Active Employees
Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine
LACERS has recently received inquiries regarding the proposed
COVID-19 vaccination mandate and it’s possible effects on
retirement benefits should a member refuse to be vaccinated.
Please note, there have been no changes to the administration of
retirement benefits. Please follow up with your Personnel Section
for more information regarding any further information regarding
the vaccination mandate.
If the City of Los Angeles makes COVID-19 vaccines
mandatory, how would this affect my retirement benefit?
LACERS will continue to administer retirement benefits as
prescribed in the Los Angeles Administration Code. There have
been no changes to retirement benefits due to discussions about
mandatory reporting of COVID vaccination and/or the possible
vaccination mandate.
If I am vested and the City elects to make COVID-19
vaccines mandatory, and I elect not to take the vaccine, would I
lose my retirement plan?
No. LACERS has not received any information to indicate that
COVID vaccines would affect retirement plans. If you have
questions regarding mandatory COVID-19 vaccines or testing please
contact your department’s Personnel Section.
If the City makes COVID-19 vaccines mandatory and I
choose to retire instead will LACERS waive the early retirement
factor or minimum filing period?
No. LACERS has not received any information to indicate that
early retirement factors or minimum filing periods will be
waived.
What happens to my retirement benefit if I decide to
leave the City?
If you are not currently eligible for a Service Retirement, but
are thinking of terminating City Service, you may still be
eligible for certain benefits from LACERS. Your eligibility for
these benefits will depend on the amount of Continuous Service
you have when you leave City Service.
For information on leaving City Service prior to retiring, please
visit the following link: Separating City Service.
How do I know if I am eligible for a Service Retirement
or not?
Find out your membership, tier status, and retirement eligibility
by reviewing this section on Eligibility.
If I choose to retire and I am not vaccinated for
COVID-19 can I still be part of a LACERS Health Plan?
Yes, COVID-19 vaccination status has no affect on whether or not
you can participate in a LACERS Health Plan as a retiree. For
information on current LACERS health plans, please review the
Health Benefits Guide.
The Layoff Process and Retirement Benefits
Concerned about potentially being laid-off? Depending on your
years of City Service and Tier Membership, there are different
options available regarding your retirement benefits.
Note: Please contact LACERS immediately
if you receive a layoff notice to review your options.
1. What happens to my retirement contributions when I am
no longer employed by the City?
LESS THAN FIVE YEARS OF CONTINUOUS CITY SERVICE
If you are full-time and have less than five years of Continuous
City Service, you may:
- Leave your contributions on deposit with LACERS;
- Take a refund of your contributions plus accrued interest; or
- If you take a refund of your contributions, LACERS is
required to withhold taxes and you may also be subject to
additional tax penalties.
- Roll your funds over to another qualified retirement plan.
If you withdraw or roll over your contributions, and also
participate in the LACERS Larger Annuity Program, you will also
be required to withdraw or roll over those funds.
MORE THAN FIVE YEARS OF CONTINUOUS CITY SERVICE, PART TIME AND
RECIPROCAL MEMBERS
If you are full-time and have more than five years of Continuous
City Service, were a part-time contributing member of LACERS, or
have vested status through Reciprocity, you may:
- Apply for retirement, if you are eligible (See Eligibility
under Understanding Your Retirement at LACERS.org) ;
- Leave your contributions on deposit with LACERS until you are
eligible for a Deferred- Service Retirement;
- Take a refund of your contributions plus accrued interest; or
- Roll your funds over to another qualified retirement plan.
If you withdraw your contributions and also participate in
the LACERS Larger Annuity Program, you will also be required to
withdraw or roll over those funds.
2. How long may I leave my funds on deposit with
LACERS?
Your funds can remain on deposit with LACERS until you reach age
72, at which time the Internal Revenue Code requires you begin
withdrawing funds from your account (required minimum
distribution) or incur tax penalties.
3. If I am a full-time employee, and have less than five
years of Continuous City Service, is there anything I can do to
meet the five-year Continuous City Service requirement to qualify
for a retirement benefit?
If you worked for another California governmental agency, you may
qualify for reciprocity which may allow you to use your combined
years of service from both agencies toward vesting and/or
becoming eligible for a retirement allowance. If you have
received a layoff notice, but your actual termination date has
not passed, you may be able to purchase City Service to help you
reach the five years of Continuous Service requirement. (See
LACERS.org for information on Reciprocity rules and Service
Buybacks)
4. Can I continue to pay for, and participate in, the
Family Death Benefit Plan (FDBP) after I separate from City
service?
No, you must be an active City employee to participate in the
FDBP. However, should you return to City service in the future,
you may resume your participation in the FDBP.
5. If I’m officially notified that I will be laid-off,
but not yet terminated, can I still retire?
If you are eligible for a service retirement, you may be able to
apply after you receive your layoff notice, but before the actual
termination date.
Please refer to eligibility requirements based upon your Tier
Membership located here.
6. When I’m officially terminated, can I still
retire?
If you are off the active payroll and you are eligible to retire,
you may immediately apply for a Deferred-Service Retirement.
Please refer to eligibility requirements based upon your Tier
Membership located here.
7. I think I may qualify for a disability retirement
benefit, what are the eligibility requirements?
If you became physically or mentally disabled while an active
LACERS member and believe you may qualify for a disability
retirement, please contact us so we can review your options.
8. Will purchasing service credit change my layoff
status?
No. Purchasing service credit will only enhance your retirement
benefits or help you to meet eligibility requirements for a
retirement.
9. If I withdraw my retirement contributions, plus
interest, will I be eligible for any type of retirement benefit
from LACERS?
No. Once you withdraw your retirement contributions, you forfeit
your rights to any previously earned or potential future
retirement benefits. However, if you later return to City
service, you may be allowed to redeposit your contributions, plus
interest, and may be able to qualify for a benefit later.
10. What other resources are available to me during this
time?
Please visit the City of Los Angeles’ Personnel website at
https://per.lacity.org/ to
access a variety of resources and more information about the
layoff process.
City Separation Incentive Program (CSIP)
Who do I contact if I have questions about my CSIP
retirement application?
Please email LACERS.CSIP@LACERS.ORG.
What is the email address that will be sending our
electronic notifications?
Emails during this CSIP process will be sent to you via
LACERS.CSIP@LACERS and Hightail.com.
I used my work email address on my application. Do I need
to change it to my personal email?
Yes. Please send an email to LACERS.CSIP@LACERS.ORG
and provide your personal email address. You will also need to
fill out a Change of Email Address Form.
Will information be sent to both my City email and
personal email?
Information regarding CSIP will be sent to the email you have
provided. If you need to change your email address or want to
verify that we have the correct email address, please email
LACERS.CSIP@LACERS.org.
Can I change my MyLACERS account to my personal email
address on my own?
Yes. The option to change your email address in your MyLACERS account is
in the profile section. LACERS recommends you have a personal
email address on file so that you can access MyLACERS once you
retire.
How long will it take to hear from LACERS regarding a
retirement effective date? How will the retirement dates be
chosen?
Approved CSIP participants will be scheduled for retirement based
on the number of applications LACERS is required to process and
when the participant meets the criteria for normal retirement
eligibility. All applicants received notification of their
retirement effective date on October 31.
Will I be able to complete this process on an iPad or
iPhone as I do not have a computer?
Yes. You may also want to ask your Department for any assistance
they may provide.
How soon can I expect communication from LACERS regarding
the CSIP retirement process?
You will receive two communications by the end of October 2020,
confirming your CSIP application and your retirement effective
date. You will then receive your retirement packet
electronically via the email you provided four (4) to six (6)
weeks before your retirement date unless you specifically
requested that LACERS mail it to you.
Will all 1,300 CSIP participants be notified on
10/31/2020 of their retirement effective date or just those who
are retiring in November and December?
Yes. All members will be notified by 10/31/2020 via email (if we
have your email on file) and by USPS mail.
When will the last batch for CSIP members
retire?
