State Health Benefit Plans (SHBP)

Employees may choose from seven health plan options offered through three providers. All plans include 100% coverage for preventive care services when properly coded by your healthcare provider, including routine check-ups, screenings, and wellness visits.

For a detailed comparison of plans and coverage specifics, click the State Health Decision Guide button.

How it Works

Blue Cross plans include a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) — employer-funded dollars that help cover eligible medical expenses and contribute toward your deductible.

Here’s how they work:

You use HRA funds first for eligible expenses
After meeting your annual deductible, you pay co-insurance for covered services
There are no traditional doctor visit co-pays
Unused HRA funds roll over to the following year (available after April)

HRA funding amounts and deductible levels vary by plan.

Three HMO options are available:

Anthem (BCBS) & United Healthcare
These two plans offer nearly identical coverage, provider networks, and benefits. Anthem typically has a lower monthly cost, making it a popular choice.

Deductible applies to larger services (hospital stays, surgeries, imaging)

Co-pays apply for doctor visits, urgent care, ER visits, and prescriptions

Kaiser

Co-pays only — no deductible

Care must be received within Kaiser’s integrated network of facilities, providers, and pharmacies

Important: All HMO plans require use of in-network providers. Out-of-network services are not covered except in emergencies.

This plan offers the lowest monthly premium in exchange for a higher deductible.

Higher upfront costs when care is needed
Well-being credits may not be used until the deductible is met
Certain SHBP Disease Management Program medications may also require meeting the deductible first

This option may work well if you are generally healthy and prefer lower monthly premiums, understanding you may pay more if significant care is needed.

If you are considering this plan, you may also want to compare it to the Bronze HRA plan, which has a lower deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.