October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about breast cancer, the importance of early detection, and steps you can take to better understand your risk.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.

Regular screening helps detect breast cancer early. Mammograms can identify breast cancer before symptoms develop, when treatment is often more successful. The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk begin regular mammograms by age 45, with the option to start at age 40. Talk with your healthcare provider about when to begin screening and how often, based on your age and personal risk factors.

Understanding your personal risk is also important. Age, family history, certain inherited genetic changes, and personal medical history can influence your risk of developing breast cancer. If breast or ovarian cancer runs in your family, share that information with your healthcare provider. Some individuals may benefit from earlier screening or additional testing.

In addition to regular screenings, pay attention to changes in your breast health. If you notice a new lump or other unusual changes, talk with your healthcare provider. These changes don’t necessarily mean cancer, but you shouldn’t ignore them.

While not all risk factors are within your control, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and limiting alcohol consumption may help reduce your risk.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a good reminder to review your screening history, talk with your healthcare provider about your personal risk, and schedule any recommended screenings you may be due for.

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How to Compare Health Plans During Open Enrollment

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When comparing health plans during open enrollment, people often look at the monthly premium first. While it’s an important part of the decision, it doesn’t tell you what your healthcare may actually cost over the year.

For example, imagine you’re comparing two health plans. One has a lower monthly premium but a higher deductible. The other plan costs more each month but has a lower deductible and different copays or coinsurance.

If you rarely need medical care, the lower-premium plan may be appealing. But if you regularly visit specialists, take prescription medications, or expect ongoing treatment, the higher-premium plan could potentially cost less overall.

Start by calculating the annual premium for each plan. Then consider what you might pay for regular appointments, prescriptions, and other services. Remember, meeting your deductible doesn’t necessarily mean you’re done paying. Copays and coinsurance may continue until you reach your out-of-pocket maximum.

One thing worth double-checking is the provider network. Even when the same insurance company offers two plans, their networks may differ. If keeping a particular doctor, specialist, hospital, or medical group is important to you, verify that the plan you’re considering includes them.

Prescription coverage can also make a difference. A medication covered under one plan may have different costs or coverage requirements under another. Checking your prescriptions before enrolling can help you avoid surprises.

The goal isn’t necessarily to find the plan with the lowest premium or deductible. Choose coverage that fits your healthcare needs and budget. Before making your final decision, review each plan’s Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC). It provides a standardized overview of covered services and cost-sharing, making plans easier to compare.

 

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CalCPA Health Announces CEO Transition

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CalCPA Health Members, Business Partners, and Friends:

The Board of Trustees of CalCPA Health is pleased to announce an important leadership transition.

Ron Lang will be retiring from CalCPA Health after serving 14 years as CEO. During his tenure, Ron has helped guide and strengthen the organization while maintaining its focus on serving California’s CPA community. The Board thanks Ron for his leadership, dedication, and many years of service and wishes him all the best in retirement.

The Board is also pleased to announce the appointment of Randy Lee as CalCPA Health’s next Chief Executive Officer.

Randy joins CalCPA Health from Kaiser Permanente, where he most recently served as Vice President leading its Federal Employee and Postal Service Health Benefits Program. He previously served as Senior Director of Business Planning and Analysis and has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, strategy, business operations, and health benefits administration.

We are confident that Randy’s experience and leadership will serve CalCPA Health well as we continue our commitment to providing quality health and employee benefit programs to California’s CPA community.

Please join us in thanking Ron for his many contributions and welcoming Randy to CalCPA Health.

Sincerely,
Board of Trustees
CalCPA Health

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Understanding Your Deductible and Out-of-Pocket Maximum

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Your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum are two important numbers to understand when using your health plan, but it’s easy to confuse what each means.

Your deductible is the amount you generally pay for covered healthcare services before your health plan begins sharing the cost. Depending on your plan, some services may be covered before you meet the deductible, while others may require you to meet all or part of it first.

