Starting with the 2027 plan year, ACERA is expanding healthcare choices for our non-Medicare retirees. A non-Medicare retiree is any retiree under age 65.  (If you become eligible for Medicare earlier due to a disability, you’ll use our Medicare plans.)

If you are a non-Medicare retiree living within an ACERA group plan service area, you now have the option to enroll in an individual health insurance plan through Via Benefits.

This new choice gives you access to a wide range of individual marketplace plans, allowing you to tailor your coverage, doctors, and prescription benefits to your specific needs.

No Action Required to Keep Your Current Medical Insurance Plan: This new option is completely voluntary. If you are happy with your current Kaiser Permanente HMO or UnitedHealthcare SignatureValue HMO group plan, you do not need to take any action—your coverage will continue automatically.

Expanded Health Plan Options for Non-Medicare Retirees

Previously, non-Medicare retirees living within the service areas for ACERA’s group medical plans (Kaiser Permanente HMO and UnitedHealthcare SignatureValue HMO) were required to enroll in a group plan to receive ACERA’s medical coverage and subsidies.

Beginning with the 2027 plan year, all non-Medicare retirees—regardless of where you live—can choose to enroll in an individual health insurance plan through Via Benefits.

Why the Board Expanded Coverage Options

The ACERA Board of Retirement created this option to give members more affordable and flexible medical coverage choices. Opening access to Via Benefits allows non-Medicare retirees to shop the individual insurance market to find a plan that fits their personal budget and healthcare preferences.

How Healthcare & Subsidies Work

Group Plans vs. Individual Exchange Plans

• ACERA Group Plans (Kaiser Permanente HMO & UnitedHealthcare SignatureValue HMO): These are group medical plans negotiated in partnership with Alameda County.
• Via Benefits Individual Plans: Via Benefits is an insurance exchange that offers individual health plans from various insurance carriers.

Using Your MMA Subsidy With Via Benefits

If you retired with at least 10 years of ACERA service credit (or on a service-connected disability retirement), you are eligible for ACERA’s Monthly Medical Allowance (MMA) subsidy.

• Your MMA Is Fully Protected: You can use your MMA subsidy for individual plans purchased through Via Benefits just as you would for an ACERA group plan.
• How Reimbursement Works: When you enroll in an individual plan through Via Benefits, they set up a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for you. ACERA deposits your eligible MMA dollars into your Via Benefits HRA at the beginning of each year. You pay your monthly plan premium to your insurance carrier, and Via Benefits reimburses you from your HRA up to your eligible MMA amount.  Most of the health insurance plans Via Benefits offers allow you to set up automatic premium payment to your health insurance carrier. Premiums you pay to the insurance carrier are reimbursed to you from your HRA until the MMA dollars run out.

Exploring Federal Tax Credits (Subsidies) With Via Benefits

Depending on your annual household income, you may qualify for a federal healthcare subsidy (a Premium Tax Credit) that reduces your monthly premium.

• Choose One Subsidy: Federal rules do not allow you to receive both a federal subsidy and ACERA’s MMA subsidy at the same time. You must choose between taking ACERA’s MMA subsidy or opting for the federal tax credit.
• Via Benefits Will Help You Compare: When you contact Via Benefits, a Via Benefits advisor will look at your financial situation and run a side-by-side comparison for you. They will help you determine whether taking the federal subsidy or using ACERA’s MMA gives you the lowest overall out-of-pocket cost, and they will enroll you directly in the plan you choose.

Is an Individual Plan Right for You?

Comparing Your Options (ACERA Group Rates vs. Via Benefits)

Having choice means you can compare ACERA’s group plan rates and medical benefits against the individual market to see which option offers the best value for your situation.

Understanding Individual Plan Levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum)

When exploring plans on Via Benefits, you will see individual insurance plans categorized into “metal levels”: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These tiers indicate how you and the insurance company share healthcare costs:

• Bronze and Silver Plans: Feature lower monthly premiums, but higher out-of-pocket costs when you receive care. Most Bronze and Silver plans require an annual deductible—an initial amount you must pay out of pocket each year for covered services before the insurance company begins paying its share.
• Gold and Platinum Plans: Feature higher monthly premiums, but much lower out-of-pocket expenses when you visit the doctor or hospital, often with very low or no deductibles.

How ACERA Group Plans Compare: ACERA’s group plans (Kaiser Permanente HMO and UnitedHealthcare SignatureValue HMO) have no annual deductible, no cost for hospital stays or annual physicals, and low flat copays (such as $15 for office visits). Because of these robust, comprehensive benefits, ACERA’s group plans are most comparable to a Platinum plan on the individual market.

