Information for SCARE members and Sonoma County retirees about County-sponsored health plan options, Medicare transitions, and where to get help.
Important: SCARE provides helpful information, but plan rules, pricing, and eligibility are set by Sonoma County and the carriers. Always confirm details using the official County resources.
How Health Plan Changes Work
You can change your health insurance plan once a year during Annual Enrollment.
You can change your plan when you qualify for Medicare.
Health Plan Options (Overview)
Plans available to Medicare-eligible retirees
If you qualify for Medicare, the County plans available to you include:
Covering a spouse
If you are covering a spouse:
Choose the Right Path (By Situation)
Tap on the tabs below to view.
If you are NOT on Medicare yet
Review the County retiree health plan options during Annual Enrollment.
Not sure what you’re eligible for?
Call the County Benefits Unit: 707-565-2900
Want help comparing plans or understanding coverage?
Call Care Counsel: 888-227-3334
If you ARE on Medicare
Medicare-eligible retirees can choose from: Anthem, Kaiser, Western Health Advantage, and AARP/UnitedHealthcare
If you are switching at Medicare eligibility:
Contact the County Benefits Unit as soon as you receive your Medicare card: 707-565-2900
If you cover a spouse/dependent
Spouse rules can affect which plans you can choose.
Key consideration: Your spouse must be 65 or older to qualify for AARP/UnitedHealthcare.
Want to avoid mistakes during enrollment?
Call Care Counsel: 888-227-3334
Independent Help for Retirees
Care Counsel can help you:
For eligibility, enrollment changes, and official plan rules
If you have general questions and need help finding the right resource:
Call Board Member Phyris Tobler:
Find answers to your questions about Sonoma County Retiree options.
We're here to help you!
You can change plans once a year during Annual Enrollment, or when you qualify for Medicare.
Call the County Benefits Unit as soon as you receive your Medicare card at 707-565-2900.
Plans include Anthem, Kaiser, Western Health Advantage, and AARP/UnitedHealthcare.
Only if your spouse is also 65 or older.
Use the County’s official page: Sonoma County Human Resources Retiree Benefits.