Your out-of-pocket maximum works differently. It is the most you may have to pay during the plan year for covered, in-network healthcare services that count toward the limit. Once you reach that amount, your health plan generally pays 100% of covered, in-network services for the remainder of the plan year.

Remember, reaching your deductible does not mean you are finished paying for healthcare. After meeting the deductible, you may still have copays or coinsurance until you reach your out-of-pocket maximum.

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What to Know Before Open Enrollment Begins

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Open enrollment is approaching, and for many people the process will look familiar: review the available plans, look at the monthly premiums, and decide whether to keep the same coverage for another year.

But the plan with the lowest premium isn’t necessarily the plan that will cost you the least, and the plan you have today may not be the best fit for you next year.

Before open enrollment begins, take some time to look at how you actually used your healthcare this year. Your claims, prescriptions, provider visits, and out-of-pocket expenses can tell you a lot about what to focus on when comparing plans.

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IRS Announces 2027 HSA Contribution Limits

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The IRS released the contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for 2027. In the upcoming year, we will see an HSA contribution limit increase to $4,500 for individuals and an increase to $9,000 for a family. The IRS implemented inflation-adjusted parameters for health savings accounts in Revenue Procedure 2026-24.

For 2027, individuals with self-only coverage can contribute up to $4,500 to their HSAs, up from $4,400 in 2026. Individuals enrolled in family coverage can contribute up to $9,000, up from $8,750 in 2026. The IRS also noted that the 2027 catch-up contribution for those aged 55 and older will remain $1,000, unchanged from 2026.

Health Savings Accounts remain a valuable tool for individuals and families enrolled in qualified high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). HSAs offer tax advantages, allow unused funds to roll over from year to year, and can serve as a long-term savings vehicle for future healthcare needs.

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A Few Months In: Are You Using Your Health Plan?

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We are a few months into the year, which makes this a good time to pause and take a closer look at how you are using your health plan.

Whether you selected new coverage this year or have been on the same plan for a while, this is often when expectations meet reality. You may have filled a prescription, visited a provider, received a bill, or you may not have used your plan at all.

Wherever you are, now is a good time to check in.

Are you actively using your benefits, or are you only thinking about your plan when something comes up? Health insurance is often treated as something you deal with when you need care, but it is meant to be used throughout the year.

Some questions to ask yourself:

  • Have you scheduled your annual wellness visit?
  • Are you using in-network providers?
  • Do you know what your copay is and whether you have coinsurance? Do you understand the difference between the two?
  • Do you know how much of your deductible you have met?
  • Do you understand what services are considered preventive care?
  • Do you know where to go depending on the situation, such as telehealth, urgent care, or the emergency room?

If any of these are unclear, you are not alone. Many people do not fully understand their coverage until they need to use it.

One area that is often overlooked is preventive care. Routine exams, screenings, and labs are often covered at little to no cost when done in-network. Taking care of these early can help you stay ahead of potential health issues.

If you have already used your plan this year, your claims can give you a clearer picture of how your costs work. This includes how your deductible applies and what your copays look like.

Small decisions can affect your costs. Where you go for care, whether a provider is in-network, and whether you ask questions ahead of time can all impact what you pay. Before your visit, consider asking about expected costs, whether prior authorization is required, and whether the service will be considered preventive or diagnostic. Writing your questions down in advance can help you feel more prepared and confident in your decisions.

If you have not spent much time thinking about your health plan yet, that is okay. There is still plenty of time to make the most of it.

Start by taking a look at your plan details, such as your Summary of Benefits or plan documents, so you understand what is covered and how your costs are structured. It can also be helpful to check your progress by seeing how much of your deductible you have met and where you stand in relation to your out-of-pocket maximum.

Scheduling preventive care is one of the easiest ways to use your benefits and stay on top of your health. If you expect to need services later this year, take time to plan ahead by confirming providers and facilities in advance, making sure they are in-network, and understanding what your costs may be.