When comparing options on Via Benefits, keep in mind that choosing a lower tier (like Bronze or Silver) might lower your monthly premium, but could require you to pay a deductible before your coverage kicks in. You can review ACERA’s group plan designs in the Retiree Enrollment Guide mailed with your Open Enrollment Packet in mid-October to help you compare.

How Age Affects Individual Plan Pricing

Individual health insurance premiums on the open market are calculated based on your age, whereas ACERA’s group plan premiums are not affected by your age:

• Younger Non-Medicare Retirees: Depending on your location, carrier, and coverage tier, younger non-Medicare retirees may find lower monthly premiums on Via Benefits compared to ACERA’s group plan rates.
• Older Non-Medicare Retirees: Because individual marketplace rates increase with age—while ACERA group plan rates remain flat regardless of age—retirees closer to age 65 may find that individual plans through Via Benefits have higher premiums, making ACERA’s group plans (Kaiser Permanente HMO or UnitedHealthcare SignatureValue HMO) a more cost-effective choice.

No Requirement to Change Current Coverage

This new option is completely voluntary. If you are satisfied with your current Kaiser Permanente HMO or UnitedHealthcare SignatureValue HMO group plan, you do not need to take any action—your current coverage will continue.

How & When to Enroll

Step 1: Look for Your Open Enrollment Packet (Mid-October)

In mid-October, ACERA will mail your annual Open Enrollment packet. Review this packet for updated ACERA group plan rates, MMA subsidy amounts, and instructions for exploring Via Benefits.

Schedule an Appointment: If you want to compare plans over the phone, call Via Benefits as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Scheduling early ensures you get a dedicated consultation time with an advisor to compare costs and coverage before enrollment deadlines arrive—even if you haven’t decided to switch yet.

Step 2: Pay Attention to Open Enrollment Windows

• ACERA Group Plans Window (November 1 – November 30): Open Enrollment for ACERA group plans runs strictly through the month of November. If you plan to remain in or switch between group plans, you must finalize your choice by November 30.
• Via Benefits Individual Plans Window (November 1 – December 15): Open Enrollment for Via Benefits individual plans extends through December 15.

Step 3: Enroll Online or by Phone

To explore individual plan options, compare costs, or schedule an appointment with a Via Benefits advisor for Open Enrollment:

• Online: Visit www.acera.org/via to compare plans and enroll at your own pace.
• Phone: If you haven’t already booked a consultation in Step 1, call Via Benefits at, 1-888-427-8730 (Toll-Free) to schedule a call or speak directly with an advisor.

Step 4: Cancel ACERA Group Plan Coverage for 2027

Complete ACERA’s Medical Plan Enrollment Form.

• In Section 2, select Cancel Coverage
• Enter 12/31/2026 as your last day of coverage.

Step 5: Coverage Effective Dates & Transition

• Coverage Starts January 1: Your new individual health coverage through Via Benefits will take effect on January 1, 2027.
• Group Plan Transition: If you transition from an ACERA group plan to a Via Benefits individual plan, your ACERA group coverage remains active through December 31, 2026. ACERA will end your group plan enrollment effective December 31 so your new individual coverage takes over seamlessly on January 1, 2027, with no gap in coverage and no double billing.

Contact & Next Steps

If you want to explore individual plan options, compare costs, or schedule an appointment with a Via Benefits advisor for Open Enrollment:

• Visit Via Benefits Online: www.acera.org/via
• Call Via Benefits: 1-888-427-8730 (Toll-Free)

For general questions about your retirement benefits or MMA eligibility, please contact ACERA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I have to switch to Via Benefits?

A: No. You are welcome to stay in your current ACERA group plan. Via Benefits is simply an additional option available to you.

Q: Will I lose my Monthly Medical Allowance (MMA) if I choose a Via Benefits plan?

A: No. As long as you enroll through Via Benefits, your plan is considered an ACERA-sponsored option, and your MMA subsidy will be available to reimburse your premium costs.

Q: What happens when I turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare?

A: When you turn 65, you will transition to Medicare coverage. ACERA offers Medicare group plans as well as Medicare individual plans through Via Benefits. ACERA will send you information prior to your 65th birthday to guide you through that transition.

Q: Who can I talk to about is the best plan for me?

A: When you call Via Benefits, you’ll speak with a licensed, non-commissioned Benefit Advisor. Because advisors are salaried and do not receive commissions from insurance carriers, you get personalized, unbiased support to help you choose the right coverage, check for doctor and prescription availability, and see if any tax advantages apply to you.

Q: Can I change individual medical plans later, or switch back to an ACERA group plan?

A: Yes. Once enrolled, you can change your individual plan or switch back to an ACERA group plan during ACERA’s annual Open Enrollment (generally the month of November) or within 30 days of a Status Change Event (qualifying life event).