LACERS’ MOVE TO 977 N. BROADWAY IS NEARLY COMPLETE

LACERS in-person appointments will resume on Monday, April 3rd, at our new location, 977 N. Broadway in Downtown Los Angeles’ Chinatown.

INVESTING 10 MINUTES READING THIS NEWSLETTER CAN ENHANCE YOUR RETIREMENT BENEFITS KNOWLEDGE.

The Active Members Winter 2023 newsletter is now available on the LACERS website! This installment opens with an important message from LACERS Board President Nilza Serrano. As you read further, you’ll learn about various topics, such as:

WISHING YOU HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A SAFE, PROSPEROUS 2023

Season’s greetings from all of us at LACERS. As the year draws to a close, we can’t help but express our sincere appreciation for you. Best wishes in 2023!

LACERS IS MOVING TO OUR NEW HEADQUARTERS

LACERS has suspended in-person appointments in order to move to our new location. While we look forward to offering counseling in our new location, there are many options for service you can utilize during this transitional time.

LACERS THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY HOURS

The Thanksgiving holiday is quickly approaching, and the LACERS 800 phone number will not be in service from November 21 through November 23. Members can still reach LACERS for urgent matters by leaving a voicemail at (800) 779-8328 or by sending an email to lacers.services@lacers.org. LACERS will be closed on November 24 and 25 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Please keep these dates in mind and plan ahead if you want to speak with a LACERS representative by phone. We look forward to continuing to assist our Members and wish everyone a wonderful holiday!

APPLYING FOR RETIREMENT ONLINE

The online Retirement Application Portal (RAP) is an efficient and convenient way to apply for retirement. If you will be retiring in the near future, here are key steps to take before accessing the RAP:

• Contact LACERS 90 days prior to your anticipated retirement date to request a retirement benefit estimate.
• Download a Decision Sheet and start to review the decisions you will be making.
• Register for a Retirement Counseling session and a Health Counseling session. 

Please visit the Applying for Retirement Online webpage for more information.

2023 OPEN ENROLLMENT IS COMING

This year LACERS Health Benefits’ Open Enrollment period will be held from October 17 – November 17, 2022, with Open Enrollment packets being mailed in early October. Open Enrollment will be your opportunity to enroll in a plan, change your plan or add dependents with changes taking effect on January 1, 2023. 

Members 65 and over will receive a full packet with an Open Enrollment statement, an Open Enrollment overview, and a copy of the 2023 Health Benefits Guide. Members under 65 will receive an Open Enrollment statement, overview, and instructions on accessing the 2023 Health Benefits Guide online.

If you desire a physical copy of the Health Benefits Guide after receiving your packet, you may email lacers.health@lacers.org with the subject line “Requesting 2023 Open Enrollment Health Benefits Guide,” include your name and mailing address in the body, and one will be mailed to you. 

LACERS BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OFFICER ELECTIONS

Commissioner Nilza Serrano and Commissioner Elizabeth Lee were elected President and Vice President, respectively, at the August 9, 2022 meeting, to lead the LACERS Board of Administration for the term ending in July 2023. For more information on the new Board officers, please read their biographies here.

LACERS TURNS 85

In 1937, the Los Angeles City Charter established the Los Angeles City Employees’ Retirement System (LACERS) as a retirement trust fund for the purpose of providing the civilian employees of the City of Los Angeles, a defined benefit retirement plan inclusive of service retirements, disability retirements, and survivor benefits.

As we celebrate 85 years in existence, we are proud that service to our Members remains first and foremost. We also remain committed to our mission of establishing trusting and lifelong relationships with all of our Members.

2022 COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT EFFECTIVE JULY 1

The LACERS Board of Administration approved the maximum allowable Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for eligible LACERS Retired Members and Beneficiaries effective July 1. For Tier 1 and Tier 1 Enhanced Members the COLA increase is 3.0%, with 2.0% for Tier 3 Members. For Tier 1 and Tier 1 Enhanced Members, the COLAs in excess of 3% will be banked for use during future years.

