MEDICARE PART B PREMIUMS FOR 2025

As a reminder, all Retired Members and their dependents who are eligible for Medicare and enrolled in a LACERS plan are required to enroll in Medicare Part B.  Retired Members enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B with at least 10 years of Service who are enrolled in a LACERS Senior medical plan or participate in the Medical Premium Reimbursement Program (MPRP) are eligible for a reimbursement of their standard (basic) Medicare Part B premium.

OFFERING ENHANCED READABILITY IN THIS ISSUE.

The Retired Members Summer 2024 Newsletter is now available on the LACERS website! It covers valuable information, from Medicare to worthwhile warm-weather activities, so be sure to check it out. 

Summer fun often brings summer heat waves. If you need to cool off, the City of LA offers cooling centers where you can take a break from the sun. These cooling centers are in LA City facilities where you can enjoy recreational activities, chat with friends, or read a good book while escaping the day’s peak heat. Cooling centers are open and available during regular hours of operation unless otherwise noted. You can call 3-1-1 from within LA City or 2-1-1 within LA County to learn more about cooling center locations and hours of operation.

Due to the Mayor’s declared traffic emergency involving the 10 Freeway, our offices will be closed on Monday, November 13. You may still contact us by email or phone and submit forms via Secure Document Upload. We are planning to reopen our office on Tuesday, November 14. Please call or check our website for updates regarding our hours of operation. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.

MEDICARE PART B PREMIUMS FOR 2024

As a reminder, all Retired Members and their dependents who are eligible for Medicare and enrolled in a LACERS plan are required to enroll in Medicare Part B.  Retired Members enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B with at least 10 years of Service who are enrolled in a LACERS Senior medical plan or participate in the Medical Premium Reimbursement Program (MPRP) are eligible for a reimbursement of their standard (basic) Medicare Part B premium.

LACERS OPEN ENROLLMENT HAS BEGUN

LACERS is currently accepting applications for health plan changes, the addition of eligible dependents, and new enrollments until November 16, 2023. Changes made during this period will become effective on January 1, 2024. If you do not want to change plans or add dependents, you do not need to take any action; your current LACERS health coverage will continue for the 2024 plan year. 

LACERS recommends reviewing the Open Enrollment webpage to stay informed of your benefit options. 

Please visit LACERS.org to view electronic versions of the 2024 Open Enrollment Overview and the 2024 Health Benefits Guide. 

LACERS OPEN ENROLLMENT IS OCTOBER 16 – NOVEMBER 16

LACERS will accept applications for health plan changes, addition of eligible dependents, and new enrollments from October 16, 2023, to November 16, 2023. Changes made during this period will become effective on January 1, 2024.

LACERS recommends reviewing the Open Enrollment material to stay informed of your benefit options. If you do not want to change plans or add dependents, you do not need to take action; your current LACERS health coverage will continue for the 2024 plan year unless otherwise noted in your materials.

The 2024 Open Enrollment packet will be mailed in early October to your address in LACERS system as of August 21, 2023. The U.S. Postal Service does not forward the packet even if you have done a “Change of Address” or “Forwarding Request.”

For Members over the age of 65 or Members who have dependents with Medicare Parts A and B, the Open Enrollment packet will consist of the 2024 Open Enrollment Statement, 2024 Health Benefits Guide, and the 2024 Open Enrollment Overview.

For Members who are under age 65 or enrolled only in a LACERS Dental plan or a Medical Reimbursement Program (MPRP) participant or are not enrolled in a LACERS plan, the packet will consist of the 2024 Open Enrollment Statement and the 2024 Open Enrollment Overview.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Upcoming Office Closure:  LACERS offices will be closed on Friday, August 25, 2023, phone and email assistance will be available during the office closure.

Upcoming City Holiday: LACERS will be closed on Monday, September 4, 2023, in observance of Labor Day. 

Now’s the perfect time to do a mid-year check-up on your LACERS benefits. Here are some things to check off your list:

MyLACERS Account

Have you created your profile on the LACERS Member Portal? MyLACERS is your online gateway to real-time details about your retirement account. You can generate a member statement, register for upcoming webinars and events, or create a benefit estimate for a future retirement date. Request a PIN letter today! Don’t know how…watch this two-minute video.

ANNOUNCEMENT

LACERS welcomes our newest Commissioner to our Board of Administration, Mr. Gaylord “Rusty” Roten. Commissioner Roten will attend his first LACERS Board meeting on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. Join us in welcoming him to the LACERS Board!

To learn more about Commissioner Roten and the other members of the Board, please visit our Board Members webpage. 

ANNOUNCEMENT

Upcoming City Holiday: LACERS will be closed on Monday, June 19, 2023, in observance of Juneteenth. 

ANNOUNCEMENT

Upcoming City Holiday: LACERS will be closed on Monday, May 29, 2023, in observance of Memorial Day. 

GETTING IN-PERSON ASSISTANCE JUST GOT EASIER

Appointments are no longer needed when visiting LACERS at our new location at 977 N. Broadway in Downtown Los Angeles’ Chinatown. We are open Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.*

All online services and virtual counseling remain available for our Members. Please contact LACERS at (800) 779-8328 for assistance.

