This program provides funding for health benefit services for retired California State University employees and their dependents.

The program began on January 1, 1962, with an employer contribution of $5.00 per month toward the cost of a basic health plan. Since then, major medical plans, Medicare, and plans supplementing Medicare have been developed.

The 2013-14 employer contribution for health premiums maintains the average 100/90 percent contribution formula established in Government Code Section 22871 for members with five years of service. Under this formula, the state averages the premiums of the four largest health benefit plans to calculate the maximum amount the state contributes towards retiree health benefits. The state also contributes 90 percent of this average towards the health benefit costs of each of the retiree's dependents.

The retiree is responsible for paying all health benefit plan costs that exceed the state contribution. Premiums are determined on a calendar-year basis; therefore, the state contribution will vary during the fiscal year. The 2013 monthly contribution maximums are $622 for a single enrollee, $1,183 for an enrollee and one dependent, and $1,515 for an enrollee and two or more dependents. The 2014 monthly contribution maximums are $642 for a single enrollee, $1,218 for an enrollee and one dependent, and $1,559 for an enrollee and two or more dependents.