City of Oakland Benefits & Retirement Overview

This guide describes the benefits an individual may receive as a City of Oakland employee. Health plans, preventative maintenance, flex programs and financial security options are all components of the total benefits program. The City of Oakland is committed to the well being of its employees and offers comprehensive health and wellness services. This guide gives the highlights of those benefits and should be used primarily as a reference.

Health & Wellness Enrollment

A new full or permanent part-time employee is eligible on the date of hire to enroll him/herself and any eligible dependents. Coverage begins on the first of the month following the date of enrollment. There is a 60-day window of opportunity to activate most benefits. In the event that the time period lapses the individual can sign up during the fall annual open enrollment. However, those benefits do not go into effect until January of the following year.

Dependent Verification

An employee's dependents may be eligible for coverage under the City's health plans. To add an eligible dependent supporting documentation must be provided such as a marriage certificate, Certificate of Domestic Partnership, birth certificate and legal adoption or guardianship papers.

Medical Coverage

The City is a participant in CalPERS Health Benefit Services, which provides an employee and eligible dependents the choice of one of a variety of medical benefit plans. The City will pay the full monthly premium cost for certain designated plans.

Dental Plans

For certain dental plans the City pays the full monthly premium for employees and eligible dependents. There are some routine services offered which an employee may not be required to pay. Other services may call for a co-payment. An employee may choose between a fee for service plan that allows them to go to any dentist, or a pre-paid plan that necessitates selecting from a specific panel of dentists.