The event recording is available on the LACERS YouTube Channel.

The 2023 LACERS Symposium occurred on February 22, 2023, and featured a range of speakers who educated all of our stakeholders regarding the national perspective of public pensions, risks to public pension funds, aspects of investments, retirement, and what’s happening at LACERS.

Agenda 

Board Agenda & Symposium Presentations

9:00 AM      Welcome & Opening Remarks

9:15 AM       Pensions Administration

10:30 AM     Investments

11:45 AM     Lunch Break

12:15 PM     Future of Medicare/Controlling Health Care Cost

1:20 PM       LACERS Wellness Program

1:35 PM       My LACERS Retirement Experience Member Roundtable

2:05 PM       LACERS Focus on the Member Experience

2:35 PM       LACERS Vision

2:50 PM       Closing Remarks

Guest Speakers

Alex Brown, NASRA

Alex Brown is the Research Manager with the National Association of State Retirement Administrators. In this role he collects and distributes data and information covering a wide range of topics pertinent to public retirement system administration and policy. He has co-authored briefs and papers on topics such as employer and employee pension contributions, hybrid retirement plans, and pension reform. He has also discussed pension issues in front of state legislatures, public pension boards of trustees, professional associations, and other stakeholders. Prior to joining NASRA, Alex worked at the Center for State & Local Government Excellence and the International City/County Management Association, focusing on pension and retiree health care issues. He holds a B.S. from James Madison University and an M.P.P. from George Mason University.

 

Todd Tauzer, Segal

Todd Tauzer is a Vice President and Actuary, and Segal’s National Public Sector Retirement Practice Leader, specializing in public pension funding and risk management for public pension plans across the United States. He came to Segal as Director of Municipal Pensions from S&P Global Ratings, where he developed a detailed framework to evaluate the health and sustainability of public pension and OPEB plans across all 50 states. Prior to S&P he was a senior pension actuary at CalPERS, where he worked for almost ten years and led work in asset liability management and risk mitigation. Mr. Tauzer sits on both the Board of the California Society of Municipal Analysts and the University of the Pacific’s Actuarial Science program. He is also active in leadership within the State of California, serving on both the California Actuarial Advisory Panel and for the California State Auditor’s High Risk Advisory Team for Local Governments. He has been quoted by The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, The Economist, Pensions & Investments, Investments & Pensions Europe, Chief Investment Officer, Plan Sponsor, and The Bond Buyer, among others.

 

Andy Yeung, Segal

Andy Yeung is a Vice President and Actuary in Segal’s San Francisco office with over 25 years of actuarial experience. He currently serves as supervising and co-consulting actuary for LACERS, LAFPP, LADWP and twelve 1937 Act county and chartered city retirement systems. He has also served as a member of the State Association of County Retirement Systems (SACRS) Legislative Committee since 2009. He is an Associate of the Society of Actuaries, a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries, a Fellow of the Conference of Consulting Actuaries and an Enrolled Actuary.

 

Carolyn Smith, NEPC

Carolyn’s career in investment consulting began in 1987, and she joined NEPC in 2006.  Carolyn has extensive experience working with large institutional clients.  She has a specialty in defined benefit and defined contribution plans working with them on plan design, investment and governance issues.  She is a member of the Diverse Manager Committee and Women’s Leadership Forum.

Carolyn’s experience includes twelve years as a director and senior consultant with Watson Wyatt Investment Consulting working with a broad array of clients.  She also had management responsibilities for the U.S. Western Region.  Prior to Watson Wyatt, Carolyn was a senior consultant at Callan Associates, Inc. working with the firm’s foundation, endowment, corporate and public fund clients.

Carolyn received a B.S. degree in Finance from the University of Utah.  She currently chairs the investment committee for a San Francisco Bay Area not-for-profit overseeing multiple operating reserve accounts, a foundation and 403(b) plan.

 

Mark Green, PRI

Mark Green serves as a Senior Specialist and Relationship Manager with the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). In this capacity, Mark works with a variety of Asset Owners, Investment Managers and Service providers in the Western Region of the US, promoting Responsible Investment among PRI signatories and recruiting new members for the organization.

Prior to PRI, Mark spent a 30-year career in the investment management industry serving in various roles as analyst, portfolio manager and Chief Investment Officer. He has been involved in responsible investment since the 1990s, helping asset owners express their values though capital allocation in the financial markets. Mark is a CFA Charterholder.