*Please note a current government-issued photo identification or City employee badge is required to enter our building except when attending public meetings of the LACERS Board of Administration. Also, parking is not available at the building. Paid parking lots, public transit, and street parking are available nearby.

REOPENING APRIL 3 AT NEW LOCATION

Starting April 3, LACERS Front Desk at our new location on the first floor of 977 N. Broadway in Downtown Los Angeles’ Chinatown will be open Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., for general inquiries and document drop-off. Appointments are also available through our online booking system. 

All online services and virtual counseling remain available for our Members.

*Please note a current government-issued photo identification or City employee badge is required to enter our building. Also, parking is NOT available at the building. Paid parking lots, public transit, and street parking are available nearby.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING YOU AT OUR NEW HEADQUARTERS!

We are happy to announce that on April 3rd, LACERS will be open for Member Services at our new building located at 977 N. Broadway in Downtown Los Angeles’ Chinatown.

Our Front Desk will be open Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. for general inquiries and document drop-off. Appointments are also available through our online booking system. 

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 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!

Our community is in pain. Bigoted, hateful words and actions directed against Black, Jewish, LGBTQ and indigenous Angelenos have left us hurt, heartbroken. 

2023 OPEN ENROLLMENT IS HERE

Be on the lookout over the next few days for mailings pertaining to Open Enrollment. Open Enrollment packets include an Open Enrollment Health Plan statement and an Open Enrollment overview. Members 65 and over will receive a copy of the 2023 Health Benefits Guide and Members under 65 will receive instructions on accessing the 2023 Health Benefits Guide online. The Open Enrollment Health Plan statement is a snapshot of your coverage in LACERS’ system as of August 31, 2022.

Open Enrollment is your opportunity to enroll in a plan, change your plan or add dependents. The 2023 Open Enrollment period ends Thursday, November 17, 2022.​

The Summer 2022 edition of the LACERS Well newsletter is ready to view here on the LACERS website! This edition features an article from new LACERS Health Benefits Director, Karen Freire.

LEARN ABOUT RETIREE MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND VISION BENEFITS OFFERED BY LACERS

Do you know what medical, dental, and vision plans are offered for LACERS upon retirement? Do you know when and how to enroll? Are you aware of how much these options cost? These details and more will be explained to help you understand your health benefits in retirement during LACERS’ Medical, Dental, and Vision Informational Session taking place on Thursday, September 29, at 10:00 a.m.

You can register online through your MyLACERS account or by calling LACERS at (800) 779-8328, RTT (888) 349-3996. Once you have successfully registered, expect Zoom access information to be provided at least 1 day prior to your event. 

Interested in what other events LACERS has to offer? Check out our calendar.

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.

As required under City Charter Section 1112, the Los Angeles City Controller, the Office of the Mayor and the Los Angeles City Council regularly engage with independent qualified management auditors to perform management audits of the Los Angeles City Employees’ Retirement System. These audits examine whether LACERS is operating in the most efficient and economical manner and evaluate the allocation of its investments.

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.

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!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Upcoming City Holidays: Mayor Eric Garcetti recently proclaimed Juneteenth an official City holiday. This year, LACERS will be closed on Monday, June 20, 2022 in observance of Juneteenth. LACERS will also be closed on Monday, July 4, 2022 in observance of Independence 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.

LACERS would like to congratulate Cynthia Ruiz on her new appointment to the Department of Water and Power’s Board of Administration. As Cynthia leaves her role as the President of the LACERS Board of Administration to pursue this new role, we would like to sincerely thank her for her commitment and dedication to our organization. She has been a great asset to our department and its Members during her 6+ years as a LACERS Board Member and just over 4 years as President.

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.

The Family Death Benefit Plan (FDBP) is a voluntary program that provides a monthly financial benefit that may give your family increased financial protection should you pass away before retiring. An employee becomes eligible for membership in the FDBP after 18 months of City Service. There is a nominal cost per period to participate.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

2022 Anthem Medicare Preferred (PPO) Plan Information​: There is exciting news for LACERS Members under the 2022 Anthem Medicare Preferred (PPO) Plan! Members can access information about their benefits, as well as access the Personalized Member Account with Anthem Preferred PPO. Visit their website, and learn more here.

Upcoming City Holiday: LACERS will be closed on Monday, March 28, 2022 in observance of Cesar Chavez 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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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 Active Member Check-Up video, and then select a topic below to learn more about items you should review as a LACERS Member.  

LACERS Cares About the Security of Our Members

We routinely review and enhance the security of our information technology infrastructure to safeguard against unauthorized access. Additionally, we regularly review and refine our privacy policies so that all Member information received and processed by our staff is kept secure at all times.

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1099-R Form – What You Need to Know: LACERS is in the process of mailing 1099-R tax documents to retirees and beneficiaries for the 2021 tax year and will complete this process by February 1. Don’t want to wait for the mail? Save time by viewing and printing your 1099-R via your MyLACERS online account now. To learn more, click here.

As LACERS Members near retirement, one voluntary program they should consider cancelling is the Family Death Benefit Plan (FDBP). Often times, employees elect to participate in the FDBP plan early in their City career due to having a young family, dependent parent and/or not qualifying for other survivorship benefits due to an insufficient amount of service credit. As Members move further along in their career, these criteria may not exist and cancelling the FDBP should be considered.

‘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