PERS Gold & Platinum Basic Plan
Effective January 1, 2025, Blue Shield of California will be the new administrator for the CalPERS PPO plans. For Basic PPO plans, CalPERS is partnering with Blue Shield and Included Health to provide personalized health care services.
CalPERS Basic members enrolled in a PERS Gold or PERS Platinum plan have access to Included Health. Included Health is an all-in-one destination for a better health care experience. Partnering with Blue Shield of California, Included Health is dedicated to ensuring you receive the highest quality care for your unique needs.
Visit includedhealth.com/calpers or call (855) 633-4436 to learn more and get started today. Members will be prompted to create an account. Not a member? Not a problem. You can create an account and browse the services and providers Included Health and Blue Shield offer.
All PERS Gold and PERS Platinum Basic members have access to the following services available through Included Health:
Get access to all Included Health services and benefits in one, easy-to-use app by following these simple steps:
- Download and open the Included Health app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Open the app and tap on the “I’m new here” button on the home screen.
- Follow on-screen instructions to input your basic information such as email, name, date of birth, and contact details.
- When asked to check if you’re covered for Included Health, search for and select “CalPERS” from the menu.
You’ll receive a confirmation email once the registration is successful. For assistance downloading or using the mobile app, members can call (855) 633-4436.
Included Health provides you with 24/7 phone support from registered nurses who can help direct you to the next clinically appropriate step, whether it be at-home symptom care, urgent in-person care, or other integrated health services and benefits. You can consult with a nurse at any time, or speak with a staff clinician for personalized advice on the best course of action for your care. This service includes education and support for your condition or symptoms, and next steps via live phone consultations with Included Health staff clinicians. If applicable, the staff clinician will share educational materials, such as weblinks to various resources, and provide a written after-call summary through the Member portal available on the website and the mobile app.
Visit includedhealth.com/calpers or call (855) 633-4436 to learn more and get started today.
Note: Included Health clinicians do not practice medicine through this service, meaning they do not make diagnoses, treatment recommendations, or write prescriptions.
Included Health empowers you to find the right health care providers who meet your specific needs. You can search by condition, procedure, or specialty to access a curated list of high-quality, in-network doctors, specialists, and clinics. By using this tool, you can identify the best-matched physicians for your unique health needs. The process is seamless and convenient — available by phone, website, or mobile app — ensuring accessibility according to your preference.
Visit includedhealth.com/calpers or call (855) 633-4436 to learn more and get started today.
Included Health offers virtual primary care for routine preventive care and care of acute and chronic conditions with an appointment, as well as urgent care 24/7, allowing you to see an urgent care provider within minutes from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can access on-demand care or schedule appointments, including primary-care visits with high-quality primary care providers. During these virtual visits, a provider will evaluate your clinical history and symptoms, offer medical advice, share follow-up care recommendations, and order prescriptions, if necessary. Providers also emphasize health promotion and disease prevention, and can share healthy lifestyle strategies to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Visit includedhealth.com/calpers or call (855) 633-4436 to learn more and get started today.
Included Health provides convenient and accessible behavioral health care through virtual therapy and psychiatry services, available seven days a week by appointment. You can book virtual visits with licensed therapists or psychiatrists to receive personalized care from the comfort of your home. During these sessions, a mental health professional will evaluate your clinical history and symptoms, offer therapeutic guidance, share follow-up care recommendations, and order prescriptions if necessary.
Visit includedhealth.com/calpers or call (855) 633-4436 to learn more and get started today.
Included Health can help find and schedule in-network, local care for complex needs by identifying high-quality, in-network physicians and referrals best matched to your unique needs and preferences. With your permission, we can also request that your patient records are shared between participating providers and referred specialists, ensuring comprehensive and coordinated care.
Visit includedhealth.com/calpers or call (855) 633-4436 to learn more and get started today.
Included Health’s second-opinion service offers you an expert clinician review of a diagnosis or treatment plan to help you understand your options.
