Frequently Asked Questions About PERACare

Do I need to do anything during open enrollment?

No; if you’re happy with the 2026 coverage shown in your personalized open enrollment letter, you don’t need to do anything to keep your coverage.

You only need to submit a form if you would like to change, cancel, or add coverage for you or a dependent.

Why are PERACare health plan premiums so high?

We know it’s frustrating that health care costs keep rising, especially for retirees. Costs are on the rise across the country, and PERACare is unfortunately no exception.

Retiree health plans like PERACare provide important coverage that supports evolving health needs as people age. However, this can lead to higher plan costs since retirees tend to use more services and take more medications than younger people. Plans in the individual marketplace (like Connect for Health Colorado) include a wider range of ages, which helps spread costs among high and low health care users.

PERACare plans also offer more generous coverage than many of the plans available in the individual market. Our plans may include broader provider networks, cover more medications, and provide better coverage for services like hospital stays.

PERA retirees are also eligible for a subsidy, based on years of service, that can help offset some of the health plan premium. Marketplace plans do not include this subsidy.

If I leave PERACare, can I re-enroll in the future?

Yes, you can cancel PERACare coverage and then re-enroll during a future open enrollment period or after a qualifying enrollment event (see your PERACare booklet for a list of qualifying event). You are eligible for the health care subsidy whenever you are enrolled in a PERACare health plan. 

What’s the deadline for choosing a plan or making changes?

Open enrollment ends November 20. All plans take effect January 1, 2026.