Retirements are expected to go until approximately May 2021.
How is the City’s Separation Incentive Program Payment
going to be distributed?
LACERS is not involved in the CSIP compensation process.
Please contact the CAO for assistance.
Approved Separation
Incentive Program (SIP) retirees will be paid their
first SIP payment no later than eight weeks after their actual
retirement date from the City. The second SIP payment will be
paid twelve months after their actual retirement date from the
City.
SIP retirees will receive their payment via direct deposit or
hard copy check:
If direct deposit, the payment will go to the payroll direct
deposit account on file with the Controller. Please note: this
may or may not be the same direct deposit information used for
the retirement benefit from LACERS.
If receiving a hard copy check, the check will be sent to the
employing department for the department to mail to the retiree.
LACERS is unable to assist with SIP questions or payments.
For questions regarding SIP payment direct deposit, contact the
Controller’s Office at (213) 978-7200 or email controller.galperin@lacity.org.
How is my City Separation Incentive Program
Payment going to be taxed?
LACERS is unable to assist with questions regarding taxation of
SIP payments. Please consult your tax professional. SIP payments
are included on the employee’s W-2 for the tax year in which
it was received along with any wages they received. As an
example, if an employee received their SIP payment in 2021,
it would appear on their 2021 W-2. For further information
regarding W-2’s, please contact the Controller’s Office at
(213) 978-7200 or email controller.galperin@lacity.org.
If I use sick time at 75%, does that affect my retirement
compensation rate?
No, it does not have an effect on your compensation rate.
I am at home and am almost out of sick and vacation
time. Can I get an earlier retirement date for medical
reasons?
Please contact the City
Administrative Office as they determine the priority in which
employees retire under the CSIP.
If they are going to retire us in May 2021, will we get
96 hours sick leave at the beginning of 2021?
Sick time is paid by the Controller’s office please contact them.
If my retirement date is scheduled for next year, will
pay raises be considered for my payout and retirement
allowance?
Yes. Your highest consecutive 12 months of salary will determine
your retirement allowance. Please check with your Department
regarding any payouts for which you may be eligible.
How is my retirement allowance taxed?
Your retirement allowance is subject to both Federal and State
taxes. Please consult a tax professional for additional
information.
When will I receive my first retirement check?
You should receive your first retirement check at the end of the
month following the month of your retirement provided you
returned your complete retirement packet on time. You can check
the payment schedule here.
Is my LACERS monthly retirement allowance deposited into
the same account that I have now?
Your active employee direct deposit authorization does not carry
over to LACERS. You will need to complete a new Direct Deposit
Authorization form when you retire.
When do I get my first LACERS’ COLA?
COLA adjustments are applied in July of each year and are
reflected on the benefit payment for that month. COLAs will be
pro-rated for anyone who was not retired for the entire year
prior to the COLA being applied. For more information on the
COLA, click here.
Will my new sick time accrual, vacation and/or overtime
be paid upon retirement or later?
Any sick, vacation or overtime accrual is paid by your employing
department. Please contact your employing department for
information on these payouts.
I recently withdrew my application in order to apply for
CSIP. Can I still use my previously submitted paperwork?
No, you will need to submit a CSIP retirement package.
Can I change my mind about participating in the CSIP
after I am approved for the program?
LACERS will receive the roster of approved CSIP participants
after the close of the rescission period. Everyone on the
approved roster will be locked in and required to retire on the
date determined by LACERS.
Will I receive my retirement package in US Postal
Mail?
You will receive your packet electronically unless you arrange
for a packet to be mailed to you approximately four (4) to six
(6) weeks before your assigned retirement effective date.
Who can I contact if I have general retirement
questions?
You can contact LACERS Member Service Center at (800) 779-8328 or
send your question via email to Lacers.Services@Lacers.org.
How will my retirement application be processed? Will I
receive individual counseling?
Due to the expected large volume of applications, individual
counseling will not be possible. A Retirement Package, including
the CSIP retirement application, an estimate letter with monthly
retirement allowance options, the list of required documents, and
all ancillary retirement paperwork will be sent via email or US
mail to the CSIP participant. The retirement package will also
include a link to a video on how to complete the retirement
documents and an invitation to an optional question and answer
webinar.
Will there be a one-on-one session with LACERS’ staff to
answer questions?
There will be a group Zoom Q and A Session made available to you
where you can ask questions related to your retirement packet.
You must first view the YouTube video on completing your
retirement forms, then register for the Zoom Q & A session where
you will receive the access link.
Do I have an assigned Counselor to follow up with once I
submit my retirement application packet to LACERS?
Yes. Once your retirement application packet is received a
counselor will be assigned to your case.
I already received my CSIP packet and I have questions
about completing it. Where can I find more information?
Please visit our YouTube channel and
watch the video listed in your retirement packet.
Additionally, a Zoom Counseling Q and A session will also be
scheduled where you can ask additional questions approximately in
(X) weeks after you have received your packet.
Will my retirement counselor inform me of any missing
documents?
Yes. If there is anything missing or incomplete, your counselor
will contact you.
How long will I be given to complete the retirement
application packet?
You will have two (2) to three (3) weeks to complete your
retirement application packet.
If I turn in my packet late and my payroll set-up is
delayed, will I receive compensation from my retirement effective
date?
Yes. Failing to return your packet in the time prescribed only
delays when you will receive your first retirement check. You
will still be retired on the date you were assigned. Your first
check will be inclusive of any allowance due to you based on your
retirement effective date.
I submitted documents to LACERS before and LACERS
acknowledged receipts of those documents. Do I need to
resubmit?
Yes. Please resubmit all required documents with your retirement
packet.
Where do you get the LACERS Special Durable Power of
Attorney form?
Please access the LACERS
Special Durable Power of Attorney form.
Am I responsible for informing my Department that my CSIP
application was approved?
The CAO informed all department of approved CSIP participants.
LACERS will inform your employing Department of your assigned
retirement effective date.. You do not need to notify them
yourself. All Departments will be notified by October 31, 2020.
Can I still purchase Service Credit to increase my
retirement allowance?
All CSIP applicants with identified service credit to purchase
should submit a buyback application as soon as possible after
receiving notification they have service time eligible for
purchase. However, be advised, there is no guarantee the service
credit purchase request will be processed prior to your CSIP
retirement date. Only service credit purchases for City time will
be considered for processing due to non-City service credit
purchases requiring 8-10 months to complete.
When do I have to pay off my service credit purchase to
have it count toward my retirement allowance?
The purchase must be made prior to your CSIP retirement date and
must be paid via lump sum payment or a rollover from an eligible
retirement plan.
If you choose to do a rollover, you are responsible for ensuring
the timely transfer of funds to LACERS prior to your CSIP
retirement date.
I have reciprocity with another governmental
agency. Will that reciprocal time be used for CSIP
eligibility?
Reciprocal time will be used to meet CSIP eligibility
requirements, however, only City Service will used in the
calculation of the CSIP payment.
I have questions about my Buyback, who do I
contact?
Please call LACERS at (800) 779-8328 and ask to speak to a
Buyback Counselor.
Can I expedite my service purchase buyback?
You can expedite your service buyback by thoroughly reading the
information sheets, providing complete and thorough answers on
the forms, responding immediately to questions, and consolidating
your questions (preferably by email) to minimize the number of
communications back and forth to your buyback counselors. We will
have a record number of service purchase applications due to CSIP
and we will do our best to complete the service purchases, but we
cannot guarantee that the service purchase request will be
processed prior to your CSIP retirement date.
I have questions about my Health Plan in Retirement,
where can I find out more information?
Please visit our YouTube channel and
view the Health Videos. If you have additional
questions they will be answered in the Health Zoom Meeting you
will have approximately one month before your retirement
date. After your retirement application has been processed,
a health benefits counselor will contact you and assist you with
your questions.
When will I need to enroll in Health Benefits for
retirement?
