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In this Edition:
- Ages 65+ Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine
- 2021 COLA Results
- January 2021 Investment Results
- January 27, 2021 Board of Retirement Meeting Highlights
- February 24 & 25, 2021 Board of Retirement Meeting Agendas Available
- CareCounsel Information
- RESBC Membership Information
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Ages 65+ Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine |
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Beginning February 16, 2021, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department opened vaccine eligibility to residents 65 years of age and older. This expanded eligibility means that local health care providers, pharmacies, hospitals, and Public Health vaccination sites can open appointments to those 65+ once vaccines become available to them. Vaccine supplies are still very limited and health care providers are simultaneously ensuring those that received a first dose will also be able to receive a second dose. Appointments will be very limited initially but will become more available as more vaccine is expected to become available in the near future.
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To stay updated with vaccine updates, join the Public Health Department email list by clicking HERE.
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For January 2021, Los Angeles Area Inflation (year over year) was 0.89%.
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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January 2021 Investment Results |
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The Total Fund returned -0.19% for the month of January, net of fees.
Since July 1, 2020, the portfolio has returned 14.09%, generating nearly $434 million for our beneficiaries.
Click HERE to read the full January 2021 Investment Flash Report.
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January 27, 2021 Board of Retirement Meeting Highlights |
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At the Board of Retirement's meeting on January 27, 2021, the Board swore in the following re-elected and re-appointed Trustees: Zhang-King (General Elected), Cholmondeley (Retired Elected), and Blair (Alternate Retired Elected), Benedetti (Appointed) and Sten (Appointed). The Board also re-appointed Trustees Tan, Hagen, and Vidal as Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary of the Board, respectively. The Board received the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Valuation as of June 30, 2020 and heard a presentation from Brown Armstrong Accountancy Corporation on the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and audit results. Finally, the Board received a market update from RVK, Inc., approved Hamilton Lane as discretionary consultant for the SBCERS’ allocation to private equity, and received a mid-year budget update from SBCERS staff.
Draft minutes for the January 27, 2021 Board of Retirement meeting can be found HERE.
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February 24 & 25, 2021 Board of Retirement Meeting Agendas Available |
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The next Regular Board of Retirement meetings will be held remotely on February 24, 2021 (investments items) and February 25, 2021 (disability and administrative items). You can watch the meetings 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 email clerkoftheboard@sbcers.org for instructions on how to do so remotely.
Click HERE to access the agendas 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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