The COLA is a reflection of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Los Angeles Area, which has been determined to be 3.8% for 2022. Find more information on the COLA webpage today.

Summer months bring fun, sun, and heat! Sometimes, the heat can become dangerous, especially for children, pets, people who work outside, and people with certain health conditions. Staying safe in high heat is important. Follow these simple tips to stay cool: 

FAMILY DEATH BENEFIT PLAN RATE DECREASE

Beginning on July 1, 2022, the Family Death Benefit Plan (FDBP) premium will be reduced from $2.40 per month to $1.90 per month ($0.95 per pay period). To learn more about the plan, visit the Family Death Benefit Plan webpage.

Mayor Eric Garcetti has proclaimed Juneteenth an official City holiday. This year, LACERS will be closed on Monday, June 20, 2022 in observance of Juneteenth. Please plan accordingly if you need to contact LACERS staff for assistance. Although LACERS will be closed, Members can always access our website, the LACERS FAQs webpage, and the LACERS YouTube channel for helpful information. Regular operations will resume on Tuesday, June 21.

LACERS, a $22 billion public pension plan serving the civilian employees of the City of Los Angeles, supports shareholder Proposal Seven on the Meta Platforms, Inc. proxy voting ballot, which will be voted on at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 25, 2022.  Proposal Seven requests that Meta disclose its risks based on company business practices that “…prioritize internal financial return over healthy social and environmental systems” and address how such risks negatively impact its returns to shareholders. (2022 Meta Proxy Statement)  

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Upcoming City Holiday: LACERS will be closed on Monday, May 30, 2022 in observance of Memorial Day. LACERS office hours are Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and Tuesday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To experience the lowest call wait time, contact LACERS Tuesday through Thursday between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

LACERS is pleased to offer in-person appointments once again. Please note that these appointments are limited to 15 minutes, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information, and to learn how you can book an appointment, visit the In-person Appointments webpage.

JOIN US! DISABILITY RETIREMENT UNIT INFO SESSION COMING SOON

Prepare for the unexpected – learn about LACERS’ disability retirement benefits with the Getting to Know Disability Retirement Quiz! After you take the quiz, register to join LACERS’ Disability Retirement Unit for an informational session on March 31 at 11:00 a.m. Topics discussed will pertain to LACERS Tier 1 and Tier 3 Members. Register via MyLACERS today.

STAY SAFE WITH CYBERSECURITY BEST PRACTICES

At LACERS, we routinely review and enhance the security of our information technology infrastructure to safeguard against unauthorized access. Learn how to strengthen your web practices by visiting LACERS’ new Cybersecurity Best Practices webpage and watching videos in the Cybersecurity Videos playlist on our YouTube channel.

There’s no time like the present to review and update your information with LACERS! As we begin 2022, there are some important items you can review to ensure you are on the right track with LACERS. Watch the 2022 LACERS Retired Member Check-Up video, and then select a topic below to learn more about items you should review as a LACERS Member.  

The Winter 2022 edition of the LACERS Well newsletter is ready to view here on the LACERS website! In its pages you’ll find a farewell message from Health Benefits Director Alex Rabrenovich, a profile on LACERS Well Champion Ben Gaetos, useful information about the virtual “Fitness Made Simple” training program, and more!

Happy New Year Members! Please take a moment to review our January Active Member Update! 

WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK: TAKE THE LACERS FAMILY DEATH BENEFIT PLAN SURVEY

LACERS would like to learn more about our Members’ knowledge of the Family Death Benefit Plan (FDBP). Click here to take a brief survey. Your participation is appreciated!

‘TIS THE SEASON TO REDUCE STRESS

One effective way to reduce stress this holiday season is by displaying kindness. Kindness has been shown to increase self-esteem, empathy and improve mood. If your holiday season feels stressful, try a random act of kindness such as leaving a kind note for a neighbor or a snack for your mail person. Other ideas include calling a family member or making concrete plans with someone you haven’t seen in a while.