You will enroll in Health Coverage during the CSIP Retirement
Process. Your retiree health coverage becomes effective the first
day of the month following your retirement effective date.
If you are on the list to retire in 2021 then you will want to
select your LA Well benefits so that you are covered until then.
When and how do I enroll in the retiree medical and/or
dental (health) plans?
Your LACERS health plan coverage is separate from your Active
Employee benefits coverage and you will need to transition to
LACERS’ medical and/or dental coverage during the retirement
process. Once your retirement paperwork has been approved, LACERS
will send you health-specific enrollment material via email or US
mail, a link to a video on how to complete your health enrollment
documents, and an invitation to an optional health-enrollment
question and answer webinar. In the meantime, information
regarding retiree health benefits, subsidies, and premiums are
found in our 2020 Health Benefits Guide found online at
lacers.org, under Retirees/Health Benefits. Note that LACERS’
health plan premiums, plan design, and subsidies are subject to
change each year, and the updated Health Benefits Guide is
usually available on our website in early October. Retirees must
enroll in LACERS’ plans within 60 days of their retirement date.
Other health questions may be referred to
lacers.health@lacers.org
Will CSIP affect my medical or dental benefits in any
way?
CSIP does not impact retiree medical or dental benefits in any
way. Enrollment, eligibility, subsidies, and plan options
remain the same.
How much will the retiree medical and dental plans cost,
who can enroll, and what are my subsidies?
Medical and dental plan premiums (costs) are based on the plan(s)
you choose and the number of people you enroll. Eligible
dependents (spouse/domestic partner, children under 26, etc.) may
be enrolled in retiree plans. In order to receive a
subsidy, you must be age 55 with 10 years of Service. The
subsidies you receive are based on Medicare status and years of
City Service/Service Credit. Retirees with 25 or more years
of Service Credit are eligible for the maximum subsidies, but
depending on your plan choices and who you enroll, the subsidies
may not cover the costs and the difference will be deducted from
your retirement allowance. Details regarding plan costs,
subsidies, benefits, dependents, and charges for medical/dental
coverage are available in the 2020 Health Benefits Guide and at
lacers.org under Forms and Information Sheets, under Information
Sheets, Your LACERS Health Plan Subsidy.
I have questions about Medicare where can I find out more
information?
Please visit our YouTube channel and
view the Medicare Videos. If you have additional questions
they will be answered in the Health Zoom Meeting you will have
approximately one month before your retirement date. After
your retirement application has been processed, a health benefits
counselor will contact you and assist you with your questions.
I’m 65 years old, do I need to enroll in Medicare in
order to be eligible for a LACERS medical plan?
CSIP participants and/or their dependents enrolling in a medical
plan who are 65 and over, or will be turning 65 during the
retirement process, should enroll in Medicare three months before
their retirement date once identified, or as soon as possible if
their retirement date is already within three months. Enrollment
in Medicare Part B (doctor visits) is required. Enrollment in
Medicare Part A (hospitalization) is required only if it is at no
cost to the Member/dependent (based on number of quarters that
FICA taxes have been paid). Medicare Part D (prescriptions) is
already incorporated into LACERS’ Medicare plans, so do not
enroll in it separately. Medicare enrollment/maintenance is
required in order to receive a medical subsidy. Enrolled
Members/dependents who do not have their Medicare in place at the
time of retirement may be temporarily carried on LACERS
non-Medicare plans, but the Member will be charged for any
premiums paid by LACERS for untimely and/or inadequate compliance
with Medicare enrollment requirements.
How much of a difference is there in my retirement
benefit between Cash Refund and Life Annuity allowance
options?
This information will be reflected in the estimate that you will
receive in your retirement packet. You can also create your own
retirement estimates by accessing your MyLACERS account.
Can I transfer my sick and vacation time payouts in
Deferred Compensation?
Please contact Deferred Comp at www.la457.com regarding your rollover
options.
What is the maximum number of sick hours that is paid out
when retiring?
Sick and vacation payouts are handled by your employing
department. Please contact your employing department and
your MOU.
Can I make contributions to the Deferred Compensation
Plan out of my separation incentive payment?
No. Retiring employees may not make deferrals out of their
separation incentive payments because those payments are not
eligible for post-severance contributions under Internal Revenue
Code rules. However, contributions can be made our of normal
wages and payouts of accrued vacation, sick, and overtime.
When will I receive my CSIP payment and my sick and
vacation payouts? Will LACERS include information on my CSIP
payment and sick and vacation payouts in my retirement
application package?
LACERS is not responsible for CSIP payments nor sick and vacation
payouts. Questions regarding CSIP payments should be directed to
the Office of the CAO and sick and vacation inquiries to your
employing department.
Can I have priority retirement?
No CSIP participant will have priority over another. Retirement
effective dates will be determined by LACERS based on the
participants first date of retirement eligibility and CAO
priority guidelines.
According to my union, I can delay my retirement until
January 2021 to take advantage of a COLA increase. Is this delay
possible?
No, retirement effective dates shall be determined by LACERS and
will be processed as expeditiously as possible without regard to
a possible COLA increase.
EAA recently sent an email stating the following: “We
have over 600 employees whose separation date of 1/19/2021 to
increase your LACERS formula.” If true, how is this request
made?
This statement is incorrect. You cannot make requests to select
or change your assigned retirement date for CSIP.
My Domestic Partnership is on file with Employee
Benefits. Do I need to have one on file with LACERS?
Yes, your filing with Employee Benefits cover your active
employee City benefits.. You need to register your Domestic
Partnership with LACERS for your retirement related benefits.
Are copies of the original divorce or birth certificates
accepted?
Yes. Please submit copies of the original documents and not
originals as they will not be returned to you.
Do any of my documents need to be notarized?
No. Due to COVID-19 the notary requirements are temporarily
suspended.
Will I need to attend any in-person meetings at the
LACERS’ office?
No. Due to COVID-19 all in-person sessions have been suspended.
Who should I contact to discuss payroll deductions that I
want to continue into retirement?
If you have any deductions that you want to continue in
retirement, you will want to reach out to the individual agency,
i.e. LAFCU, ACEBSA, City Employees Club, etc.
How do I apply for life insurance for
retirement?
LACERS does not offer life insurance. You should check with
Employee Benefits, through the Personnel Department, to see if
your active life insurance policy is portable.
What happens with the Union’s insurance when I
retire?
Please contact your Union for further information.
Stock Market Volatility
How does the condition of the stock market affect my
retirement benefit?
Although the benefits are paid based on Member contributions, the
City contributions, and LACERS’ investments returns, your
retirement benefit is calculated based on a set formula:
Retirement Factor X Service Credit X Final Average
Compensation. Fluctuations in the stock market do not
impact the amount of monthly benefits you receive.
Should I wait to retire?
The decision to retire depends on each Member’s situation and
readiness. Please contact us on our main line at (800)
779-8328 to inquire about retirement eligibility or assistance
running a retirement estimate.
How does the condition of the stock market affect my
Larger Annuity account?
If you elected the five-year Treasury Note option, your return is
based on the performance of the five-year Treasury Note. If
you elected LACERS publicly-traded asset option, your return is
based on LACERS publicly traded asset performance, which may be
impacted by the market fluctuations.
What happens if LACERS runs out of money?
It would be nearly impossible for LACERS to run out of money
since funding of the plan comes from 3 sources: required annual
contributions from the City, required bi-weekly contributions
from employees, and investment returns. Funding levels of
the plan are routinely monitored to ensure LACERS ability to
provide retirement benefits over the long term.
Historically, what happened with LACERS investments when
the stock market “crashed”?
The value of LACERS portfolio also declined, but less so than the
stock market. This is due to the portfolio diversification
across different types of investments such as stocks, bonds, and
real estate. In other words, LACERS does not put all of its
eggs in one basket. Diversification helps ensure that
sufficient assets are available to provide retirement benefits
over the long term.
Address Changes
How do I update my mailing address with LACERS?