 

Peter Cassidy, Anthem

As a Group Retiree Solutions Sales Executive, Peter partners with commercial sales teams, brokers, consultants and clients as the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D subject matter expert for strategic new sales. He has experience managing large, complex accounts and excels at developing strong client relationships.

Peter joined the Anthem team in 2018 with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, including network management, small and large group sales, account management, and labor and trust. Peter has extensive experience consulting with large group clients, especially in public entity and labor and trust sectors, to develop and implement Medicare Advantage goals and objectives. He also oversees the implementation process for new clients. Peter has in-depth knowledge of CMS regulation, plan administration and benefit design, and retiree benefit management.

 

Dr. Alana Thompson-Byrd, Anthem

Dr. Alana Thompson-Byrd is the Managing Medical Director for Group Retiree Services in Medicare Advantage. Dr. Thompson joined Anthem in 2017 as an Operational Medical Director in the Integrated Health, and Total Health Total You model for Anthem National Accounts. Dr. Thompson lead both utilization and case management teams that were responsible for jumbo commercial and specialty business accounts. Dr. Thompson regularly interacts with her plan providers to guide adherence to medical policy and clinical guidelines as well as with her clients to optimize plan design. Dr Thompson is one of the physician leads for the Inclusive Care Initiative and the Anthem Physician and Clinician (APC) for Health Equity Workgroup.

Dr. Thompson brings experience in large commercial business from her time as St. Louis’s Area Medical Director for Concentra occupational and health services. In this role she regularly met with local and national clients to review and address their utilization metrics, while providing insight to any outliers. She managed seven clinics, was responsible for medical personnel development and training, performed regular audits of each clinic, and worked directly with the Account Executives to support client-specific needs. Dr. Thompson was responsible for improving the NPER scores of one of St. Louis’s flagship centers.

Previously Dr. Thompson practiced full scope family medicine including pediatrics and obstetrics in the metropolitan area surrounding St. Louis.

Dr. Thompson is a graduate of the University of Illinois College Of Medicine at Peoria and a residency graduate of the Saint Louis University Family Medicine program. She is board certified in Family Medicine and lives in Illinois.

 

Ramiro Salas, Kaiser Permanente

Ramiro Salas is the Director of Group Medicare at Kaiser Permanente. He has over 29 years of experience in the healthcare industry – 16 of those in Medicare.

Ramiro works closely with Kaiser Permanente’s leadership team to develop sustainable Medicare Advantage products for employer group customers in the States of California and Hawaii.

He leads the team of Retiree Solutions Managers who are responsible for ensuring City of LA’s Group Medicare contracts are compliant with CMS regulations and to support City of LA with all Medicare administrative needs.

 

Ju Anderson, Keenan

Ju Anderson is the Practice Leader of the Employee Benefits HealthCare Division at Keenan. Ju has over 25 years of consulting experience with 15 of those years at Keenan. Previous positions were with Deloitte, Time Warner, Gallagher, Verisign and Deutsche Bank. Ju holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wellesley College in Massachusetts.

As Practice Leader of the HealthCare Benefits Division for Keenan, Ju consults clients with solutions that address their specific needs and future organizational goals.  Ju’s expertise is in health and welfare benefits consulting that involves team building and facilitating a collaborative environment to deliver on high-value consultative services that include benefits analysis, strategy, mergers and acquisition support for clients, benefits program alternatives, vendor management and solutions, retirement benefits, self-insured opportunities, HR and other strategic solutions.

 

Laurie LoFranco, Keenan

Laurie LoFranco has more than 30 years of experience in human resources and employee benefits. Laurie joined Keenan & Associates in 2008 after spending the previous 12 years at the City of Corona, most recently serving as their Human Resources Director. Laurie has been with Keenan & Associates for 14 years and currently runs the Municipal Practice for Keenan covering the State of California.  Laurie served on the Board of Directors for the California Personnel Employee Labor Relations Association (CALPELRA) and is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Inland Empire Chapter of IPMA-HR. Laurie holds an Executive Level Human Resources Certification from IPMA and holds a California State Insurance License in Accident, Health and Life Insurance. Laurie graduated from the College of Notre Dame with a Degree in Human Services and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University, San Bernardino.

