by: GSRMA Employee Benefits*  | May 13, 2026

When it comes to attracting and retaining talented employees, public agencies face a unique challenge: providing competitive, meaningful benefits while balancing tight budgets and long-term financial stability.

That’s where GSRMA’s Employee Benefits Program is making a difference: in partnership with PRISM (Public Risk Innovation, Solutions, and Management), GSRMA offers public agencies a comprehensive employee benefits solution designed specifically for the needs of California public entities. The program brings together the purchasing power of a larger group platform, while maintaining the personalized support and flexibility smaller agencies need.

Why Employee Benefits Matter More Than Ever

Today’s workforce is looking for more than just a paycheck. Employees want dependable healthcare options, financial security, and benefits that support their overall well-being. For public agencies, offering a strong benefits package isn’t just about compliance — it’s about building a healthier, more engaged workforce. At the same time, rising healthcare costs and administrative complexity can make benefits management overwhelming for smaller organizations.

GSRMA’s Employee Benefits Program was created to help solve those challenges. The PRISMHealth Small Group Program was designed specifically for public agencies with fewer than 150 employees. By pooling together organizations with similar risk profiles, the program creates long-term stability while helping members secure lower fixed-cost plan components.

Instead of navigating the benefits landscape alone, participating agencies gain access to the advantages of a larger shared-risk model.

How does this translate to benefits for your agency?

• Greater purchasing power
• Long-term rate stability
• Flexible plan options
• Streamlined administration
• Expert support from professionals who understand public agencies

Flexible Health Plan Options for Your Unique Workforce

At GSRMA, we understand that no two agencies are exactly alike, which is why flexibility matters. The GSRMA Employee Benefits Program includes 12 health plan design options to meet varying employee needs and budgets.

Available offerings include:

• HMO plans
• PPO plans
• EPO plans
• HDHP options
• Three-tier rate structures
• Regional rate options based on geography

The program also provides access to trusted provider networks through Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, and Kaiser, giving employees dependable healthcare choices and broader access to care.

Additional support services, including COBRA administration, help reduce the administrative burden on agency staff while ensuring compliance and continuity.

More Than Coverage, We Offer Public Agencies a Committed Partnership

What truly sets GSRMA apart is our commitment to service. Beyond offering Health and Ancillary plans, we work alongside public agencies to provide guidance, resources, and support tailored to the realities of public sector operations.

The goal isn’t simply to provide insurance coverage. We want to help agencies create healthier workplaces, support employee well-being, and build long-term organizational success.

Want to better understand how our Employee Benefits Programs work and whether they may be a fit for your agency? Join us on June 3rd at 10 AM for an informative webinar where attendees will get a closer look at the program, explore available plan options, and have the opportunity to ask questions live during the session.

Whether you’re reviewing your current benefits strategy or exploring new options for your organization, this webinar will provide valuable insight into how public agencies can approach Employee Benefits with greater confidence and stability.

For agencies looking to strengthen employee support while maintaining fiscal responsibility, this conversation couldn’t come at a better time.

GSRMA’s Employee Benefit Programs help California public agencies access comprehensive, stable, and flexible healthcare solutions tailored to the public sector. To learn more, visit the Employee Benefits section at gsrma.org.

*Source: GSRMA Employee Benefits Program information and ChatGPT, 2026