Medical
Taking care of you and your health.
Access to quality coverage and care is important for your health.
Your Caltech Medical Plan Options
| Anthem High Deductible PPOLowest | Kaiser CA HMOMid-Range | Anthem HMOHighest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premiums | Lowest | Mid-Range | Highest |
| Where to go for care** | See any provider. Pay less when you stay in network. | Use only providers in the Kaiser CA HMO network or pay the full cost of care. (Members may use out-of-network urgent care when outside of the medical group’s service area.) | Use only providers in the Anthem HMO network or pay the full cost of care. (Members may use out-of-network urgent care when outside of the medical group’s service area.) |
| Access to specialists | No referrals needed. | Referrals required. | Referrals required. |
| Paying for care | Pay your medical costs until you reach your deductible. After that, you pay a set part of the costs (called coinsurance) until you reach your out-of-pocket maximum.* | Pay copays when you get care or medications. No deductible to meet. | Pay copays when you get care or medications. No deductible to meet. |
| Tax advantaged accounts | Use an HSA to spend, save, and invest pre-tax dollars for healthcare. Funds never expire even if you change jobs or retire. Option to use an FSA instead of an HSA. | Use an FSA to spend pre-tax dollars for healthcare. Unused funds are forfeited at year-end. | Use an FSA to spend pre-tax dollars for healthcare. Unused funds are forfeited at year-end. |
| Who may like this plan? | Those who want the lowest premiums and greatest choice of providers. They are comfortable with the risk of higher expenses before reaching their deductible. | Those who don’t mind paying higher premiums in exchange for more predictable costs and are comfortable with providers in the Kaiser CA HMO network. | Those who don’t mind paying higher premiums in exchange for more predictable costs and are comfortable with providers in the Anthem HMO network. |
**For all three plans, you can go anywhere for an emergency room visit.
Located outside of Southern California?
If you are located outside of Southern California, your medical plan options may be slightly different. You will still have the option to select the Anthem High Deductible PPO Plan or you may be able to choose a different medical plan. View Plan Options.
When You Can Enroll
You can elect medical benefits within 31 days of becoming benefits eligible, during Open Enrollment, or within 31 days of a Qualifying Life Event.
Medical Plan Comparison
Access a detailed plan comparison and see monthly premiums.
Prescriptions
Review what’s included in your pharmacy benefits and compare your plan options.
HSA Benefits
- Contributions reduce your taxable income.
- Funds roll over from year to year.
- The account is yours to keep — even if you leave Caltech or retire.
- After age 65, you can withdraw funds for any reason without penalty (income tax applies if not used for medical expenses).
2026 Contribution Limits
- Employee – $4,400
- Family – $8,750
- 55+ – $1,000 additional
You may enroll or change contributions at any time. Annual contributions are pro-rated based on your enrollment date.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Flexible Spending Accounts let you use pre-tax dollars for healthcare or childcare expenses.
Two types are available:
- Healthcare FSA
Use pre-tax money to pay for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses.
2026 Maximum Contribution: $3,300
Funds must be used by the annual deadline or they are forfeited.
You can enroll within 31 days of becoming benefits-eligible, during Open Enrollment, or after a qualifying life event.
- Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA)
Use pre-tax money to pay for eligible childcare or dependent care expenses.
Eligible expenses include:
- Daycare and preschool
- Before- and after-school programs
- Summer day camps
- Adult day care for a qualifying dependent
2026 Maximum Contributions:
- $7,500 – Non-highly compensated employees
- $3,500 – Highly compensated employees
- $3,750 – Married filing separately
Funds must be used by the annual deadline or they are forfeited.
Our Medical Plans in Action
Take a look at real-life scenarios to understand how each plan can support different needs.
Navigate Your Healthcare
Get personalized support to help you navigate your medical benefits with confidence.
Plan Summaries and Resources
For full details, please review the plan documents.
Southern California
Anthem High Deductible PPO Plan Summary
Anthem High Deductible PPO Plan Benefit Booklet
Anthem HMO Plan Summary
Anthem HMO Plan Benefit Booklet
Kaiser (CA) HMO Plan Summary
Kaiser (CA) HMO Plan Evidence of Coverage
Outside Southern California
Kaiser (WA) HMO Plan Summary
Kaiser (WA) HMO Plan Evidence of Coverage
Anthem Owens Valley PPO Plan Summary
Anthem Owens Valley PPO Plan Benefits Booklet
Anthem BlueCard PPO Plan Summary
Anthem BlueCard PPO Plan Benefits Booklet
HMSA PPO Plan Summary
Glossary of Terms
To help you get the most out of your medical benefits, it’s important to have a solid understanding of key terms and what they mean. Review the Terms. (Link to a document containing the Glossary of Terms from the Benefits Guide, page 5)
How do I decide?
When evaluating your options for a medical plan, consider how much medical care you need, cost of premium, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximum to determine the best plan for you and your family. Take our short-five question quiz to see which plan might be best for you.