 

Robin Rager, Keenan

Robin Rager, Vice President of Health Management at Keenan, has been involved in the health and wellness field for over three decades, as a consultant, college professor, and researcher, and has been leading the Keenan employee health management consulting team since 2010. His professional activities have focused on individual and population health management, and the design and evaluation of effective health and wellness programs in a variety of populations and settings. He holds M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Health Education from Penn State University, has served as the Director of Penn State’s Center for Worksite Health Enhancement, and has authored numerous articles and presentations on health management.  He has been honored as a Fellow of the Association for Worksite Health Promotion, served as chair of the American Public Health Association’s Worksite Health Promotion Committee, and participated in the development of the Healthy People Objectives for the Nation.

Questions & Answers

I missed the Symposium, where can I watch it?

The Symposium recording is available on LACERS YouTube Channel. 

Can we get a hard copy of the slide presentation for the Pension Symposium in its entirety mailed to us?

The Board Agenda includes all presentations. 

This Symposium is very long. Is there an abbreviated version of the information somewhere?

The Symposium recording is available on LACERS YouTube Channel and is indexed so you can skip to the sections you would like to review. Similarly, The Board Agenda includes all presentations and the Pension Symposium webpage includes the Questions & Answers from the event. 

Is the intent of the Symposium to educate us or to condition pensioners and retirees to expect a new reality in future years?

The purpose of this and previous/future LACERS Symposiums is to educate and inform our Members and other attendees regarding the national perspective of public pensions, risks to public pension funds, aspects of investments, retirement, and what’s happening at LACERS.

Can you discuss investment plans for employees nearing retirement? I am very near retirement!

LACERS is not able to advise Members on private investments. However, for more information regarding LACERS’ Investments, please visit our Investments webpage. 

I may have missed this – Will larger annuity initiation and/or changes be discussed?

LACERS has worked with our Plan Actuary, Segal, to review the program and conformance to the City’s Administrative Code. Changes to the Larger Annuity Program are being explored and recommendations will be made to the Board of LACERS Commissioners.

I have not begun to assign a contribution through the Larger Annuity Program (LAP). Will LAP recommended contribution percentages and expectations be discussed?

The Larger Annuity Program is not a specific item of discussion in today’s Symposium. For more information on the program, please visit the Larger Annuity Program webpage. 

What is a statewide hybrid plan?

The NASRA Website includes this information.

How strong is the asset-liability funding for the LACERS Health coverage?

As of June 30, 2022, the pension was funded at 70.7%. As of June 30, 2022, the health benefit plan is 93.5% funded. The aggregate weighted funded level for the pension and health plans is 73.6%.

Where can I find rankings of pension plans by funding level/ratio or ability to pay out to Members?

Pension Plan Funding Levels

Is the great recession being referred to as the one in 2008?

Yes.

If we go into a recession, would that affect our pension?

LACERS pension benefits are funded through employee contributions, employer (City) contributions, and returns on investments.  They are funded on a long-term basis, based on the expert advice of LACERS’ actuary and investment professionals, to ensure that LACERS continues to be able to deliver the benefits that retirees have been promised, even in challenging years for the economy and investment markets. LACERS pension benefits are a general obligation of the City of Los Angeles under the City Charter, which means that ultimately, the City is financially responsible for making sure the benefits that have been promised to retirees are paid.

Will there be a discussion on providing a discretionary COLA for retirees since inflation over the past few years has exceeded the 3% maximum COLA for Tier 1 Members?   LACERS years ago did provide this to retirees who retired a number of years ago and the Board approved this COLA.

Cost of Living Adjustments under the authority of the LACERS Board are prescriptive and additional details are available on the COLA webpage. The City Administrative Code does have a provision for the City Council to find and determine that annual cost of living adjustments are inadequate in light of the movement of the Consumer Price Index, and thereby City Council may grant additional but discretionary cost of living adjustments. This consideration and decision is outside of the control of LACERS and is at the discretion of the City employer and at the recommendation of the City Administrative Officer.

With retirees getting some social security and pension, I didn’t understand how it is different with those only getting a pension. Please give more clarification.

Households that receive both a public pension and social security benefits may be affected by the ‘Windfall Elimination Provision’ and ‘Government Pension Offset.’ For more information, please see this post on our website.  

What is LACERS’ investment return assumption level and how is it determined? How often is it determined?

LACERS’ current investment rate of return is 7.00% and investment return assumptions are reviewed and evaluated once every three years as part of LACERS Experience Study. LACERS next Experience Study will be conducted later this year. For further discussion of this and other important assumptions, please refer to the Actuarial Experience Study. 