You can get started by phone, website, or our mobile app. With your permission, we will help collect your medical records and find a suitable expert to review and provide an opinion based on your medical summary. This expert opinion is delivered to you along with a follow-up to address any questions. At your request, we can also deliver the second opinion to your treating physician(s).
Visit includedhealth.com/calpers or call (855) 633-4436 to learn more and get started today.
Included Health is designed to help you understand the costs associated with receiving care. You can access estimates of out-of-pocket costs for common procedures at recommended providers and facilities, considering your specific plan and any out-of-pocket maximums. Our Care Team is available to provide detailed cost estimates for procedures and facilities, along with resources on how to understand these costs within your overall health care plan.
Visit includedhealth.com/calpers or call (855) 633-4436 to learn more and get started today.
Included Health allows you to dynamically track your spending progress toward medical deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, helping you stay informed.
Visit includedhealth.com/calpers or call (855) 633-4436 to learn more and get started today.
Included Health allows you to easily track your historical medical and pharmaceutical claims, including claims for provider visits, through a convenient self-service app. You can access detailed information about each claim, including the claim type, facility, and your payment responsibility.
Visit includedhealth.com/calpers or call (855) 633-4436 to learn more and get started today.
Included Health is dedicated to helping you resolve issues related to your claims. We will help you obtain pre-authorizations and support you if you are denied services. Additionally, we negotiate balances with Blue Shield of California and OptumRx on your behalf, striving to reduce out-of-pocket costs and facilitate a smoother claims process.
Visit includedhealth.com/calpers or call (855) 633-4436 to learn more and get started today.
Included Health is designed to help you navigate the complexities of your health plan, making sense of deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. You can access comprehensive plan coverage information through our self-service app, over the phone, or by in-app messaging. Our service also assists with requests for pre-authorization information, ensuring you understand all aspects of your coverage and can make informed decisions about your health care.
Visit includedhealth.com/calpers or call (855) 633-4436 to learn more and get started today.
Included Health’s integrated Care and Case Management Program provides all-around support tailored to each member’s unique health needs.
- Case Management: Offers comprehensive support services to help you navigate acute medical needs, such as surgeries and hospitalizations. Our team ensures you receive the necessary care and resources during these critical times.
- Care Management: Delivers long-term clinical care coordination for complex health needs. This includes an initial assessment, personalized care planning, education, and ongoing clinical guidance. This program is designed to support you throughout your health care journey, providing the necessary tools and support for the best health outcomes.
Visit includedhealth.com/calpers or call (855) 633-4436 to learn more and get started today.
Included Health connects members to all their relevant benefits in one place. Members can review a comprehensive list of CalPERS benefits and filter the list based on benefit categories, making it easy to find exactly what you need. For personalized assistance, the Included Health Care Team offers live navigation support. This service ensures you can quickly and easily access your benefits.
Visit includedhealth.com/calpers or call (855) 633-4436 to learn more and get started today.
Get the best care for you and your baby with help from Included Health by enrolling in Included Health’s Maternity Care Program. This program is available at no cost to CalPERS Basic members enrolled in a PERS Gold/Platinum plan. By enrolling, you get access to a team of health care professionals, including doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, registered dietitians, mental health specialists, social workers, and care coordinators who are committed to raising the standard of care for pregnant members.
They offer education, support, and guidance throughout your pregnancy and in the postpartum period, making sure that your prenatal care is on track and that you fully understand each step of your pregnancy journey. They can collaborate with your local prenatal care provider, recommend local maternity classes, connect you with lactation support, and more.
Call (855) 633-4436 to enroll in the Maternity Care Program or learn more.
In addition to our Maternity Care Program, Included Health can offer you and your baby help with the following:
Explore Maternity Benefits
Whether you need help making sense of maternity benefits, preparing for maternity leave, or more, our experts are on call to walk you through next steps.
Find Top Doctors
Use the Included Health app to search for local and in-network providers, including OB/GYNs, pediatricians, and specialists. Or chat with a Care Coordinator to match you with a provider who best meets your needs.
Personalize Your Care
Every pregnancy is unique. Get a team of health care professionals who work with you before, during, and after pregnancy for personalized and dedicated support.
