April 2025

Volume 91

Photo Credit: "Carrizo Plain" by Ann M Shaw

Highlight

LAURIE LEE DEPARTS BOARD OF RETIREMENT


MEET THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF THE SBCERS DISABILITY TEAM


ERRONEOUS UNITEDHEALTHCARE DENTAL ID CARDS

Also in this edition...


  • 2025 COLA Tracker
  • February and March 2025 Investment Results
  • March 19, 2025 Board of Retirement Meeting Draft Minutes
  • April 23, 2025 Board of Retirement Meeting Agenda Available
  • CareCounsel Information
  • RESBC Membership Information

LAURIE LEE DEPARTS BOARD OF RETIREMENT

At the March 19, 2025 Board of Retirement meeting, SBCERS CEO Greg Levin announced that Laurie Lee had resigned from her position as the General Third Member of the Board of Retirement. Ms. Lee accepted an exciting opportunity with a new employer, requiring her to step down from the Board. During her tenure, she made many meaningful contributions, serving on multiple committees. SBCERS sincerely thanks Ms. Lee for her dedication to the organization and its members and wishes her continued success in her career.


To fill the vacancy, the Board approved a resolution calling for a Special Election, which will be officially noticed on Monday, July 7. Active general members (i.e., non-Safety employees) will be eligible to vote in the Special Election.

MEET THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF THE SBCERS DISABILITY TEAM

SBCERS is excited to welcome Agnes Asztalos and Pilar Cruz as the newest members of the Disability team. Both Agnes and Pilar join us as Legal Office Professionals, bringing valuable experience to our department. Agnes transitions from a successful career in the dental industry as she reconnects with her legal background, while Pilar brings extensive expertise from her tenure with the Department of Social Services. We are thrilled to have them on board and look forward to their contributions!


What is your specialty in your position?


Agnes: "My work entails requesting, receiving, analyzing, and organizing documents that pertain to a member's disability retirement application. I also collaborate closely with the disability team on various cases to ensure a smooth application process."


Pilar: "My main priorities are to help prepare cases for the Disability Analyst. The preparation consists of communicating with county departments and medical professionals and sending official correspondence to applicants, attorneys, and department managers."


What have you enjoyed the most since starting at SBCERS?


Agnes: "I truly enjoy every aspect of SBCERS and feel proud and honored to work here. Although the Disability division is small, we are a mighty team."


Pilar: "There are many joys to working at SBCERS, like having an organization invested in your growth and success. But the most enjoyable part has been getting to know my coworkers, especially the Disability team. Every part of SBCERS has brought the brightest light to my life, and I enjoy the thriving environment."


What do you hope to accomplish at SBCERS?


Agnes: "My goal is to develop expertise in the County Employees Retirement Law, expanding my understanding beyond disability retirement to encompass all aspects of retirement policy. I find this area both complex and fascinating, and I am eager to build a strong foundation in the legal framework. Additionally, I aim to become well-versed in the operational functions of SBCERS, allowing me to contribute effectively and adapt to various needs within the team. "


Pilar: "I strive to be an independent and efficient contributor to the Disability team, continuously refining my ability to support case progress. My goal is to develop a strong understanding of the processes and best practices that facilitate smooth case processing, allowing me to provide meaningful assistance with confidence and precision."

ERRONEOUS UNITEDHEALTHCARE DENTAL ID CARDS

Recently, UnitedHealthCare (UHC) mistakenly sent a Dental Card to those enrolled in their insurance. This is a repeat event from a previous error made in January of this year.


As a reminder, plan enrollees are NOT eligible for UHC dental benefits and should dispose of the dental cards sent in error immediately.


If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact SBCERS directly: 

Phone: 1-877-568-2940 

Email: info@sbcers.org

2025 COLA Tracker


For March 2025, Los Angeles Area Inflation (year over year) was 3.02%. The average monthly increase for 2025 to date is 3.15%.


View monthly inflation figures compared to last year.


Want to track the COLA on your own? On the 15th of each month, the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics releases CPI data for Los Angeles.


Read the current Bureau of Labor Statistics report.

February and March 2025 Investment Results


For the month of February 2025, the Total Fund returned 0.56%. For the month of March the Total Fund returned -0.61%.


Since the beginning of the fiscal year on July 1, 2024, the Fund has returned 4.37% generating over $190 million for SBCERS retirees and beneficiaries.


Read the March 2025 Investment Report.

March 19, 2025 Board of Retirement Meeting Draft Minutes


At the March 19, 2025 meeting, the CEO announced Trustee Laurie Lee vacated the General Third seat on the Board of Retirement. As a result, the Chair appointed Trustee Uhl to the Private Equity and Real Return Ad Hoc Committee and the Board voted to adopt a resolution calling for a special election. The Board received a presentation on the General Ledger Accounting Project from SBCERS Controller Rico Pardo and 2025 Capital Market Assumptions from public markets consultant RVK, Inc. Finally, the Board met in closed session to discuss staff succession planning, workloads, and responsibilities.


Draft minutes from the March 19, 2025 Board of Retirement meeting are available to view HERE.

April 23, 2025 Board of Retirement Meeting Agenda Available


The next Regular Board of Retirement meeting will be held in the Board Room at SBCERS Goleta Office, 130 Robin Hill Road, Suite 100, Goleta, CA 93117.


Members of the public who would like to make a public comment may do so via Zoom or in-person at the meeting location. Please email clerkoftheboard@sbcers.org for instructions. The Board of Retirement meeting will also be livestreamed via YouTube at https://www.sbcers.org/board-of-retirement/watch-live/.


Click HERE to access agendas and board materials on our agenda management website.

WANT HELP WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE INQUIRIES & CONCERNS?

Looking for a stress-free solution to your healthcare inquiries and, or concerns? CareCounsel is our health advocacy partner and is a service offered as part of your benefit package. CareCounsel works independently from your insurance carrier and is a completely confidential resource. 


It’s easy, call: (888-227-3334), or email staff@carecounsel.com Monday through Friday 6:30 am to 5:00 pm PST. After hours, you can leave a message and they will get back to you the next business day.


A few examples of why you should contact CareCounsel:

  • Education
  • Making Sense of Medicare
  • Benefits and Coverage Questions
  • Claims and Billing Assistance
  • Eligibility Status
  • Quality Concerns
  • Grievances and Appeals
  • Assistance with Locating Healthcare Providers

RETIRED EMPLOYEES OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY (RESBC)

RESBC is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of county retirees by providing information on critical retirement issues and offering educational/cultural social opportunities. Membership in RESBC is $2.50 monthly. Dues are deducted from the member’s Santa Barbara County pension payment. County employees may join RESBC by completing the RESBC Membership Deduction Authorization form at the time of their retirement exit conference.


Retirees may join at any time by requesting a membership form from SBCERS, 130 Robin Hill Road, Suite 100, Goleta, CA 93117, 1-877-568-2940 or, by clicking HERE and sending the completed form to benefits@sbcers.org. 


RESBC Membership benefits include:

  • 4 issues of the RESBC newsletter per year.
  • 4 subsidized luncheon meetings per year held at various county locations.
  • Opportunities to participate in subsidized day trips and special events.
  • Attendance at special presentations on critical issues such as health insurance, pension litigation, pension-related court decisions, etc.
  • Opportunity to socialize and have fun with former co-workers and friends.

Have a question about an item in this newsletter?

Call a Benefit Representative at 1-877-568-2940. We are ready to help you!


Want to look at prior newsletters?

Click HERE to visit the SBCERS Newsletter Archive.