It doesn’t have to be something big and extravagant. Kindness can be contagious and help reduce stress levels for yourself and everyone around you. Happy Holidays!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Open Enrollment Comes to a Close: LACERS’ Open Enrollment period ended on November 15, and health and dental plan changes can no longer be made for the 2022 calendar year. Plan changes will take effect on January 1, 2022. Unless you have a qualifying event, the next opportunity to make changes to your LACERS health plan will be next year during the Open Enrollment period for 2023.

For more information about qualifying events, review your 2022 Health Benefits Guide (page 5) here, contact LACERS at (800) 779-8328 / RTT (888) 349-3996, or email lacers.health@lacers.org. Your 2022 plan premiums will be reflected beginning with your December 31, 2021, monthly allowance statement.

RETIREMENT APPLICATION PORTAL DEMO

Take time to learn about LACERS’ exciting new Retirement Application Portal (RAP)! Click here for details, or sign up for an upcoming RAP Demonstration webinar on November 17 at 11:00 a.m. via MyLACERS. 

Members are encouraged to submit their retirement application 60 days before their retirement date when using LACERS’ new Retirement Application Portal (RAP). The RAP is a great asset to LACERS Members that helps to streamline the retirement process. While the filing period is within 30 to 60 days of your retirement date, starting your application early and submitting it on the first day you can at the 60-day-prior mark, will allow for a couple benefits.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Secure Document Upload Now Available: Members can now access the “Secure Upload” page on the LACERS website. We are excited to offer this safe and convenient way for Members to submit documents! Visit the page here. 

The Summer 2021 edition of the LACERS Well newsletter is ready to view here on the LACERS website! In its pages you’ll find messages from LACERS’ General Manager and LACERS’ Wellness Program Manager, tips regarding health benefits, Open Enrollment information, and more. Be on the lookout for printed versions that were mailed out recently as well.

LACERS is honored to have our LACERS Well program recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as a finalist for their 2021 Health Care Awards in the Outstanding Community Outreach Program category.

The Journal’s annual Health Care Awards recognize individuals, organizations, and programs that do exceptional work for their members.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LACERS Board of Administration Officer Elections: President Cynthia M. Ruiz was re-elected as LACERS Board President and Commissioner Sung Won Sohn was re-elected as LACERS Board Vice President for the term of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. 

We are pleased to announce that the new online Retirement Application Portal (RAP) has launched! Tier 1 Members retiring in September 2021 and beyond can now apply for retirement using the secure and convenient portal.

Please note these key steps to take before accessing the RAP:

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Farewell from LACERS’ Executive Officer, Lita Payne:

We’d like to congratulate Lita Payne, LACERS’ Executive Officer, on her career with the City and thank her for her service to LACERS. Please take a moment to read a special farewell message from Lita here.

MEMBER RESOURCES

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. Click here to learn more about WEAAD.

The Active Members Spring 2021 newsletter is now available here on the LACERS website! In its pages you’ll find updates from LACERS’ Board of Administration President and General Manager, budget-friendly activity ideas, emergency preparedness tips, and more. You’ll also find articles about staying connected with LACERS via your MyLACERS account and LACERS’ Y

MEMBER RESOURCES

Personal Safety Tips: The world around us is constantly changing and at times can be very unpredictable; it’s therefore more important than ever to make sure that you take the necessary measures to keep yourself safe as you begin to venture out into your communities and beyond. Click here for tips to increase your personal security while away from your home. 

On March 3, 2021, the Los Angeles City Council approved Council Motion 20-1606 to have the City Administrative Officer, in consultation with LACERS, Los Angeles Fire and Police Pensions, and the City’s Personnel Department, along with labor, report to the Executive Employee Relations Committee and appropriate City Council Committees, viable options to reduce health care costs, yet still offer affordable high-quality healthcare.

LACERS ACTUARIAL REVIEW 

The Los Angeles City Employees’ Retirement System (LACERS) undergoes regular review by its actuary. This year’s review has been completed and all pertinent tables have been updated and will take effect on July 1, 2021. All Active Members considering retiring prior to June 30, should create an estimate in their MyLACERS account or request one via our main office line to determine what impact, if any, the table updates may have on their retirement allowance. 