Get 24/7 Medical Advice
Speak with a nurse for treatment advice, getting help deciding next steps, and even finding a doctor if needed. Don’t wait to get answers to questions during pregnancy and after birth.
Plan for Future Expenses
Get estimated costs for care right in the app, including for doctor visits, tests and imaging, and hospital stays. Plus, chat with a Care Coordinator to find out what’s covered by your insurance plan. Our team of insurance experts can review bills for errors and overcharges to make sure you don’t get stuck with an incorrect bill.
Get pain-free support for all your aches and pains. Included Health can help you:
See a Doctor Fast, 24/7
Don’t put off dealing with pain. Connect with an urgent care doctor anytime, anywhere with 24/7 access to our best-in-class virtual care network.
Get Confidence in Your Joint, Bone, or Muscle Care
When it comes to aches, pain, strains, and more, the right care can make all the difference. Learn if you’re getting the best treatment with a no-cost second opinion from a top specialist for your condition.
Find a Specialist for Your Specific Needs
Get matched with local and in-network doctors by using the Included Health app — including orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists, and pain management specialists — or have a Care Coordinator find a doctor who fits your needs.
Get Personalized Care
Partner with a dedicated clinician, nurse care manager, and Care Coordinator for personalized support and guidance. We create a custom care plan for your unique needs that considers the latest medications, procedures, and treatment options.
Receive Quick Relief for Health Care Questions
Speak with a nurse for treatment advice and help deciding what level of care you need. Call anytime for help with any question about treatment options, pain management, and more.
Plan for Future Expenses
Get estimated costs for care right in the app, including for doctor visits, tests and imaging, surgeries, and hospital stays. Our team of experts can tell you what’s covered by your health plan, how much a procedure or prescription may cost, if a medical bill has an incorrect charge, and more.
Give your heart the care and support it deserves. Included Health can help you:
Get Confidence in Your Heart Care
For serious heart conditions or concerns, Included Health finds a top cardiologist to review your current care, a recent diagnosis, test result, new medication, and more.
Get 24/7 Medical Advice
Everything seems a little more urgent when it comes to your heart. That’s why we offer 24/7 support from nurses for treatment advice and guidance on where to go for care.
Support the Mind and the Heart
Managing a heart condition can be stressful. We offer convenient mental health care from a diverse team of therapists and psychiatrists.
Find High-Quality Heart Doctors
Stay up to date on your heart health. Use the Included Health app or chat with a Care Coordinator to get matched with a primary care doctor, cardiologist, and more.
Personalize Your Care
Get dedicated support with acute and chronic heart conditions. Partner with a dedicated clinician, nurse care manager, and Care Coordinator who create a custom care plan for your unique needs.
Plan for Health Expenses
Get estimated costs for care right in the app, including for important check-ups, doctor visits, tests, and labs. You can also chat with a Care Coordinator to find out what’s covered by your health plan. Whether it’s preventive care, surgery, an overnight stay at a hospital, or prescriptions, our experts can review bills for errors and overcharges to make sure you don’t overpay.
Nothing about cancer is easy. Included Health can help. Use Included Health to:
Get Confidence in Your Cancer Care
Get a second opinion without the exams, appointments, or bills. Your Included Health care team handles it all. Get a top cancer specialist to review your care.
Explore Your Benefits
There are so many aspects to caring for cancer — from medical to emotional to financial. As part of your CalPERS health plan, we can help you access resources that support your needs. Download the Included Health app to explore all your benefits or chat with a Care Coordinator.
Get the Mental Health Care You Deserve
Find a therapist or psychiatrist for help with the stress, anxiety, and complications of a cancer diagnosis. Our team is available night or day for meaningful support and compassionate care.
Find Top Doctors
Use the Included Health app to search for local and in-network care — including oncologists, specialists, and facilities — or have a Care Coordinator match you with a provider who best meets your needs.
Personalized Cancer Care
Partner with a dedicated team to guide you through every step and decision of your cancer journey. Your team goes above and beyond when it comes to your care, following up with you before and after appointments, visits, and more to check on you and see what additional support could help.