If I die suddenly, and I accrued less than 30 years of service and I was not 55 years old. What will my spouse get?

For information on Active Death Benefits please refer to the Summary of Plan Benefits for your Tier.  You may also call (800)779-8328 and ask to speak to a survivor benefit counselor for more information.

Summary Plan Description for Tier 1 Members 

Summary Plan Description for Tier 3 Members

You can also view our Survivor Benefits webpage or watch this video on our YouTube Channel.

Are there talks of changing the existing Tier 1 Plan?

No, Segal’s presentation was demonstrating that Tier 1 employees are slowly being replaced by those in Tier 3.

Did Segal recommend ERIP and SIP?

LACERS and the City of Los Angeles sought and received Segal’s analysis of ERIP and SIP. Segal does not make a recommendation for or against, they perform analysis and address LACERS and/or City’s questions in conformance with the City’s Administrative Code and Charter.

Is the ERIP and health defrayal contributions on track to sunset at a certain year or it is a possibility those contributions will be extended?

Employee contributions of 1% of salary toward the ERIP Cost Obligation began on July 1, 2011, and will end on June 30, 2026 (a 15-year period), or until the full actuarial cost of the program is paid, whichever comes first. Tier 3 Members joined the City after the implementation of ERIP and do not contribute to this cost.

I am a retiree receiving benefits.  Please correct me if wrong. It sounds like newer hires are paying a larger percentage into the retirement plan and receive less benefits.  If this is so, then current retirees are benefitting from paying in less and receiving more benefits.  This seems unfair to me. Unfairness can result in problems later.  I wonder if current employees are aware of this situation and suggest offering a tape of the first part of the symposium when they can hear it, i.e. off work hours.  I would suggest that current retirees bear a portion of the burden to keep the plan sustainable but perhaps that is not possible because there is a contractual requirement to pay the benefits.

The City of Los Angeles as the Employer and Plan Sponsor determines the benefits and LACERS administers the benefits. It is up to the City when new pension tiers are created, for example.

The pandemic seemed to slow the hiring of new employees and the number of unfilled positions seemed to increase each year, will this negatively affect our pension fund?

LACERS has three sources of income to Plan, including investment returns, employee contributions, and Plan Sponsor (City of LA) contributions. When investment returns and/or employee contributions are impacted, the Plan Sponsor’s contribution is increased. Additionally, gains and losses are amortized over a seven-year period, referred to as smoothing. The seven-year smoothing period serves to reduce volatility within the contribution requirements.

Are the ERIP and health defrayal contributions projected to end by June 30, 2026?  If not, when are we projected to end it as of now?

For the quarter ending December 31, 2022, Tier 1 Members have contributed just over $257M toward the cost of this liability, estimated at $355M. Employee contributions of 1% of salary go towards the ERIP Cost Obligation, which began on July 1, 2011, and will end on June 30, 2026 (a 15-year period), or until the full actuarial cost of the program is paid, whichever comes first.

Can you discuss possible investments in Bitcoin?

LACERS does not have investments in Bitcoin.

Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is in the trial phase in the northeast US. Is LACERS looking at CDBC as a payout method to retirees in the future?

Not currently, but LACERS works with our Custodial Bank and does review different methods of payments to Members on an ongoing basis. Security of compensation for our Members and beneficiaries is paramount.

ESG doesn’t seem to be effective. Why is LACERS pursuing this type of investment?

Please review Section XIV of the LACERS Investment Policy for further information about LACERS ESG Program.

Does LACERS have its ESG investment policies posted on its website?

Yes, please review Section XIV of the LACERS Investment Policy. 

Will LACER incorporate ESG into our pensions?

Please review Section XIV of the LACERS Investment Policy for information on how ESG is incorporated in the LACERS investment portfolio.

Should this be in the voting process if employees want ESG or not?

The Board has plenary authority and fiduciary responsibility to invest LACERS funds pursuant to Los Angeles City Charter Section 1106. Investment decisions are not made by individual Members (in contrast to the deferred compensation plan or a 401(k) plan for example). Members may express their views on ESG matters during the public comment period of LACERS Board and Investment Committee meetings and/or email or provide written letters expressing their concerns on these matters.

Can I opt out of ESG investing if I fundamentally disagree with its claims on what “responsibility” and “ethical” means? This is a politicization of my public pension investment that I simply cannot endorse.

