Tier strategies
Employers can select Total Choice, Triple Choice, Double Choice, or Single Choice to offer plans from one to four neighboring metal tiers.
Small business program | 2026
CaliforniaChoice Small Business Health Plans
A multi-carrier program that lets employees choose among plan and network options selected by the employer.
2026 overview
Product Guide
CaliforniaChoice organizes participating carrier plans into a single employer program, helping businesses offer more employee choice without administering separate carrier contracts.
Carrier and network choice
Employees choose from available carrier HMO and PPO networks within the employer's selected metal-tier strategy.
Regional availability
Carrier, plan, and provider availability varies by employee ZIP code and selected network.
Consolidated administration
The program combines plan choice with centralized enrollment and billing support.
Eligibility and submission
Underwriting Guide
CaliforniaChoice publishes defined eligibility and submission standards for groups beginning in 2026.
Employer eligibility
The principal office must be in California, a majority of eligible employees must reside in California, and active workers' compensation coverage is required.
Employee eligibility
Employees must meet the program's active-work and weekly-hours rules. Independent contractors, temporary workers, and other excluded classes do not qualify.
Participation
Groups with 1-2 employees generally require full participation and at least one enrolled non-owner W-2 employee; groups with 3-100 employees generally require 70% participation.
Submission records
A complete census, wage or payroll records, prior carrier information when applicable, and ownership documents may be required.
Before you enroll
Carrier rules and plan availability can change.
This page summarizes carrier materials for the 2026 plan year. It is not a policy, contract, quote, or guarantee of eligibility. Official carrier documents and the carrier's final underwriting decision control.
Confirm options with an advisor
