SilverSneakers available to eligible members on Jan. 1 2018

[Pages:16]DMV offers REAL ID Page 3

CalPERS | Power of Attorney Page 6

CSR election Page 8-9

Savvy Senior Page 11

86

Vol. XXXII No. 1

A PUBLICATION REPRESENTING CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREES

JANUARY 2018

SilverSneakers available to eligible members on Jan. 1 2018

For years, CSR has focused efforts on improving retiree health through active lifestyles. We have long encouraged CalPERS to negotiate senior fitness programs like SilverSneakers into their Medicare health plans. Beginning January 1, 2018, CalPERS' Medicare health plans PERS Care, PERS Choice and PERS Select will begin offering SilverSneakers to members at no additional cost. SilverSneakers is a community fitness program specifically designed for older adults that provides members with regular exercise (strength training, aerobics and flexibility) and social opportunities at more than 13,000 locations nationwide. Over the past two years, CalPERS team members reviewed research studies, and although the studies should be treated with caution, they found that regular participation in a health plan-sponsored activity program resulted in lower longer-term

health costs. Specific findings from the studies include:

? Greater participation in the physical activity program was associated with lower depression risk.

? Older Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes who participated in a Health Maintenance Organizationsponsored health club benefit had notable reductions in total health care costs at both one year and two years after program enrollment.

? SilverSneakers participants were older and more likely to be male who typically had higher health care costs at baseline, but by year two, participants had significantly fewer inpatient admissions.

? SilverSneakers participants' total health care costs were 0.2 percent lower than the control group, inpatient admission costs were 3.2 percent, and the number of participants with inpatient admissions was 1.4 percent lower after the first year.

? Long term benefits of exercise

are sustained only with regular adherence. Cardiovascular function, lung function, insulin sensitivity, strength and pain relief are maintained over time when regular exercise is continued throughout the lifespan.

Consistent with a focus on affordable, sustainable, high quality health care, the CalPERS Health Benefits Program encourages the use of affordable care without compromising quality or safety.

Members of UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage continue to have access to SilverSneakers, and members of Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage continue to have access to Silver&Fit.

Is the SilverSneakers program free?

Medicare Advantage plans may cover SilverSneakers. SilverSneakers is considered a basic fitness service and Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, does not cover this benefit. However, Medicare Advantage plans,

also known as Medicare Part

C, may provide this benefit. To

verify your health plan includes

SilverSneakers visit .

Eligibility/

HealthPlans?state=CA

How do I get my SilverSneakers

card?

1. Visit

.

Eligibility/

CheckEligibility to check your

eligibility.

2. Take your SilverSneakers

card (Eligible members can expect

to receive their SilverSneakers

packet with ID card in early January,

separately and after receipt of their

health insurance ID card) or 16-digit

member ID to any location.

3. Go to your gym of choice,

tell the front desk staff you want to

enroll and ask for a tour.

How do I find a location?

Being a member of

SilverSneakers gives you access to

thousands of gyms nationwide. Find

continued on page 7

Margaret Brown wins CalPERS board seat in the runoff election for Memberat-Large seat on the CalPERS Board of Administration. Brown and incumbent Michael Bilbrey faced each other in the runoff held for Position B after the September primary election.

Brown will join David Miller who was elected to Position A. The new members will begin their four year term on January 16, 2018. Congratulations, Margaret!

NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT #495 SACRAMENTO, CA

? ?DATED MATERIAL ? PLEASE DO NOT DELAY? ?

CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREES

1108 O Street, Suite 300 Sacramento, CA 95814

RETIREES In your experience, what are some ways to REACT: make new friends as you get older?

The views expressed are those of the respondents. Send your letters to csrinfo@ or to CSR Newspaper 1108 O St., Suite 300, Sacramento, CA 95814.