LACERS receives your mailing address through the City’s payroll
system. If you’ve updated your address through your department’s
Personnel Section, it will automatically be updated in LACERS’
system.
If you are no longer employed by the City of Los Angeles, but
still have funds in your LACERS account, submit LACERS’
Change of Address request,
available here.
Beneficiaries
How do I designate my Beneficiary?
Beneficiary information on file with Employee Benefits is not
automatically shared with LACERS. To update your beneficiary,
submit a designation of beneficiary form. Download the
form and read additional important information about
designating beneficiaries on the Designating
Beneficiaries page.
How can I view my Beneficiaries on file?
Click here to log into
your MyLACERS account to view your beneficiaries on file.
Buybacks/Service Credit Purchases
How can I purchase time to increase my retirement
benefit?
If you are interesting in purchasing time with LACERS, your
process will vary depending on the type of time you have
available to purchase.
Visit Supplementing Your
Retirement for more information.
Divorce/Dissolution of Marriage
Do I need to submit my divorce decree to LACERS?
LACERS will require a copy of your final judgement. Please visit the page on divorce for more
information.
Domestic Partnership
Employee Benefits has my Domestic Partnership
information. Do I need to submit information to LACERS
also?
Filing a Declaration of Domestic Partnership with Personnel
Department, Employee Benefits section is not sufficient to cover
the administration of benefits with LACERS. Please visit the Domestic
Partnership page for more details.
Early Retirement Incentive Program (ERIP)
What is the total number of ERIP participants?
There are 2,400 ERIP participants.
What is the ERIP Cost Obligation?
The ERIP Cost Obligation is the full cost of ERIP as defined in
the Los Angeles Administrative Code section 4.1033 (“ERIP
Ordinance”). The
ERIP Ordinance states that the ERIP Cost Obligation is the
obligation of LACERS Members, and that the City and Unions
envisioned ERIP to be cost-neutral to the City.
How was the ERIP Cost Obligation determined?
The preliminary ERIP Cost Obligation was determined by
an enrollment actuary engaged by the City, pursuant to
requirements of the Los Angeles City Charter section 1168 (b),
which specifies that the City Council must be advised in writing
of the cost of benefit increases prior to adoption of an
ordinance to change the LACERS benefit(s).
The City’s Consulting Actuary provided cost estimates of ERIP
based on various scenarios projecting “take” rates of eligible
employees. Preliminary projected costs ranged from $250
million to retire 2,229 employees, up to $354 million to retire
2,763. The ERIP Ordinance adopted a preliminary cost of
$271M to retire 2,400 employees.
However, based on the LACERS actuarial valuation report of June
30, 2009 (revised April 22, 2010), the unfunded actuarial accrued
liability increased by $355 million when factoring in nearly all
ERIP retirees (2,393 of the 2,400 ERIP retirees were finalized at
the time of the report).
What is the time period by which the ERIP Cost Obligation
should be paid?
For Tier 1 Active Members, according to the ERIP
Ordinance, the employee contributions toward the ERIP Cost
Obligation begin on July 1, 2011, and end on June 30, 2026 (a
15-year period), or until the ERIP Cost Obligation is fully paid,
whichever comes first.
For Retired Members, according to the ERIP
Ordinance, an ERIP 1% Reduction shall apply to all ERIP Eligible
Filers and Grandfathered Participants receiving ERIP benefits.
His or her entire retirement allowance, shall be reduced by 1%.
The ERIP 1% Reduction shall not apply to members of
ERIP Group 4.
How much money to date, has been paid by LACERS’ Active
and Retired Members toward paying off the ERIP Cost
Obligation?
As of December 31, 2021, over $237 million has been paid
toward the $355 million ERIP Cost Obligation. The pace
of contributions toward ERIP are expected to decline slightly as
the number of active Tier 1 Members retire. New LACERS
Members joining the City, currently enter under Tier 3 Membership
and do not contribute to ERIP.
Furlough Information: Full-Time (72+ hour) Employees
Will mandatory furloughs affect my retirement
benefits?
No. Taking furlough day(s) will not impact your retirement
benefits because your benefit is determined by your Compensation
Earnable, which is the amount your classification earns for 80
hours in a pay period regardless of the number of hours
for which you are compensated.
If I am earning less money because of the furlough days,
why won’t my retirement benefits be impacted?
Your retirement allowance is based on the following formula:
Service Credit x Final Compensation x 0.0216.
Service Credit – This is determined by the
amount of time you have worked as a member of LACERS and made
contributions to your retirement account per Los Angeles
Administrative Code (LAAC) 4.1001. As long as you work
enough hours to cover the costs of your full retirement
contribution and any other payroll deductions (this very likely
will not be an issue with two furlough days per month), you will
continue to earn the same amount of Service Credit with or
without furlough days.
Final Compensation – This is the average of
the last 12 months (or any other 12 consecutive month period you
designate) of Compensation Earnable in your classification
and will not be affected by furlough days. “Compensation
Earnable” is the amount your classification earns for full-time
service (LAAC 4.1001). Taking furlough days will reduce the
amount of money you earn, but it will not reduce your
Compensation Earnable. Because furlough days will not impact your
Service Credit or your Final Compensation, they will have no
impact on your retirement allowance.
Do I still have to make my full retirement contribution
if I am taking mandatory furlough days?
Yes. Your retirement contribution is calculated based on
your compensation earnable for your specific classification
(LAAC 4.1003). Your compensation earnable is the full
salary, wage or compensation established for any position or
office in the City service (LAAC 4.1001). Your retirement
contribution and service credit will remain the
same whether your work 72 hours or 80 hours in a pay period
While I understand mandatory furlough days will not
affect my retirement benefits, it will reduce my salary. Can I
borrow from my retirement account?
No. The Los Angeles Administrative Code does not provide LACERS
the authority to allow members to borrow from their LACERS
accounts.
Do I have to take furlough days?
Please check with your Department Personnel Director to determine
if you are required to take any furlough days.
Does LACERS have any services that will help me cope with
the salary reduction of mandatory furlough days?
If you are facing other specific problems and feel you need
assistance, the City’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides
help and counseling for a variety of issues. The EAP can be
contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by their toll-free line
at (800) 213-5813. Their website is also available for
information at: www.liveandworkwell.com,
company code: CityofLA
Medicare
I am already over age 65 but I am still working for the
City. Do I need to apply for Medicare?
If you are still working at age 65 and are covered by the City’s
(“Active”) medical plan, you can defer enrollment in Medicare
until you retire. During your retirement process, LACERS Staff
will provide you with additional documentation to take to Social
Security to waive any late enrollment penalties.
For additional information on Medicare after retirement, please visit the Retirees Medicare Information
page.
Retirement Application Portal – Tier 1 Normal and Early Service
Retirements Only
What steps should I take prior to using the Retirement
Application Portal (RAP)?
Here are some key steps to take before accessing the RAP:
- Attend a Planning for Retirement Seminar to learn about your
benefits and attend a Retirement Application Portal Demo to learn
how the portal works. Register for these webinars via your
MyLACERS account here.
- Download a Decision Sheet
here and start to review the decisions you will be making.
- If you have a MyLACERS account and don’t plan on leaving a
continuance of more than 50% you can download a retirement
estimate at any time on your own from MyLACERS.
-
90 days prior to your anticipated retirement
date, call LACERS at (800) 779-8328 to notify us of your intent
to retire, request a retirement benefit estimate (if you don’t
already have one from MyLACERS) and to register for a RAP Demo,
Retirement Counseling session, and a Health Counseling session.
For more information regarding the retirement process using the
RAP, click here.
What is the web address for me to access
RAP?
The portal can be accessed at retire.lacers.org.
I don’t have a scanner to scan my documents, what do I
do?
Consider the Adobe Scan free mobile app, the app works on your
mobile device, scans documents into PDFs, and automatically
recognizes text. Learn more
here.
What happens after I submit my application?
