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In this Edition:
- Document Drop Boxes Available Outside Both Office Locations
- 2021 Open Enrollment Ends October 31, 2020
- Board of Retirement Election Results
- 2020 COLA Tracker
- September 2020 Investment Results
- September 23, 2020 Board of Retirement Meeting Highlights
- October 28, 2020 Board of Retirement Meeting Agenda Available
- CareCounsel Information
- RESBC Membership Information
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Document Drop Boxes Available Outside Both Office Locations |
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We have recently installed document drop boxes outside both SBCERS office locations. Members can securely deposit their documents and forms while offices are closed. |
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Santa Barbara Drop Box
130 Robin Hill Road, Suite 100
Goleta, CA 93117
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Santa Maria Drop Box
2236 S Broadway, Suite D
Santa Maria, CA 93454
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2021 Open Enrollment Ends October 31, 2020 |
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2021 Open Enrollment is almost over! Here is the important information for you to know:
Are rates increasing?
- Blue Shield Medical Plans and Kaiser Plan premiums will increase 5.3%.
- The County has added a new Blue Shield Narrow Network PPO Plan as an addition to existing Blue Shield plans.
- United Healthcare will decrease 6%.
- Dental HMO Plan rates will remain the same and Dental PPO Plan rates will decrease 2.1%.
- Vision rates remain the same.
- CareCounsel rates remain the same.
- Last year’s new addition, the prescription drug program for early retirees enrolled in Blue Shield medical plans, Rx n’ Go, continues to be offered.
What to do if you want to make changes to your coverage?
What if I am not making any changes for 2021?
SBCERS will automatically continue your current coverage into 2021 at the new rates. You do not have to submit any forms or contact SBCERS, and your benefits will remain the same.
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Board of Retirement Election Results |
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The ballot count for the General Member election concluded on October 1, 2020. Incumbent Trustee Xiaoli Zhang-King was re-elected as the General Member of the Board of Retirement. Unanimous ballots were cast for Incumbent Retired Member Zandra Cholmondeley and Incumbent Alternate Retired Member Gary Blair. |
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For September 2020, Los Angeles Area Inflation (year over year) was 1.20%.
Click HERE or on the chart above to see 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. Click HERE to read the current Bureau of Labor Statistics report.
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September 2020 Investment Results |
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The Total Fund returned -1.11% for the month of September net of fees. For the current fiscal year through September 30, 2020, the portfolio has returned 5.57%, generating about $173 million for members and their beneficiaries.
Click HERE to read the full September 2020 Investment Flash Report.
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September 23, 2020 Board of Retirement Meeting Highlights |
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At the Board of Retirement's September 23, 2020 meeting, the Board authorized the CEO to negotiate and execute an agreement in writing with Acadian Asset Management to manage the International Small Cap Equity allocation. The Board also established an Ad Hoc Committee to participate in the Private Equity Consultant RFP candidate selection. Finally, the Board received an informational presentation by SBCERS CEO Gregory Levin on the Alameda Case and its potential impact on SBCERS. This informational presentation is available to view HERE.
Draft minutes for the September 23, 2020 regular Board of Retirement meeting can be found HERE.
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October 28, 2020 Board of Retirement Meeting Agenda Available |
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Members of the public who would like to make a public comment may email clerkoftheboard@sbcers.org for instructions on how to do so remotely.
Click HERE to access the agenda and board materials on our agenda management website.
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Want help with your Health Care Inquiries and 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
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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
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Have a question about an item in this newsletter?
Call a Benefit Representative at 1-877-568-2940. We are ready to help you!
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Want to look at prior Newsletters?
Click HERE to visit the SBCERS Newsletter Archive.
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