In solidarity with all communities who have been targeted with acts of violence based on one’s race or perceived race, nationality, gender, disability or sexual orientation.

Submitting a Retirement Application

Are you planning to submit a retirement application in the near future? LACERS’ website, lacers.org, has helpful information that can make your retirement process as smooth as possible. Click here to learn more about what is needed during the retirement process, or click here to access the retirement application forms. 

Quick Links:

• LACERS Holiday Hours
• Staying Connected this Holiday Season
• 2021 Medicare Part B Premium Rate Announced
• Coming Soon 50+ Health Assessment
• Receive Free Masks for a Happy, Healthy, and Safe New Year!
• LACERS Champion Virtual Book Clubs

LACERS Holiday Hours

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and this year the LACERS 800 phone number will not be in service from November 23 through November 25. Members can still reach LACERS for urgent matters by email at lacers.services@lacers.org. LACERS will be closed on November 26 and 27. Please keep these dates in mind and plan ahead if you would like to speak with a LACERS representative via phone. We look forward to continuing to assist our Members and hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

LACERS and Your Benefits Quiz

To celebrate National Retirement Security Month, we have put together a quiz that will help you learn about LACERS and your benefits, and also showcases the great resources available on our recently revamped website, www.lacers.org! Out of the Members who take the quiz,100 will be randomly selected to receive some LACERS’ swag. Please take the quiz by October 31, 2020 to be considered.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has suddenly accelerated the need for many organizations to transform and respond to unprecedented change in operations and societal behavior.

As a different world takes shape, LACERS has responded by modernizing our operations in transformative ways. From enabling remote work to opening new channels of communication with our Members, we are on a journey of digital transformation to enhance the Member and employee experience offered by LACERS.

Coming Soon: Open Enrollment Virtual Meetings

Due to the threat of COVID-19, LACERS will conduct Open Enrollment meetings via Zoom this year, with the option to call-in via phone. LACERS will offer these virtual meetings with each health carrier, and each meeting will include LACERS updates for the coming plan year, a presentation by the carrier, and a question and answer session. 

Please see the schedule below:

Quick Links:

• From the General Manager’s Desk: LACERS Reports Preliminary 1.1% Investment Return for Fiscal Year 2019-20
• Reminder Regarding the CSIP Abeyance Period
• Now Available: Change of Email Address Form
• Plan for the Future with the Family Death Benefit Program
• COVID-19 Resources

Our hearts go out to those affected by the recent wildfires. If you’re a LACERS member who’s been impacted, please keep the following information in mind to make sure that you continue to receive your LACERS benefits and have access to the help and information you need:

New Tier 1 Mini Topical Retirement Benefit Videos

We are excited to share with you 16 new mini retirement benefit videos  on the official LACERS YouTube Channel! The videos are short in length and categorized by topical sections to help you better understand your retirement benefits and process. Make sure to check them out here, and subscribe for the latest updates to the channel!

Practice Sun Safety this Summer

Summer is here, and that means sunny days are ahead! While having fun in the sun, it’s important to remember to monitor your skin’s exposure to the sun. Repeated overexposure can be a contributing factor toward skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the United States. Here are some key tips to remember so you can enjoy the weather safely:

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ANYONE CONSIDERING RETIRING THIS YEAR

The Los Angeles City Employees’ Retirement System (LACERS) undergoes review by its actuary annually. This year a change is being implemented to reflect the true cost of providing Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) that your spouse/domestic partner, eligible for a Continuance (a member’s retirement allowance continued at 50% or greater for the spouse’s lifetime), receive upon your death. This may appropriately increase the cost to you of providing this optional benefit.

Caution! SPAM Retirement Offers from Non-LACERS Email Addresses

City employees have reported receiving numerous retirement planning offers from suspicious non-LACERS email addresses. LACERS reminds you of the following when receiving suspicious emails from non-LACERS email addresses:

In 2019, U.S. stocks, as reflected by the S&P 500 Index, gained 28.9%.  This year we see the long-run bull market ending, much of it caused by recent global health concerns.  The enormous market volatility can and probably will continue for many months.  As such, you may have many concerns about its impact on LACERS.