Once you have submitted your application, a retirement counselor
will be assigned to you and you may contact them for updates or
questions about your application. You can also visit retire.lacers.org to check your
status at any time.
What if I make a mistake or a typographical error while
completing my application?
You will have the opportunity to perform a final verification
before your application is submitted. If you discover a mistake
after you submit your application please notify your retirement
counselor to have the mistake manually corrected.
How long will it take me to complete my online
application?
Most Members will complete their application within one hour.
How do I return to an application I started, but did not
finish?
You can login to your RAP account and continue to enter the rest
of your information and finalize as many times as needed until
you submit.
How can I check the status of my submitted
application?
You can check the status of your application any time by visiting
retire.lacers.org.
Which web browsers are supported by the RAP?
The latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari are
supported.
Is the Retirement Application Portal (RAP) different than
MyLACERS?
Yes, they are different. MyLACERS allows you to view your
information, estimate your benefit, and view and register for
events. RAP is solely used for applying for retirement.
I am entering a lot of personal information and documents
into the portal, is it safe?
Yes. LACERS has partnered with Box.com to meet the most demanding
compliance and privacy requirements. All information and files
entered in the portal are encrypted using AES 256-bit encryption.
Are there any forms I will need to download and fill out
in the portal?
Yes, throughout the application some forms will need to be
downloaded and signed, such as the W-9 form for tax purposes,
Heath Enrollment forms, etc. You will always find these
forms available for download in the same section where they will
be uploaded.
Can I digitally sign these forms in the portal?
We hope this will be a future function, but at this time certain
forms require that you download, sign, and upload after signing.
What if I am missing one of the required documents needed
to upload in order to submit my application?
All required documents are required, however you if are in the
process of obtaining the document you may create a Word document
and state why you are missing the document and the estimated date
in which you will receive it. Upload this Word document in
place of the required document in the portal and your assigned
counselor will follow up with you.
How do I withdraw my application if I decide not to
retire?
If your retirement effective date has passed, you cannot withdraw
your application as you are already technically retired. If
you have not yet reached your retirement effective date you can
withdraw your application in the portal using the withdrawal
button. When you decide to retire at a later date you will
need to submit a new application.
What if I forgot my username or password?
The username is your personal email address that you used to
create your account. Your password can be changed by
utilizing the password reset function in the Retirement
Application Portal.
What if I no longer have access to my personal email
account?
You will need to create a new account in the Retirement
Application Portal.
What if my contact information changes after I submit my
application and prior to my retirement effective
date?
Contact LACERS at (800) 779-8328.
Seminars
How do I register for a Seminar?
Login to
your MyLACERS Account to view and register.
Time (Sick, Vacation, etc.)
What happens to my SK/VC when I retire? Does LACERS pay
me out?
LACERS is not involved with the disbursement of these benefits.
Sick, Vacation, or Holiday time payouts after retirement are paid
from the Controller’s Office. Questions regarding these benefits
should be directed to your department personnel.
Retirees
Stock Market Volatility
How does the condition of the stock market affect my
retirement benefit?
Although the benefits are paid based on Member contributions, the
City contributions, and LACERS’ investments returns, your
retirement benefit is calculated based on a set formula:
Retirement Factor X Service Credit X Final Average
Compensation. Fluctuations in the stock market do not
impact the amount of monthly benefits you receive.
How does the condition of the stock market affect my
Larger Annuity account?
Fluctuations in the public investment markets do not impact the
payout amount of Larger Annuity monthly benefits you receive.
What happens if LACERS runs out of money?
It would be nearly impossible for LACERS to run out of money
since funding of the plan comes from 3 sources: required annual
contributions from the City, required bi-weekly contributions
from employees, and investment returns. Funding levels of
the plan are routinely monitored to ensure LACERS ability to
provide retirement benefits over the long term.
Historically, what happened with LACERS investments when
the stock market “crashed”?
The value of LACERS portfolio also declined, but less so than the
stock market. This is due to the portfolio diversification
across different types of investments such as stocks, bonds, and
real estate. In other words, LACERS does not put all of its
eggs in one basket. Diversification helps ensure that
sufficient assets are available to provide retirement benefits
over the long term.
Address Change
How do I change my address with
LACERS?
Visit Change
of Residence for more information.
Anthem Medicare Preferred (PPO)
The LACERS Board recently approved implementing the Anthem
Medicare Preferred (PPO), a customized program for LACERS
retirees, beginning January 1, 2022.
What is the new Anthem Medicare Preferred (PPO)
Plan?
Medicare Advantage is a Medicare Part C plan offered by a private
insurance company. Anthem BC Health Insurance Company (Anthem BC
Health) is the private insurance company that manages this plan.
Original Medicare covers Part A (hospital benefits) and Part B
(doctor and outpatient care), whereas Anthem Medicare Preferred
(PPO) plan covers both Parts A and B, prescription drugs and
more.
Will the retiree program continue to provide a
subsidy?
Yes. The Anthem Medicare Preferred (PPO) replaces the current
Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Medicare Plan (Medicare
Supplement Plan). All other plans offered by LACERS will continue
to be available to LACERS Medicare eligible retirees.
What is the start date for the Anthem Medicare Preferred
(PPO)?
The effective date is January 1, 2022.
Will I receive a new medical ID card?
Yes. You should expect to receive your new card in January.
Medical and prescription drug plan information will be included
on one card, unlike the Anthem Life and Health Medicare
Supplement plan, which had separate cards for the medical and
prescription drug plans. You will also receive a new vision plan
ID card.
How does the new plan work?
The Anthem Medicare Preferred (PPO) replaces both traditional
Medicare and a Medicare Supplement plan with a single integrated
program administered by Anthem Blue Cross. Through a contract
with Medicare, the Anthem Medicare Preferred (PPO) provides all
health care services previously covered by original Medicare and
supplemented by the Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Medicare
Plan (Medicare Supplement Plan). The Plan must follow Medicare
rules and provide all benefits provided by Medicare. The new Plan
will also add some important new benefits not covered by the
current Medicare Supplement plan, including:
- Personal Care Coordinator
- Home Delivered Meals
- Personal Care
- Emergency Response System (Life Alert)
- Enhanced Routine Transportation for 12 one any trips to the
doctor or pharmacy
- Homemaker Service
- In-Home Caregiver Relief
- Adult Day Care/Community based Adult Services (CBAS)
- Bathroom Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
- Vision Materials - Additional $100 allowance/24 months
- Medicare Community Resource Support team will assist you by
providing information and education about community-based
services and support programs in your area.
- House Call Program
- Health & Fitness Tracker
- Healthy Pantry – Support for chronically ill members
providing monthly nutritional counseling
- Sessions via phone.
- The new plan will continue to offer:
- Hearing Aid – $2,000 allowance per ear/36 months
- Chiropractic and Acupuncture
- Foot Care – 12 visits per year
- SilverSneakers fitness program
- $0 copay telemedicine with LiveHealth Online
Can I go to my current doctors and hospitals?
Yes. The Anthem Medicare Preferred (PPO) is a Group Medicare PPO,
which does not restrict access to providers. Retirees can go to
any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare of which there are
now approximately 850,000 Medicare providers nationally. About
640,000 of those Medicare providers are currently in the Anthem
Blue Cross Blue Shield networks and are contractually bound to
see LACERS Medicare Preferred (PPO) members. Providers that are
not contracted with the plan bill the Anthem Medicare Preferred
(PPO) like they do for traditional Medicare. As long as the
provider accepts payment from Medicare, they can bill the Anthem
Medicare Preferred (PPO) and be paid the same amount as
traditional Medicare pays.
What if the provider I am seeing does not agree to accept
payment from the Anthem Medicare Preferred (PPO)?
In the very rare instance where a provider that accepts Medicare
tells a retiree they will not accept payment from the Anthem
Medicare Preferred (PPO), the retiree should contact First
Impressions at 1-833-848-8729 pre-enrollment. Post enrollment,
the retiree can contact Member Services at 1-833-848-8730 and the
plan will work with the provider to make sure they understand it
is the same payment schedule and answer any questions the
provider may have.
