Highlights

MEET THE TEAM: RUTH NAREZ, MEMBER SERVICES SPECIALIST

OPEN ENROLLMENT: HEALTH PLAN CHANGES COMING SOON

BOOK A VIRTUAL SBCERS APPOINTMENT ONLINE

MEET THE TEAM: RUTH NAREZ, MEMBER SERVICES SPECIALIST

Ruth started her career at the County of Santa Barbara in the Probation Department, as the Administrative Supervisor for Juvenile Hall and Los Prieto’s Boys Camp. Prior to joining the Santa Barbara County, she was employed with the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office – Corrections Division and San Luis Obispo County Health Agencies, Human Resources Department. Ruth joined SBCERS as a Member Services Specialist in April 2021.

What have you enjoyed the most since you started at SBCERS?

The fact SBCERS is able to bring a smile to a member's face, after all those hard working years providing service to SB County. I love seeing the smile and happy tears of members. The SBCERS team dynamic is great and the willingness to help each other is amazing. TEAMWORK makes the DREAMWORK!! 

What is the most frequently asked question or topic you get asked as a Member Services Rep?

"When can I retire, what’s my magic date?" Whether you’re in a General or Safety Plan, your final average salary (FAS), years of service and age at retirement all go into calculating your benefit amount. However, each SBCERS Plan formula is different, so please contact a Member Services Representative or login to your MySBCERS online portal for benefit estimates tailored specifically for you! 

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love spending time with my son, Charlie, and my daughter Kylee. I’m currently a Cheerleading Coach for my daughter’s Orcutt Youth Football/Cheerleading team. My eagerness to learn has been my ultimate personal hobby. I’ve obtained a total of 9 degrees, including a Masters in Public Administration, Bachelors in Business Administration, and Associates in Criminal Justice, Accounting and Business Marketing.

OPEN ENROLLMENT: HEALTH PLAN CHANGES COMING SOON

2022 Open Enrollment is coming! Here is the important information for you to know:

Are rates increasing?

• Blue Shield Medical Plans will decrease 2.4%.
• Kaiser Plan premiums will increase 2.6%. Kaiser Senior Advantage KPSA will decrease 4%.
• United Healthcare will decrease 2%.
• Dental HMO Plan rates and Dental PPO Plan rates will remain the same.
• Vision rates remain the same.
• CareCounsel rates remain the same.
• The prescription drug program for early retirees enrolled in Blue Shield medical plans, Rx n’ Go, continues to be offered.
• The County has added a new program, Medicare Solutions, a white glove, concierge Medicare assistance service with agents licensed in all 50 states. There is no charge for Medicare Solutions services.

What if I am not making any changes for 2022?

SBCERS will automatically continue your current coverage into 2022 at the new rates. You do not have to submit any forms or contact SBCERS, and your benefits will remain the same.

When are the Open Enrollment Meetings?

This year, Open Enrollment meetings will take place in the Virtual Health Fair from October 10 - 16th. You can win raffle prizes by viewing our insurance provider videos during the week of the Virtual Health Fair! Just watch the videos and input the raffle codes to enter to win! A link to join will be posted to:

https://www.sbcers.org/retired-members/2022-open-enrollment/.

When will Open Enrollment booklets and forms be available?

Open Enrollment booklets will be mailed at the end of September. Booklets will be available online on September 30th, and forms available on October 1st, at:

https://www.sbcers.org/retired-members/2022-open-enrollment/.

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.

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