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 A Life Well Lived: CalHR Benefits Newsletter — October 2026 

October is here, and while Halloween may bring ghosts, goblins and a few frights, your benefits don’t have to be scary. The deadline for submitting your Open Enrollment changes is October 9. So, take a moment to review your coverage and make any changes needed for the year ahead. All changes will go into effect January 1, 2027. 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

The deadline for submitting your Open Enrollment changes is 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

Your health benefits are here to help you stay informed and get you the care you need. Learn more about your CalPERS health plan benefits.

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.

Take Charge of Your Health with PreMA

Thinking about pregnancy someday? The Preconception Medical Assessment (PreMA) is a quick, 8-question quiz developed by the Office of the California Surgeon General (OSG). It gives you helpful tips and informs you how your current health could affect a future pregnancy.

Available in both English and Spanish, PreMA is a simple way to start a conversation about your health. It can help you identify steps you can take now to support your future and advocate for the care you need.

Take PreMA today. Learn more at PreMAca.org.

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 dental benefits can help you take care of your oral health. Learn more about dental benefits available to you.

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

Live Well – Keep Your Mind Strong

Mental strength and resilience can help you manage daily stress, stay focused on your goals and reduce mental fatigue. A healthy mind can support clear decision-making, learning and emotional wellbeing while helping you manage challenges like burnout, information overload and distractions.

Your mental wellbeing matters. Small, consistent steps can help you build resilience, improve focus and feel more balanced. Live Well, powered by Grokker, is here to support you with practical guidance on:

1. Mindfulness & Focus: Build awareness of the present moment through guided meditation, deep breathing and focused activities that can quiet distractions and improve concentration.
2. Daily Stress: Handle stressful situations with breathing exercises, grounding techniques and other strategies that can help you feel calmer and more in control.
3. Rest and Recovery: Support quality sleep and take mental breaks throughout the day to recharge, improve focus and prevent mental exhaustion.
4. Nourishing Your Mind: Support your focus and energy with nutritious foods, balanced meals and healthy hydration habits.
5. Emotional Resilience: Practice gratitude, look at challenges from a different point of view and develop healthy ways to cope when life does not go as planned.

For tools and resources to help you manage stress, improve focus, recharge and build resilience, visit Live Well, powered by Grokker. Explore guided activities and practical tips to help you keep your mind strong, wherever you’re starting. (Not registered yet? Start here!).

Whole You: Support When You Need It

Whole You, your Employee Assistance Program (EAP), powered by Spring Health, provides free, confidential support for life’s everyday challenges and unexpected moments.

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 explore resources on women’s health right from the Spring Health app? Find resources on pregnancy and mental health, balancing work and parenting and the mind-body connection with your cycle.

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 ends Oct. 9. This is your opportunity to add this benefit for the upcoming year. Learn more about 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? If you do not have access to state-controlled or department-sponsored parking, check out the Pre-Tax Parking Reimbursement Account Program. This voluntary 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

• Thriving During the Holidays – Oct. 13, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
• Oral Health and Aging: What You Need To Know – Oct. 14, 10:00 a.m.
• Women’s Health – Oct. 15, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
• Natural Ways to Fight Cold and Flu – Oct. 21, 12:00 – 12:45 p.m.
• Move it Monday – Oct. 19, 12:00 – 12:30 p.m.

Social and Emotional Wellbeing

• Different Brains, Different Worlds: Understanding Neurodivergence – Oct. 7, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
• Calm Sessions – Second Wednesday, 10:00 – 10:15 a.m. and Fourth Wednesday, 2:00 – 2:15 p.m. of each month. Join at the time of the event   
• The Empowered Caregiver – Oct. 27, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Financial Wellbeing

• First Steps to Enrolling in Savings Plus – Oct. 1, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
• Navigating Market Volatility – Oct. 12, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

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.