If, despite that effort the provider still refuses, the member
can pay the Medicare amount allowable to the provider and submit
the claim to the plan. The member will be reimbursed, minus their
copay or coinsurance, if applicable, for Medicare covered
services.
Do I need to take action to enroll in the Anthem Medicare
Preferred (PPO) plan?
If you are a retiree covered by the Anthem Blue Cross Life and
Health Medicare Plan (Medicare Supplement Plan), you will be
automatically enrolled in the new Plan for January 1, 2022, as
long as you meet the LACERS Medicare requirements. You don’t have
to do anything; however, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A
and Medicare Part B and continue to pay your Medicare Part B
premiums, including any Part B and Part D Income-Related
Adjustment Amounts. If you are not currently enrolled in the
Anthem Life and Health Medicare Supplement Plan, but would like
to enroll in the Anthem Medicare Preferred (PPO) plan for next
year, complete and submit the necessary LACERS enrollment forms
during Open Enrollment.
Can I choose another plan or is the Anthem Medicare
Preferred (PPO) my only choice?
You can choose another option offered by LACERS by opting out of
the Anthem Medicare Preferred (PPO) during the Open Enrollment
period of October 15 – November 15, 2021. To opt out of the
Anthem Medicare Preferred (PPO), first contact Anthem Blue Cross
at 1-833-848-8729 (TTY: 711) Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 6
p.m. PST, except holidays. After contacting Anthem, if you are
still interested in changing plans, you will need to complete
LACERS health plan enrollment forms for another LACERS Medicare
Advantage plan (through Kaiser, UHC, or SCAN), and submit the
required enrollment documents to LACERS by November 15. If you
live outside CA or outside the zip code service area of a LACERS
CA HMO plan, you may participate in LACERS’ Medical Premium
Reimbursement Program. This program allows you to enroll in a
non-LACERS plan and get reimbursed for your premium costs, up to
the amount of your subsidy. Your health plan options are included
in the 2022 LACERS Health Benefits Guide.
As a member of the Anthem Medicare Preferred (PPO), do I
need a referral to see a specialist?
No, you do not need a referral to see a specialist.
Do any services require preauthorization?
Yes, some medical procedures will require preauthorization under
the Anthem Medicare Preferred (PPO). When you see an in-network
provider, the doctor and Anthem will handle the preauthorization.
When seeing out-of- network doctors, while prior authorizations
are not required, we recommend you ask your provider to request a
prior authorization to confirm that the services they are
providing will be considered medically necessary and covered.
What if I live out of state?
The plan is a national program, so it covers retirees in any
State in which they reside and when they travel. To be eligible
for Anthem Medicare Preferred (PPO), members must live within the
50 states or any US territory, including Puerto Rico.
What happens when the retiree or spouse is under age
65?
The person who is Medicare-eligible may enroll in the Anthem
Medicare Preferred (PPO) plan and the person who is under age 65
may enroll in the non-Medicare/Under 65 Anthem PPO plan.
I have surgery scheduled for January 3rd with my current
carrier. What should I do?
The Anthem Medicare Preferred (PPO) clinical transition team will
work with you and your doctor to ensure continuity of care.
What happens if I go into the hospital in December and
I’m not discharged until January?
The insurer that was in place at the time of the inpatient
admission will be responsible for the entire inpatient stay. If
that is the Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Medicare Plan
(Medicare Supplement Plan), Anthem will be responsible for the
claim for the entire stay.
Is this plan available to Members who are not enrolled in
Medicare Part A?
At this time, the Anthem Medicare Preferred (PPO) is only
available to Members and dependents who are enrolled in Medicare
Parts A and B. LACERS evaluated including Members without Part A,
but doing so now would significantly increase premiums of the
other Anthem plans. LACERS will continue to explore these options
with Anthem through future contract renewals.
Where can I call for more information about the Anthem
Medicare Preferred (PPO)?
There is a special First Impressions call center (1-833-848-8729)
established for the Anthem Medicare Preferred (PPO) to answer all
your questions.
The call center hours of operations are Monday to Friday, 5 a.m.
to 6 p.m. PST, except holidays. You will also be receiving the
Anthem Medicare Advantage Enrollment Guide in early October that
explains the details of the plan and the enrollment process. In
addition, there will be webinars for those who would like to
receive more information.
Passive PPO Webinar Dates:
- Friday, October 22, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
- Friday, October 29, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
- Friday, November 5, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
- Friday, November 12, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
After membership begins on January 1, 2022, members will call
Member Services at 1-833-848- 8730 with any questions.
Award Letter/Pension Verification
I am applying for a loan/housing and the company is
requesting verification of my pension or retirement account. What
should I do?
Please visit the Benefit
Verification Request page for more information about
requesting an Award Letter of your benefit.
Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA)
Everyone is experiencing high inflation, why is the COLA
for July 1, 2022 less than what I’m hearing about in the
news?
The Administrative Code requires LACERS to use the annual average
Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the previous calendar year to
determine the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). This means the
COLA award effective July 1, 2022, is based on the annual CPI
average in 2021. Inflation began rising steadily beginning in
October 2021, however, even with an uptick starting in October
2021, overall inflation in 2021 was lower than what is being
experienced currently.
Direct Deposit
How do I update my Direct Deposit account
information?
Please visit Your Benefit Payment
page for the Direct Deposit Authorization form, and for more
information.
Early Retirement Incentive Program (ERIP)
What is the total number of ERIP participants?
There are 2,400 ERIP participants.
What is the ERIP Cost Obligation?
The ERIP Cost Obligation is the full cost of ERIP as defined in
the Los Angeles Administrative Code section 4.1033 (“ERIP
Ordinance”). The
ERIP Ordinance states that the ERIP Cost Obligation is the
obligation of LACERS Members, and that the City and Unions
envisioned ERIP to be cost-neutral to the City.
How was the ERIP Cost Obligation determined?
The preliminary ERIP Cost Obligation was determined by
an enrollment actuary engaged by the City, pursuant to
requirements of the Los Angeles City Charter section 1168 (b),
which specifies that the City Council must be advised in writing
of the cost of benefit increases prior to adoption of an
ordinance to change the LACERS benefit(s).
The City’s Consulting Actuary provided cost estimates of ERIP
based on various scenarios projecting “take” rates of eligible
employees. Preliminary projected costs ranged from $250
million to retire 2,229 employees, up to $354 million to retire
2,763. The ERIP Ordinance adopted a preliminary cost of
$271 million to retire 2,400 employees.
However, based on the LACERS actuarial valuation report of June
30, 2009 (revised April 22, 2010), the unfunded actuarial accrued
liability increased by $355 million when factoring in nearly all
ERIP retirees (2,393 of the 2,400 ERIP retirees were finalized at
the time of the report).
What is the time period by which the ERIP Cost Obligation
should be paid?
For Tier 1 Active Members, according to the ERIP
Ordinance, the employee contributions toward the ERIP Cost
Obligation begin on July 1, 2011, and end on June 30, 2026 (a
15-year period), or until the ERIP Cost Obligation is fully paid,
whichever comes first.
For Retired Members, according to the ERIP
Ordinance, an ERIP 1% Reduction shall apply to all ERIP Eligible
Filers and Grandfathered Participants receiving ERIP benefits.
His or her entire retirement allowance, shall be reduced by 1%.
The ERIP 1% Reduction shall not apply to members of
ERIP Group 4.
How much money to date, has been paid by LACERS’ Active
and Retired Members toward paying off the ERIP Cost
Obligation?
As of December 31, 2021, over $237 million has been paid
toward the $355 million ERIP Cost Obligation. The
pace of contributions toward ERIP are expected to decline
slightly as the number of active Tier 1 Members retire. New
LACERS Members joining the City currently enter under Tier 3
Membership and do not contribute to ERIP.