The Board has plenary authority and fiduciary responsibility to invest LACERS funds pursuant to Los Angeles City Charter Section 1106. Investment decisions are not made by individual Members (in contrast to the deferred compensation plan or a 401(k) plan for example). Members may express their views on ESG matters during the public comment period of LACERS Board and Investment Committee meetings and/or email or provide written letters expressing their concerns on these matters.

When was PRI hired? Were LACERS Members given an opportunity to approve of this? The LACERS Board approved becoming a signatory to PRI on April 9, 2019, after receiving education from several ESG experts and practitioners in the prior year; LACERS became an official signatory to PRI on September 3, 2019.

The Board has plenary authority and fiduciary responsibility to invest LACERS funds pursuant to Los Angeles City Charter Section 1106. Investment decisions are not made by individual Members (in contrast to the deferred compensation plan or a 401(k) plan for example). Members may express their views on ESG matters during the public comment period of LACERS Board and Investment Committee meetings and/or email or provide written letter expressing their concerns on these matters.

How much does LACERS pay PRI?

The UK-based PRI organization’s annual signatory fee for a public pension plan of LACERS’ size is approximately $12,000 per year, depending on USD currency fluctuations with the British pound.

Does PRI’s investment principles result in a lower rate of return?

A primary goal of LACERS’ ESG Program, which incorporates the six Principles of Responsible Investment (PRI), is to consider material ESG risk and return factors as part of the investment process in order to achieve superior risk-adjusted returns and in a manner consistent with LACERS’ fiduciary responsibilities to its Members and beneficiaries.  For further information, please review Section XIV of the LACERS Investment Policy.

Where are LACERS’ Emerging Managers listed, their investments, and their performance under LACERS?

Please review LACERS 2022 Annual Emerging Investment Manager Report.

I don’t understand the policy of setting a goal for Emerging Investment Manager exposure at no less than 10%. Does that mean the goal is to make LACERS portfolio a minimum of 10% invested through the EM program? If so, what is the maximum portfolio exposure through the EM program?

The policy goal is to have at least 10% of LACERS capital invested with emerging managers. The policy does not define a maximum portfolio exposure to emerging managers. For more information, please review Section IX of the LACERS Investment Policy.

Pension maturity carries risks that should be addressed more clearly and not portrayed so positively. The paper “Pension Plan Maturity: Why Big Plans Mean Big Risk” from the American Academy of Actuaries makes points about mature plans having greater sensitivity to gains and losses, negative shocks, and underfunding. Mature plans may have difficulty reducing their current level of investment risk and if the risks become unaffordable, the plan may not be able to pay the promised benefits.

LACERS agrees this is a worthwhile topic for discussion and while the maturation of the System may be an expected progression, LACERS does regularly evaluate maturation and other risk factors including in annual Actuarial Valuations and Risk Reports. In terms of ability to pay benefits, LACERS pension benefits are funded through employee contributions, employer (City) contributions, and returns on investments. They are funded on a long-term basis, based on the expert advice of LACERS’ actuary and investment professionals, to ensure that LACERS continues to be able to deliver the benefits that retirees have been promised. LACERS pension benefits are a general obligation of the City of Los Angeles under the City Charter, which means that ultimately, the City is financially responsible for making sure the benefits that have been promised to retirees are paid.

Do you need to be retired to become a LACERS Well Champion and help increase athletic activities?

Our Champion Program comprises retirees with shared interests, therefore the program is designed to provide an opportunity for retirees to share their hobbies and interests, such as athletic activities. For more information or to discuss your interest in the program, send an email to lacerswell@lacers.org.

How do I enroll in a gym if I am with Anthem?

Silver&Fit information is available on our website. 

How do I apply for a SilverSneaker Membership with LA Fitness for an aquatic/exercise class? I am with Anthem Medicare Preferred PPO. Currently using this establishment for therapy that my doctor referred me to.

Silver&Fit information is available on our website.

What an awesome retiree panel! If a retiree is interested in volunteering as a LACERS Well Champion, to whom at LACERS should they reach out with those ideas?

You can contact us regarding becoming a LACERS Well Champion to lead or assist with wellness program activities in your home area or other locations.  To inquire, please complete the Request to Become a Champion form. You may also send an email to lacerswell@lacers.org to let us know your interest.

I understand that everyone’s retirement scenario is unique. Is there a cheat sheet or checklist for the common/general points?

