Colorado Pera Health Care Calculator

Use this calculator to estimate your Colorado PERA health care benefits. PERA (Public Employees' Retirement Association) provides health care benefits to eligible Colorado state employees and their families. This tool helps you understand your potential benefits based on your employment status and contribution history.

How PERA Works in Colorado

PERA is a self-funded health care plan that provides coverage to Colorado state employees and their families. The plan is administered by the Colorado Department of Personnel and Administration (DPA).

Key features of the PERA health care plan include:

Comprehensive health care coverage for employees and their families
Access to a network of providers in Colorado
Prescription drug coverage
Mental health and substance abuse services
Dental and vision coverage for some plan members

PERA health care benefits are separate from your state health insurance. You must maintain continuous coverage through PERA to keep your benefits.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for PERA health care benefits, you must meet certain criteria:

Be a full-time or part-time state employee
Have worked at least 90 days in the current calendar year
Be enrolled in the PERA health care plan
Meet any additional requirements specified by the DPA

Dependents of eligible employees may also qualify for coverage under certain conditions.

Contribution Rates

PERA health care contributions are based on your employment status and coverage level. The current contribution rates are as follows:

Coverage Level	Employee Contribution	Employer Contribution
Single	1.5%	1.5%
Employee + Spouse	2.5%	2.5%
Employee + Family	3.5%	3.5%

Contributions are typically deducted from your paycheck on a monthly basis.

Benefit Estimates

Your PERA health care benefits depend on several factors, including your contribution history, coverage level, and the specific benefits package you select. The calculator provides estimates based on typical coverage options.

Common benefit components include:

Medical coverage with a preferred provider network
Prescription drug coverage
Mental health and substance abuse services
Dental and vision coverage (for some plan members)
Healthy Colorado benefits (for employees who meet certain criteria)

Estimated Annual Premium = (Monthly Salary × Contribution Rate) × 12

For example, a full-time employee earning $50,000 per year with family coverage would contribute 3.5% of their salary, resulting in an estimated annual premium of $6,300.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for PERA health care benefits?

Full-time and part-time state employees who have worked at least 90 days in the current calendar year and are enrolled in the PERA health care plan are eligible. Dependents may also qualify under certain conditions.

How are contributions calculated?

Contributions are based on your monthly salary and the contribution rate for your coverage level. The rates are 1.5% for single coverage, 2.5% for employee + spouse, and 3.5% for employee + family.

What health care services are covered?

PERA covers medical services, prescription drugs, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment. Dental and vision coverage may be available for some plan members.

How do I enroll in PERA health care?

Enrollment is typically handled through the Colorado Department of Personnel and Administration. You'll need to complete the enrollment process during your initial hire or during open enrollment periods.

What happens if I leave state employment?

If you leave state employment, you may lose your PERA health care benefits unless you qualify for COBRA continuation coverage or another alternative.