LACERS Retired Members Update for October

LACERS OPEN ENROLLMENT STARTS TODAY!

Beginning today, October 15, 2024, to November 18, 2024, LACERS will accept applications for new enrollments, health plan changes, and addition of eligible dependents. Changes made during this period will become effective on January 1, 2025. If you wish to keep your current LACERS health coverage for 2025, you do not need to take any action. LACERS recommends reviewing the Open Enrollment materials to stay informed of your benefit options and costs.

The 2025 Open Enrollment Health Plan Statement is a snapshot of your coverage in our system as of August 20, 2024. Please review your statement to understand your current coverage compared to 2025 health plan coverage costs and plan options. If you are a New Retiree/Survivor or have made plan changes that are not reflected on your statement, please check your MyLACERS account to see your current coverage.

2025 OPEN ENROLLMENT PACKET

The 2025 Open Enrollment packet was mailed in early October to your address on file with LACERS as of August 20, 2024. The U.S. Postal Service does not forward the packet even if you have completed a "Change of Address" or "Forwarding Request."

For Members over the age of 65, the packet will consist of the 2025 Open Enrollment Statement, 2025 Health Benefits Guide, and the 2025 Open Enrollment Overview.

For Members who are under age 65, enrolled only in a LACERS Dental plan, or participate in LACERS' Medical Reimbursement Program (MPRP), or are not enrolled in a LACERS plan, the packet will consist of the 2025 Open Enrollment Statement and the 2025 Open Enrollment Overview. Please access the 2025 Health Benefits Guide online from our website.

The 2025 Open Enrollment Overview and the 2025 Health Benefits Guide are available online.

2025 Health Plan Premiums
The overall 2025 health plan premium costs increased by approximately $9.9 million, or 6.38%, which is favorable compared to the medical trend benchmark of 7.25%. The 2025 premium rate increases, which will be split between Members and LACERS, are listed below.

• Anthem Blue Cross HMO and PPO, and Part B only HMO and PPO: 8.0%
• Anthem Life & Health Medicare Plan (Medicare Supplement): 6.0%
• Anthem Medicare Preferred PPO: 9.5%
• Kaiser Permanente HMO: 3.99%
• Kaiser Senior Advantage: 5.84%
• UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage HMO: 42.23%
• Delta Dental HMO: 3.97%

There were no premium rate changes for SCAN Health Plan, Blue View Vision, and Delta Dental PPO.

DON'T FORGET: WE OFFER BOTH IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL OPEN ENROLLMENT MEETINGS

Click here f or meeting dates and locations. These meetings cover our health plan benefit offerings and allow you to ask questions directly to the health plan carrier representatives and LACERS. You may register to attend through your MyLACERS account or by contacting LACERS at (800) 779-8328.

APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR ONE-ON-ONE ASSISTANCE

LACERS Members interested in receiving assistance with completing health and/or dental enrollment forms must make an appointment. LACERS offers both in-person and virtual assistance. Click here to make an appointment online or call (800) 779-8328.

Appointments aren't necessary if you drop off documents Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., and don't need to speak to anyone.

*Please be advised that pre-entry metal detector screening requirements are in place at LACERS' headquarters, and a current government-issued photo identification or City employee badge is required except when attending public meetings of the LACERS Board of Administration. Parking is not available at the building. Paid parking lots, public transit, and street parking are available nearby.

AVOID MAKING THIS MEDICARE MISTAKE

LACERS Retirees are exposed to many advertisements from private insurers promoting Medicare Advantage Plans. Most report receiving ads via television commercials, mailers, phone calls, and even being approached when visiting their doctor. Due diligence is required to avoid making a time-consuming and potentially costly Medicare mistake.

One pitfall LACERS Retirees fall into is mistakenly enrolling in a separate Medicare Part D Plan (prescription drug coverage). Remember that Medicare Part D is already integrated into LACERS medical plans.

Therefore, do not enroll in a non-LACERS Medicare Part D Plan. If you do so, CMS will disenroll you from your LACERS-sponsored Medicare Advantage Plan, and you'll lose your subsidy.

If you are ever considering enrolling in a non-LACERS medical plan, first contact a LACERS Health Advocate by calling (800) 779-8328 or by emailing [email protected], that way, you can avoid the frustration and potential financial impacts of losing your LACERS coverage.

UPCOMING BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION MEETING

The next meeting is Tuesday, October 22, at 10:00 a.m. For more information, visit our Agendas and Minutes webpage.

*ADA Statement: Sign Language Interpreters, Communications Access Real-Time Transcription, Assisted Listening Devices, or other auxiliary aids and services may be provided upon request. To ensure availability, you are advised to make your request at least 72 hours before the meeting you wish to attend. Due to difficulties securing Sign Language Interpreters, notice is strongly recommended for five or more business days. For additional information, please contact (800) 779-8328 or RTT (888) 349-3996.

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