August 2022

Volume 60

Photo Credit: "Tahoe Angora Ridge" by Kevin J. Whalen

Highlights

SAVE THE DATE: OPEN ENROLLMENT 

BOARD OF RETIREMENT ELECTION BALLOTS

IN-PERSON POP UP APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

Also in this edition...


  • 2022 COLA Results
  • July 2022 Investments Results
  • July 27, 2022 Board of Retirement Meeting Highlights
  • August 24, 2022 Board of Retirement Meeting Agenda Available
  • CareCounsel Information
  • RESBC Membership Information

SAVE THE DATE: OPEN ENROLLMENT 

We plan to send you announcements regarding Health Care Open Enrollment, 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.


This year, members can attend our in-person Open Enrollment Retiree Health Fair:


Friday, October 21st 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Hearing Room

County Administration Building

105 E Anapamu Street, Fourth Floor

Santa Barbara, CA 93101


Can't make it? No worries! SBCERS is still offering a Virtual Health Fair that will be available on our website in October.

BOARD OF RETIREMENT ELECTION BALLOTS


The election for Safety Member and Alternate Safety Member of the Board of Retirement takes place from September 14, 2022 to October 12, 2022. This year, SBCERS is offering the option to vote electronically.


If you would like to receive an email with a direct link to vote electronically, please enroll your mySBCERS account using your personal (non-work) email address:

  1. Request a PIN to securely establish your mySBCERS account by contacting Lisa Elswick, SBCERS Member Services Technician via phone (805) 770 – 1257 or email lelswick@sbcers.org.
  2. Once you receive your pin, complete the Registration form at https://mysbcers.org/Enroll.aspx.


All eligible voting members still have the option to vote via paper ballot. Eligible voters (active REG Safety employees) will automatically receive a voting packet in the mail containing a paper ballot, that will be distributed on the same day as the online ballot (September 14). If you vote using the online ballot DO NOT return the paper ballot.


For questions regarding the Board Election, please contact Dani Couture, Clerk of the Board of Retirement, by emailing dcouture@sbcers.org or calling 805-770-1135.


Incumbent Michael Daly is running unopposed for the General 3rd Member of the Board of Retirement. SBCERS will request the Board of Supervisors to declare Michael Daly the winner.


No candidate submitted an application to fill the vacant General 2nd Member seat of the Board of Retirement. An additional Special Election will be noticed on October 3, 2022.

IN-PERSON POP UP APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

SBCERS Member Services Representatives are available for in-person "Pop Up" appointments in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara:

  • Wednesday, August 31 - Lompoc
  • Friday, September 9 - Santa Barbara
  • Friday, September 16 - Santa Maria
  • Friday, September 23 - Santa Barbara


All upcoming pop up dates are updated at www.sbcers.org/pop-up.


Member Services Representatives are also available for virtual appointments on Zoom or over the phone on other dates.

 

SBCERS asks that members please wear a mask and practice social distancing during their in-person appointment. Masks will be available at each pop up location if needed.

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

2022 COLA Results


For July 2022, Los Angeles Area Inflation (year over year) was 7.74%. The average monthly increase for 2022 to date is 7.95%.


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 2022 Investment Results


The Total Fund returned 2.75% for the month of July 2022, generating over $106 million for our beneficiaries.


Read the full July 2022 Investment Flash Report.

July 27, 2022 Board of Retirement Meeting Highlights


At the July 27, 2022 Board of Retirement meeting, the Board received education on the upcoming asset/liability and asset allocation studies and cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. The Board approved the coordination of optional retiree payroll deductions for the Firefighters Benevolent Foundation and authorized the SBCERS CEO to enter into a written agreement with Gallagher Insurance Brokers to provide insurance broker services.


Read the draft July 27, 2022 Minutes.

August 24, 2022 Board of Retirement Meeting Agenda Available


The next Regular Board of Retirement meeting will be held in the Coastal Room of the Employees' University, 267 Camino del Remedio, Santa Barbara, CA 93110.


Members of the public who would like to make a public comment may do so via Zoom or in-person at the meeting location. Please email clerkoftheboard@sbcers.org for instructions. The Board of Retirement meeting will also be livestreamed via YouTube at https://www.sbcers.org/board-of-retirement/watch-live/.


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

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.