Health Plan Changes (Medical and Dental)
When can I make changes to my Medical or Dental
plan?
Please visit the Health
Enrollment page for information about Open Enrollment, and
other qualifying events where you may make changes.
ID Cards (Medical and Dental)
I haven’t received my new Medical/Dental ID card. Who do
I contact?
ID Cards are issued by the insurance carrier. Please refer to the
last page/back cover of the Health Benefits Guide for each
carrier’s contact phone number.
Medicare
I will be turning 65. What do I need to do?
Members and dependents who turn 65 will need to contact the
Social Security Administration to enroll in Medicare, then
fill out and submit the appropriate Senior Plan Enrollment form
and a copy of the Medicare card. Please visit
the Retirees Medicare Information page for additional
details.
Open Enrollment
What and When is Open Enrollment?
- Open Enrollment is a one-month period when LACERS retired
Members can enroll in a plan, change plans, or add dependents to
their plan. You may only make these changes during an Open
Enrollment period unless you experience a qualifying event.
- Open Enrollment is from October 15, 2021 to November 15,
2021, for the LACERS 2022 plan year.
-
NOTE: If you made an Open Enrollment change
during the previous extended Open Enrollment period and the
change took effect on/after February 1, 2021, you will not be
eligible to make an Open Enrollment change until the Open
Enrollment period for 2023 (beginning in October
2022).
What will the Open Enrollment packet consist of, and when
will it be mailed to retirees?
- The 2022 Open Enrollment packets will be mailed to Retired
Members beginning the second week of October. For Members over
the age of 65, the packet will consist of the 2022 Open
Enrollment Statement, 2022 Health Benefits Guide,
and the 2022 Open Enrollment Overview. For Members
under age 65, the packet will consist of the 2022 Open Enrollment
Statement and the 2022 Open Enrollment Overview. The
2022 Health Benefits Guide will be available on the
LACERS website in the Retiree section. If a Member would like a
physical copy of the Guide, they can request one from LACERS.
- If a Member already opted out of receiving printed copies of
their Open Enrollment by mail, they will either be emailed their
materials or they will visit the LACERS Retired member home page
to view and download these materials according to the selection
they chose when they opted out.
I don’t want to change my medical and dental plans for
2022. Do I have to turn in new enrollment applications to
LACERS even if I don’t want to change medical or dental
plans?
No. If you wish to keep your current medical and dental plans for
you and your dependent(s) in 2022, no action is required by you,
and you do not have to turn in new enrollment applications.
Where can I find more information about Open Enrollment
and my health plan options?
You can find digital copies of our Open Enrollment materials,
additional information/resources for each LACERS health plan,
enrollment forms, Open Enrollment meeting schedule, and more on
the LACERS Open Enrollment page on the LACERS website in the
Retiree section.
What is an Open Enrollment meeting?
- LACERS is scheduling meetings with each LACERS health plan to
give our Members an opportunity to learn more about each plan’s
offerings and to get their questions answered. Also, LACERS
will hold a meeting to go over the changes for plan year 2022.
How many Open Enrollment meetings will there be and where
will they be held?
- To protect our Members from the spread of COVID-19, Open
Enrollment meetings with each insurance carrier are being held
virtually through Zoom. You can register through your
MyLACERS account or by calling LACERS. All meetings begin at 10
a.m.
- LACERS Overview of 2022 – Tuesday, October 19
- Kaiser Permanente – Thursday, October 21
- Anthem Blue Cross (HMO/PPO plans) – Tuesday, October 26
- UnitedHealthcare – Thursday, October 28
- SCAN – Tuesday, November 2
- Delta Dental/Anthem Blue View – Thursday November 4
- Anthem Medicare Preferred (PPO) NEW PLAN
REPLACING ANTHEM BLUE CROSS LIFE AND HEALTH MEDICARE
SUPPLEMENT PLAN (SEE RELATED FAQs)
- October 22, 29; November 5, 12
What medical plans are offered in 2022?
- The medical plan choices available to you and your dependents
are based on where you live, and
the age and Medicare status of you
and/or your dependents:
For Retirees under age 65:
- Anthem Blue Cross HMO (CA only)
- Anthem Blue Cross PPO
- Kaiser Permanente HMO (CA only)
For Retirees age 65 or older with Medicare Part B
only
- Anthem Blue Cross HMO (CA only)
- Anthem Blue Cross PPO
- Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage (CA only)
For Retirees age 65 or older with Medicare Parts A and
B
- Anthem Blue Cross Medicare Preferred (PPO) – this
plan will replace the current Anthem Blue Cross Life & Health
Medicare Plan (Medicare Supplement Plan)
- Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage (CA only)
- SCAN Health Plan (CA)
- UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage HMO (CA, AZ, & NV)
Dual Care Households (at least one subscriber
age 65 or older with Medicare Parts A and B and one subscriber
under age 65, or age 65 or older with Medicare Part B only):
- Anthem Blue Cross PPO + Anthem Blue Cross Medicare
Preferred (PPO)
- Kaiser Permanente HMO + Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage
(CA only)
- Anthem Blue Cross HMO + SCAN Health Plan (CA only)
- Anthem Blue Cross HMO + UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
HMO (CA only)
For Retirees living outside the U.S. and its
territories
- Anthem Blue Cross PPO Out-of-Country Plan
What are LACERS dental plan choices?
- Delta Dental PPO
- DeltaCare USA HMO (CA & parts of NV only)
Which enrollment form do I need if I want to enroll in or
change health plans?
-
Non-Medicare/Dental Plans: If you are changing
from one non-Medicare medical plan, or dental plan,
to another, the LACERS Medical and/or Dental Plan
Enrollment Form must be used. You may obtain the
necessary forms by visiting www.LACERS.org and clicking on
“Open Enrollment” in the Retiree section, or by calling LACERS
at (800) 779-8328 and requesting that forms be mailed to you.
-
Age 65 or older: If you and/or your
dependents have Medicare Part B only, or Medicare Parts A &
B, senior enrollment forms for the
selected plan must also be submitted. Please contact LACERS at
(800) 779-8328 and request that these forms be mailed to you.
What do I need to do to add a dependent to my existing
plan(s)?
- When making a change by adding a dependent, submit a
LACERS Medical/Dental Plan Family Account Change
Form to LACERS as well as a completed
Certification of Dependent or Survivor Status for
Health Coverage Form.
- For your spouse/partner, you must submit copy of your
Marriage Certificate or Domestic Partner Affidavit; for children,
you must submit copies of birth certificates. [FYI – You may
need to check OnBase if Member states that these documents have
been previously submitted.]
- If your dependent is
Medicare-eligible, additional forms
will be required to enroll in a LACERS medical plan.
Can I cover an unmarried dependent child under age
26?
- Yes, but if the child is working and their employer provides
a medical plan, then the dependent is not eligible for a LACERS
plan. It does not matter if your child declines their
employer coverage.
When will my plan changes become effective?
- New enrollments and changes made during Open Enrollment will
become effective January 1, 2022; and
- Any new deductions reflecting your health
plan choices and coverage level for 2022 will appear on your
December 31, 2021, paycheck.
When will I receive my new health plan I.D.
card?
- New cards will be issued for Anthem medical plans and Anthem
Blue View vision plan. New cards should be received in
mid-January 2022. If you need to seek services prior to
receipt of your new card, the provider should be able to confirm
your enrollment electronically. Be sure to have your
provider/pharmacy update their records with your new card
information during your first visit in the new year.
