellbeing

Financial Wellbeing

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

Live Well in October

This October, there are no tricks when it comes to making the most of your benefits. With Open Enrollment ending soon, take time to review your options, explore available resources and make sure your benefits continue to support your health, wellbeing and financial goals for the year ahead.