Yes, we have a Retiree Decision Sheet and a Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

Does LACERS offer a program that lets Active employees who are close to retirement get with LACERS Counselors to verify that required documents are valid before 90 days prior to our retirement date?

LACERS has Counselors of the Day who are ready to assist with questions prior to retirement. Although you may submit your documents ahead of time, there will be a complete review of all required documents at the time of retirement.  You may reach out to LACERS at (800) 779-8328 and ask to speak to the Counselor of the Day.

If I retire at age 55 with 30 years of service, but my wife is younger by 15 years, does she have medical coverage even though she is 40, and I’m 55?

Yes, A retired City employee enrolled in a LACERS health plan may enroll their eligible dependent(s) which includes a spouse, into their health plan as long as they remain eligible.

If I retire on my wife’s Health insurance, can I reinstate LACERS health insurance once she retires?

If you retire and choose not to enroll in a LACERS medical/dental plan, you may choose to enroll during our annual open enrollment or if you experience a qualifying event.

Why is Kaiser’s vision plan allowance every 24 months whereas other plans are every 12 months? Why can’t they be the same, and have vision plan allowance for every 12 months?

The Kaiser and non-Kaiser vision plans both have frame allowances every 24 months. As for the other vision benefits, every year LACERS evaluates the health plan benefits for our Members and this is certainly something to look into.

I am 62 with over 30 years of service.   After I retire, can my wife stay on my Anthem Blue Cross Health Benefits?  What will my health benefits be after I retire? How much will they cost for my wife and me?

A retired City employee enrolled in a LACERS health plan may enroll their eligible dependent(s) which includes a spouse, into their health plan as long as they remain eligible. LACERS requires all retired Members, eligible surviving spouses/domestic partners and dependents must, upon turning 65 or becoming eligible due to a disability, enroll in Medicare. Please visit our website or contact LACERS for more information. LACERS offers several medical plan options depending on your Medicare status and where you live. LACERS offers two dental plan options. Please review our Health Benefits Guide.

I am 62 years old and have been working with the City of L.A. for a little over 30 years. My wife, who will be 61 years old this June, has been on my health benefits. For the last 5 years, she has been receiving a monthly check from Social Security Disability AND Long-Term Disability with New York Life.  For the last few years, she has been Eligible for Health Benefits with Medicare Social Security Disability but has been on my health benefits instead. After I retire, can she continue to stay on my health benefits or does she have to take Medicare Social Security Disability Health Benefits? She would prefer to stay on my health benefits. 

A retired City employee enrolled in a LACERS health plan may enroll their eligible dependent(s) which includes a spouse, into their health plan as long as they remain eligible. LACERS requires all retired Members, eligible surviving spouses/domestic partners and dependents must, upon turning 65 or becoming eligible due to a disability, enroll in Medicare. Please visit our website or contact LACERS for more information. For questions specific to your individual situation, please contact LACERS by email at lacers.health@lacers.org.

Are the benefits such as medical being reduced in the next few years, or sooner?

LACERS has expanded and enhanced medical benefits for our Members. There are no plans to reduce medical benefits to our Members.

What is CMS?

CMS is the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Do you think Medicare paying 80% of our health is in danger or will decrease?

If Medicare is no longer available, then LACERS will administer the health benefits according to the applicable rules at that time. The benefits may be similar to those provided to Members who are not yet eligible for Medicare. LACERS monitors all legislative changes and will provide information when available.

Can you briefly explain if retirees would pay more in the absence of Medicare benefits?

If Medicare benefits dissolves or are no longer offered to retirees, the premiums or cost of healthcare would be expected to be much higher than non-retirees due to the higher utilization of healthcare benefits by retirees and our aged population.

I think the maximum health plan subsidy equals Kaiser coverage only in the CA market. Is there any plan to widen the benefit to all Kaiser market plans, regardless of state/territory, and not require us to make up the difference in cost between CA Kaiser and non-CA Kaiser, if there is one?

Currently, LACERS only offers the Kaiser HMO plan for residents of California. Members living outside of a LACERS HMO plan zip code or outside of California but within the United States may be interested in the Medical Premium Reimbursement Program (MPRP) which could help you pay the premium of your chosen plan with your LACERS medical subsidy if you live outside of a LACERS California HMO service area, or outside of California and within the U.S. and its territories. Please visit our MPRP webpage or contact LACERS for more information.