-
Anthem Medicare Preferred (PPO)
New medical plan/prescription drug plan ID card AND a new
vision plan (Anthem Blue View) ID card will be issued
-
SCAN
-
UnitedHealthcare
Only a new vision plan (Anthem Blue View) ID card will be
issued
-
Anthem HMO with only Medicare Part B
-
Anthem PPO with only Medicare Part B
New medical plan/vision plan (Anthem Blue View) plan ID card
AND new prescription drug plan ID card will be issued
-
Anthem HMO (Non-Medicare)
-
Anthem PPO (Non-Medicare)
New medical plan/prescription drug/vision (Anthem Blue View)
plan ID card will be issued
-
Kaiser HMO
-
Kaiser Senior Advantage
-
DeltaCare USA DHMO
No new ID cards will be issued
-
Delta Dental PPO plan does not issue ID
cards. However, Members can log on to and print their own
from the Delta Dental website. (www.DeltaDentalins.com)
Is there a pre-existing condition clause in any of the
plans, e.g., cancer or multiple sclerosis? Can a Member still be
covered?
- There is no pre-existing condition clause. Retired Members
may be covered under a LACERS plan, as long as they enroll during
the annual Open Enrollment period (Oct. 15 – Nov.
15).
Are LACERS health plan premiums fixed?
- The premium rates are fixed for one year. Depending on
the zip code of your home address, not all LACERS health plans
may be available to you. Premiums are subject to change each
January 1.
LACERS MEDICARE REQUIREMENT
What is LACERS Medicare Requirement?
- The Los Angeles Administrative Code (LAAC 4.1111) and related
Board Rules require LACERS members and their eligible dependents
to:
- Enroll in Medicare Part B upon becoming eligible, usually
at age 65 (three months before your birthday to avoid a lapse
in coverage);
- Enroll in Medicare Part A only if entitled to it
premium-free, at no cost;
- Present LACERS with Proof of Medicare enrollment in Part
B or Parts A and B, depending on eligibility (i.e. Social
Security Administration Entitlement Letter or their Medicare
card);
- Keep their Medicare Part B premium payments current; and
- Pay any outstanding Medicare Part B or Income-Related
Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA) (Part B and Part D) that
they owe to Social Security/Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services (CMS)/Medicare, or risk losing their LACERS health
coverage.
-
Please Note: Late enrollment or lapses in
enrollment may result in permanent Medicare premium penalties
to the Member.
Additionally, Retirees enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B (with
proof of enrollment on file), receiving a subsidy, and enrolled
in a LACERS Medicare plan are reimbursed their monthly Medicare
Part B basic premium payments.
What is Medicare?
- Medicare is a national health insurance program (federally
funded) for people age 65 or over, some disabled people under age
65, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). LACERS
plans for those who are Medicare-eligible incorporate Medicare
benefits to help reduce healthcare costs and keep plans
affordable to Members.
What is Medicare Part B?
- Medicare Part B is insurance that covers doctors’ visits,
outpatient services and some preventive services (e.g., cancer
screenings). The current 2021 basic premium rate is
$148.50. As of today, the 2022 rate has not been
published. It is usually published by late November and we
will notify our Members via a paycheck flyer and on our website.
I heard in the news that there may be a reduction to the
2022 Basic Part B Premium, how will this affect me?
LACERS is aware that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services (CMS)/Medicare is reviewing the 2022 basic Part B
premium for a possible reduction to the 2022 premium. LACERS will
post information as it becomes available to our website at
www.LACERS.org.
What is Medicare Part A?
- Medicare Part A is insurance that helps pay for hospital
care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, and some home
healthcare.
Who is eligible for Medicare Part A?
- Members may qualify for Part A premium-free with 40 quarters
(i.e., 10 years of full-time work) of paying Medicare taxes to
Social Security while they were working. Members hired on/after
April 1, 1986, began paying into Medicare and after 10 years of
Service may be eligible to receive Part A at no cost. Members may
also be eligible for Medicare Part A premium free (at no cost to
you) through a current spouse, an ex-spouse, or a deceased spouse
or ex-spouse. Members should contact the Social Security
Administration to determine their eligibility.
What is Medicare Part D?
- Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage for those in
Medicare.
Should I enroll in Medicare Part D?
-
Only enroll through your LACERS
plan. Medicare Part D is integrated into
all LACERS medical plans. When you enroll in a LACERS
Medicare plan, you will be enrolled in Medicare Part D.
According to Medicare restrictions, you cannot be enrolled in
more than one Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
DO NOT enroll in a Medicare Part D plan separate from
LACERS. If you enroll in a Non-LACERS Medicare
Part D plan, your LACERS medical plan may be terminated.
-
Exception for Medical Premium Reimbursement
Program (MPRP) Enrollees: If you are enrolled
in MPRP and your non-LACERS medical plan does not include
Medicare Part D, you may enroll in supplemental Medicare
Part D insurance.
-
Medicare Part D
Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts
(IRMAA) It is a separate surcharge from
the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), based
on your income. These must be paid to CMS in order to
maintain Medicare coverage (which is required by LACERS)
and it is not reimbursable. If you do not pay your Part D
IRMAA your medical plan may be terminated. The same
is true of Medicare Part B IRMAAs.
How can I contact Medicare for enrollment
information?
- You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 for Medicare
Enrollment information, or visit the Social Security
Administration website at www.ssa.gov, or the Medicare website at
www.medicare.gov.
Taxes
Do I still receive a W-2 Tax form after
retirement?
LACERS Members receive a 1099-R for their retirement payments
received for the year.
I did not receive my Tax form for the year. How can I
obtain a copy?
Login to your MyLACERS
Account to view and print a copy of your 1099-R tax forms, or
contact LACERS Member Service Center at (800) 779-8328 to request
one mailed to your address on file.
How do I change my Tax Withholding?
Visit this page
for more information on changing your tax withholding.
Do I have to pay taxes on my retirement
allowance?
Your retirement income is taxable. LACERS Members have
contributed to the plan on a pre-tax basis since 1986.
Any contributions prior to 1986 were taxed, so any
portion of your allowance that is based on pre-1986
contributions will not be subject to taxes.
The IRS recently released new forms in 2022 for
requesting federal tax withholdings, I noticed that LACERS still
uses the previous form from 2021. Is that okay?
Yes, it is still okay to use the 2021 Form W-4P. The IRS has
stated that retirement systems may continue to use the current
version (2021 Form W-4P) through the end of 2022 or until their
system can be programmed to accommodate the new forms. LACERS
plans to switch over to the new forms by January 2023 and will
make further announcements once the new forms are ready for
distribution. For additional information, please click here.
California Proposed Universal Healthcare Plan
LACERS and the City are aware of the proposed change to how
Healthcare is provided in California. The Los Angeles
Administration Code is LACERS governing authority. Therefore,
Retiree Health Insurance benefits’ compensation changes would
have to be passed by Ordinance.
At this time, LACERS does not have any information regarding how
the proposed changes may affect our Members. As information
becomes available it will be posted to the LACERS website at
www.LACERS.org.
MyLACERS
How do I create my MyLACERS Account?
MyLACERS enrollment requires that a PIN be sent to the Member’s
mailing address on file in order to create the account. You can
request a new PIN at the following link https://mylacers.lacers.org/RequestPIN.aspx.
The PIN letter will include step-by-step instructions on creating
your account, and should be received within 3-5 business days.
Once you receive your PIN, you can proceed to create your
MyLACERS Account. If further assistance is
required, please contact LACERS Member Service Center at
(800) 779-8328.
How can I reset my MyLACERS password or challenge questions?
For assistance with accessing your MyLACERS Account, please
contact LACERS Member Service Center at (800) 779-8328. Once
your identity is verified, our staff will be able to assist with
a password reset or security challenge questions reset.
I received an email about an Unrecognized Device accessing my
Account. What do I do?
Any time you access your MyLACERS Account from a new device or
location, you will be prompted to enter your Challenge Questions
to access the account. This will also trigger an email to notify
you that your account has been logged in using a new device.
If you do not recall accessing the account on the date and time
you received the email, you may wish to reset your password to
secure your account, otherwise you may disregard the email.
Two-Factor Authentication
What is two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication is when a user is required to provide a
second means of proving they are who they claim to be. The
first authentication is the password used to login along with a
username. The second authentication, such as an email or
SMS message code, provides an additional layer of security to the
account.