This program provides funding for health and dental benefit services for retired state employees and their dependents.

The program began on January 1, 1962, with an employer contribution of $5 per month toward the cost of a basic health plan. Since then, major medical plans, Medicare, and plans supplementing Medicare have been developed. Dental care was added in 1982.

The 2015-16 employer contribution for health premiums maintains the average 100/90 percent contribution formula established in Government Code Section 22871 for fully vested members. Under this formula, the state averages the premiums of the four largest health benefit plans in order 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. Vesting schedules and employer contributions may vary by employee bargaining unit contract.

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 2015 monthly contribution maximums are $655 for a single enrollee, $1,246 for an enrollee and one dependent, and $1,605 for an enrollee and two or more dependents. The 2016 monthly contribution maximums are $705 for a single enrollee, $1,343 for an enrollee and one dependent, and $1,727 for an enrollee and two or more dependents. Dental care premiums vary by plan and number of dependents.

Effective July 1, 2012, funding for health benefits for California State University annuitants is displayed in Organization Code 6645 under Higher Education. This funding was previously budgeted within Organization Code 9650.