Get 24/7 Medical Advice
Questions about side effects of a new medications or changes to your treatment plan? Speak with a nurse for treatment advice, help deciding next steps, and more.
Plan for Expenses
Review estimated costs for doctor visits, tests and labs, and hospital stays right in the app. For more complicated questions, you can also chat with a Care Coordinator to find out what’s covered by your health plan. Our team of experts can handle these hassles for you and review medical bills for errors.
Get help handling diabetes with Included Health. Use Included Health to:
See a Doctor Fast, 24/7
Get urgent care for your clinical diabetes needs from the convenience of home or wherever you need it. We provide 24/7 access to our best-in-class virtual care network.
Use Virtual Primary Care
Partner with a primary care doctor for support living with diabetes. Your doctor can help with nutritional advice, prescriptions refills, referrals, ordering tests and labs, and more — all virtually.
Talk Through the Stress of Diabetes
Connect face to face with a therapist or psychiatrist for mental health care that’s supportive of your overall well-being. Find a therapist and a time that fits your schedule with virtual visits available night and day.
Find the Right Diabetes Doctor for You
Use the Included Health app to find high-quality, in-network providers near you — including primary care providers, endocrinologists, and physical therapists — or have a Care Coordinator match you with a doctor who best fits your needs.
Get Confidence in Your Diabetes Care
Get a second opinion without any exams, appointments, or bills. We find a top diabetes expert to review your current care and suggest the right care options for you.
Discover Benefits Designed to Help with Diabetes
As part of your CalPERS health benefits, we can help you access diabetes-specific programs. Use the Included Health app to explore all your resources or connect with a Care Coordinator to find out what’s available.
Receive Personalized Diabetes Care
Partner with a dedicated clinician, nurse care manager, and Care Coordinator for personalized support and guidance. We create a custom care plan for your unique needs that considers the latest medications, procedures, and treatment options.
Get 24/7 Support for New Complications and Symptoms
Managing diabetes isn’t always easy, especially when dealing with new treatments or prescription changes. When questions come up, speak with a nurse for treatment advice, help deciding next steps for your care, and more.
Plan for Expenses
Examine estimated costs for care right in the app, including for doctor visits, tests and imaging, and hospital stays. Plus, chat with a Care Coordinator to find out what’s covered by your health plan. Diabetes prescriptions and care can add up. Our experts can review bills for errors and help you explore affordable options for important at-home monitoring equipment and tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Included Health is an added health care benefit available to all CalPERS members enrolled in the PERS Gold and PERS Platinum PPO Basic plans.
Have your eligible dependents over 13 years of age activate their own Included Health accounts. Dependents under 13 will need a parent or guardian present during virtual care visits. By activating, your dependents will have access to the same great benefits you do.
Included Health is provided as part of your health plan. Check in with Included Health about any copayments that may apply to virtual primary care or mental health visits.
To register your account, visit includedhealth.com/calpers or download the Included Health app. We’ll ask you to share some information and confirm a few details. It will take you less than 60 seconds to activate.
Contact the Included Health Care Team by calling (855) 633-4436 or send an email to support@includedhealth.com.
Included Health’s team of providers are U.S.-based and board-certified providers, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who have on average 18 years of experience. They come from a variety of backgrounds and specialties and have an average patient rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on our app. Our providers are trained on best practices for providing care online, and take the time to get to know you and find out what’s most important to you.
A Care Coordinator is your first point of contact when you need help with health care. They’re trained experts who know the ins and outs of the health care system, and they’re here to advocate on your behalf.
They provide a streamlined experience to help you understand your health care benefits and support your health care needs through a concierge approach.
A Care Coordinator’s job is to advocate for you. When you reach out to us, you’ll always speak to someone who’s there to get the best outcome for you.
Sections
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Blue Shield of California
- Health Net
- Kaiser Permanente
- PERS Gold & Platinum Basic Plan
- Sharp Health Plan
- UnitedHealthcare
- Western Health Advantage