2006 Open Enrollment Fair a Winner!

The Open Enrollment Fair 2006, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on October 25th, was a resounding success. Over 500 retired Members attended, making it LACERS’ largest fair thus far. Retired Members voiced their approval in written comments such as “Best fair I’ve attended” and “Keep up the good work!”

This year, LACERS included a keynote address by author/researcher Dr. Gary Small from the UCLA Center of Aging. LACERS’ Board Commissioner Shelley I. Smith was also present to discuss the State of LACERS, assuring retirees that the stability of LACERS health programs remains secure as a result of the Board’s diligent efforts on behalf of its Retired Members.

Most Members took advantage of the opportunity to speak directly with their medical and dental plan representatives. The wealth of available information helped some LACERS retired Members who had concerns about their health plans–and by the end of the fair most attendees reported that their issues had been resolved.

Fair attendees were given the chance to take part in hearing tests, blood pressure checks, and cholesterol screenings. The most popular activities were the foot massage and neck massage. One Member remarked that the wait “was truly worth it!”

Five lucky retired Members won vacation packages as well: Clyde Reed, Grand Prize Winner – Hawaii; Gene McPherson – Catalina Island; Adelaida Antonio – Napa Valley; Richard Welch – San Francisco; Delia Gonzalez – Palm Springs. It comes as no surprise that 99% of the attendees said they would be back next year.

Open House Community Meetings were also held in Las Vegas, Ontario, and Van Nuys. The fair was sponsored by LACERS’ health plans – Kaiser Permanente, Blue Cross, Secure Horizons, and SCAN.