August 2021

Volume 48

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Highlights

OPEN ENROLLMENT: HEALTH PLAN CHANGES COMING SOON & SURVEY FOR RETIREES

BOOK A VIRTUAL SBCERS APPOINTMENT ONLINE

Also in this edition...


  • 2021 COLA Tracker
  • July 2021 Investment Results
  • July 28, 2021 Board of Retirement Meeting Highlights
  • August 25, 2021 Board of Retirement Meeting Agenda
  • September 9, 2021 Special Board of Retirement Meeting
  • CareCounsel Information
  • RESBC Membership Information

OPEN ENROLLMENT: HEALTH PLAN CHANGES COMING SOON & SURVEY FOR RETIREES


We plan to send you announcements regarding Health Care Open Enrollment (October 1, 2021 through October 31, 2021), a new payroll calendar, and other information about SBCERS very soon! If you have recently changed your mailing address, please take a moment to email benefits@sbcers.org and let us know your correct address information.


We are eager to hear about your experience of last year's Open Enrollment process and want to know your thoughts and suggestions for this year.


Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Open Enrollment process last year was completely virtual, featuring an online Health Fair instead of in-person meetings. This year, our Open Enrollment season will again feature an online Virtual Health Fair.


Your responses to this survey will help guide our approach to provide you with the best information available, in a format that is easy to navigate and understand. Also, if you did not make changes during Open Enrollment, but did make changes throughout the past year for other qualified events, we’d like to hear about your experience.

Click Here to Take the Survey

BOOK A VIRTUAL SBCERS APPOINTMENT ONLINE


Due to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases, all SBCERS counselling appointments will be held virtually, either over the phone or on Zoom. Members may schedule their own appointment online by clicking the button below. All upcoming dates are updated at www.sbcers.org/pop-up.

Click Here to Book an Appointment

Members may choose between 20-minute or 60-minute appointments.


Example 20-Minute Topics:

  • Service purchase of medical leave or extra help time
  • Divorce
  • Tax withholding changes
  • Health reimbursement claims
  • Direct deposit changes
  • Insurance questions


Example 60-Minute Topics:

  • Pre-retirement or retirement counseling sessions
  • Death benefit claims
  • Continuance onboarding
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2021 COLA Tracker


For July 2021, Los Angeles Area Inflation (year over year) was 3.93%. The average monthly increase for 2021 to date is 2.78%.


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.

July 2021 Investment Results

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The Total Fund returned 0.85% for the month of July, net of fees, generating over $32.8 million for our beneficiaries.


Read the full July 2021 Investment Flash Report.

July 28, 2021 Board of Retirement Meeting Highlights


At the July 28 meeting, the Board of Retirement received education on pension valuation and assumption setting strategies, 2021 capital market expectations, and June 30, 2021 investment results.


Read the draft July 28, 2021 Minutes.

August 25, 2021 Board of Retirement Meeting Agenda Available


The next Regular Board of Retirement meeting will be held in-person on August 25, 2021 in the Riviera Ballroom of the Canary Hotel. You can also watch the meeting via YouTube live stream at https://www.sbcers.org/board-of-retirement/watch-live/.


Members of the public who would like to make a public comment may do so in-person or remotely. Please email clerkoftheboard@sbcers.org for instructions.


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

September 9, 2021 Special Board of Retirement Meeting


The Board of Retirement will be holding a special meeting virtually on Thursday, September 9, 2021 to consider appeals of Alameda adjustments. The docket will be posted on our agenda management website by Friday, September 3.


The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom. You can watch the meeting via YouTube live stream at https://www.sbcers.org/board-of-retirement/watch-live/.


Members of the public who would like to make a public comment may do so remotely. Please email clerkoftheboard@sbcers.org for instructions.

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.