Your health plan is something you can use to support your health and make more informed decisions about care. Taking a few minutes now to understand how your plan is working can help you avoid surprises and feel more confident in your choices throughout the year.

 

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CalCPA Health + GoodRx

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Helping Lower Your Pharmacy Costs — Automatically

CalCPA Health PPO and HSA medical plan enrollees now benefit from built-in GoodRx prescription pricing (when available) as part of their pharmacy coverage through Express Scripts Rx.

There’s nothing you need to do. No coupons. No discount cards. No separate enrollment.

When you present your CalCPA Health plan ID at the pharmacy, your prescription is automatically processed through your benefit. If the GoodRx price is lower than your plan’s already negotiated cost, you will automatically receive the lower GoodRx price.

What This Means for You

Lowest Available Price on Eligible Generic Medications

Eligible generic medications (excluding specialty generics) are automatically compared to GoodRx pricing to ensure you receive the lowest available price.

Effortless Member Experience

No need to search for GoodRx coupons or present a discount card. The comparison happens automatically through your CalCPA Health benefit.

Supports Medication Adherence

You receive discounted medications without delay, helping you stay on track with your prescribed treatments.

Claims Count Toward Your Plan

Unlike stand-alone discount programs, prescriptions processed through this partnership apply toward your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.

This program ensures you receive competitive pricing while maintaining the protections and accumulators of your CalCPA Health pharmacy benefit.

Reminder: Mail Order Savings

For many maintenance medications, the Express Scripts mail-order pharmacy offers lower copays and overall drug costs. Be sure to compare your options for additional savings.

Questions? If you have questions about your pharmacy coverage:

CalCPA Health remains committed to helping members access care affordably and confidently.

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Practical Wellness Tips for a Busy Holiday Season

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The holidays are supposed to be about celebration and connection, and some rest (hopefully). But the month of December often feels more like a marathon to get places and check off your never-ending “to-do” list. Between work deadlines, family obligations, travel, and a social calendar that somehow fills itself, the whole season can start to feel overwhelming instead of joyful.

If you’re trying to balance your job, personal life, and a budget that’s getting stretched thin, you’re not alone. A few simple habits can help you get through the season without burning out.

Aim for some balance when it comes to eating and your health. One of the biggest traps this time of year is thinking you need to be super disciplined about health. Small tweaks matter more than you’d think. Grab a protein-rich snack before heading to the party because it will help keep your energy steady and help you avoid overindulging at the party! Drink more water than you think you need, especially if you’re traveling or celebrating. And after a big meal, even a quick 10-minute walk can help your digestion and lift your mood.

Don’t sacrifice sleep. Late nights and early mornings are basically the norm in December. Sleep is one of your best defenses against stress, brain fog, and getting sick. Try to keep your sleep schedule consistent and give yourself a wind-down routine – do some stretching, journal for a few minutes, or put your phone away earlier than usual.

Build in breathing room. Between the gatherings and the pressure to make everything perfect, stress can pile up fast. Taking five minutes to step outside, taking some deep breaths, or sitting quietly can reset your nervous system and support your overall well-being. Mindfulness doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s just noticing your breath or feeling your feet on the ground.

Move your body. Exercise in December doesn’t need to be a formal workout. Take a walk around the neighborhood to check out the holiday lights. Stretch between work calls. Choose to take the stairs. These little moments of movement do help—they keep your energy up, lower stress, and improve your sleep and mood.

It’s fine to scale back. There tends to be the expectation that you’re supposed to do it all – attend every event, uphold every tradition, make everyone happy. Remember – it’s okay to say no, to skip things, to protect some time for yourself. The parts of the season that matter most are the ones you have the energy to enjoy.

The holiday season doesn’t have to overwhelm you. With a bit of intention and some realistic expectations, you can end the year feeling good about being grounded, present, and ready for whatever comes next.

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