Highlights

MEET THE TEAM: NANCY MERAZ

PRE-RETIREMENT WORKSHOP WEBINAR

OFFICE CLOSURE DATES

Also in this edition...

2025 COLA Tracker
October 2025 Investment Results
CareCounsel Information
RESBC Membership Information

MEET THE TEAM: NANCY MERAZ

SBCERS is delighted to welcome Nancy Meraz to the Disability team. Nancy brings over 24 years of administrative and public service experience from her work with the City of Santa Maria and the medical industry. We are thrilled to have her on board and look forward to her contributions to our team’s success!

What is your specialty in your position?

My focus is to facilitate process improvements within the Disability division and foster a strong, collaborative team environment. My goal is to collaborate with the team as we innovate our workflows to create efficiencies that better serve our members.

What have you enjoyed most since starting at SBCERS?

Since starting with SBCERS, I've enjoyed getting to know the team and learning how dedicated everyone is to serving our members.

What do you hope to accomplish at SBCERS?

My goal is to support the team, encourage collaboration, and create a smoother experience for both staff and our members.

PRE-RETIREMENT WORKSHOP WEBINAR

SBCERS is hosting an online Pre-Retirement Workshop Webinar on Wednesday, December 17 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM. The workshop will discuss topics such as reviewing the retirement process, best practices for retirement readiness, understanding the COLA, and more. Sign up for the webinar by clicking here.

Questions? Email info@sbcers.org or call 1-877-568-2940.

OFFICE CLOSURE DATES

SBCERS will be closed to the public on the following dates:

Wednesday, November 26th at 12 PM.
Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November 28th for Thanksgiving.
Wednesday, December 24th at 12 PM.
Thursday, December 25th to Friday, January 2nd for Christmas and Family Friendly Closure.

During the Family Friendly Closure, you may still contact the office by emailing info@sbcers.org or calling 1-877-568-2940.

2025 COLA Tracker

For September 2025, Los Angeles Area Inflation (year over year) was 3.51%. The average monthly increase for 2025 to date is 3.20%.

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.

October 2025 Investment Results

For the month of October, the Total Fund returned 0.59%. Since the beginning of the fiscal year on July 1, 2025, the Fund has returned 4.41% generating over $209 million for SBCERS retirees and beneficiaries.

Read the October 2025 Investment Report.

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.