- Volunteer for one or more nonprofit organizations. You will meet like-minded people with whom you have common interests. - Join or become more active in a church, synagogue, or other religious group. Worshipping together creates and strengthens bonds between people. - Join meetups online or start one, for an interest or cause of yours. - Live in an over-55 community that offers opportunities for socializing around common interests or activities, such as classes and short group trips. Examples include: exercise groups, watching movies, playing cards, increasing computer skills, painting, music, etc.. - For those very introverted or disabled, where one is not able to or does not wish to leave their house, join a support group on Facebook or create one or just hang out on FB and meet folks there. - For the opposite personality types--those who are adventurous and physically active or who travel solo, stay in "youth hostels" in the United States and abroad. They are not geared exclusively toward young people. Socializing with all age groups and with those of similar interests is encouraged and easily possible. - Group travel at home and abroad, including cruises, will team you up with those who enjoy similar activities and events. - Accept invitations to parties, weddings and reunions. Your acquaintances, friends and relatives know a lot of other people you might enjoy getting to know. - Whatever you do, have fun, show a genuine interest in others, and always be ready to assist or help others. To make a friend, be a friend. It's really that simple, at any age.

Ava Goldman Chapter 2 Sacramento

CSR | Board of Directors Meeting Schedule

Please note the updated schedule for February 2018

Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018 Board Members, Chapter Presidents & Facilitators (closed meeting)

Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018 Finance Committee Political Action Committee (PAC) Lunch Membership Committee Bylaws & Governing Rules Committee (BGR) Health Benefits Committee (HBC)

Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018 Board of Directors Meeting

Please answer this: question:

Is there a person who really changed your life by

something they did?

Send your comments by Jan. 15, and they may be printed in the February 2018 edition of the California State Retiree newspaper. A jpg or photograph of yourself is encouraged, but not required.

Emails and jpgs may be sent to: csrinfo@ or mail your response and a photograph to: CSR Newspaper Staff, 1108 O St., Suite 300, Sacramento, CA 95814.

PAGE 2

CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE

JANUARY 2018

CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREES STATEWIDE OFFICERS

Tim Behrens President TEL: 559.920.0371 EMAIL: TBehrens@

Stephanie Hueg Executive Vice President TEL: 831.588.5061 EMAIL: SHueg@

J.W. "Jay" Jimenez Vice President TEL: 714.926.6409 EMAIL: jayj46@

Gerald "Jerry" Fountain CFO/Secretary TEL: 559.935.2238 FAX: 559.935.5884 EMAIL: JFountain@

CSR DISTRICT BOARD DIRECTORS

Sharon Stoltzman TEL: 424.228.2820 EMAIL: SStoltzman@ District A: Ch. 4, Ch. 9, Ch. 20

Susanne Paradis TEL: 916.919.4091 EMAIL: SParadis@ District B: Ch. 10, Ch. 26, Ch. 31, Ch. 36

Mary McDonnell TEL: 415.509.1914 EMAIL: MMcDonnell@ District C: Ch. 1, Ch. 3, Ch. 21, Ch. 23

S.E. Riazi TEL: 530.519.2174 EMAIL: SERiazi@ District D: Ch. 8, Ch. 13, Ch. 14, Ch. 19

Keith Umemoto TEL: 916.429.2768 EMAIL: kumemoto@ District E: Ch. 2, Ch. 15, Ch. 165

R. Connie Lira TEL: 209.601.5754 EMAIL: CLira@ District F: Ch. 5, Ch. 11, Ch. 16, Ch. 35

Gaspar Luna Oliveira TEL: 619.548.4793 EMAIL: gasparlunaoliveira@ District G: Ch. 6, Ch. 12, Ch. 17, Ch. 34

NEWS

California DMV to offer REAL ID driver licenses and ID cards in 2018

Federal Enforcement Begins Oct. 1, 2020 The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will begin offering the option to apply for a federally compliant REAL ID driver's license or identification (ID) card beginning Jan. 22, 2018, at DMV offices statewide. Californians may choose either a REAL ID or a federal noncompliant card. The federal REAL ID Act of 2005 was passed by Congress in response to the events of 9/11. Under the REAL ID Act, all states must meet requirements set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for its driver licenses and identification cards to be accepted for federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or visiting a military base or certain federal facilities, by Oct. 1, 2020. The federal compliant REAL ID driver license or ID card is optional. A valid US Passport or US Passport Card, military ID, or other federally approved identification can be used to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal facilities. If a customer has another federally approved identification, does not fly, or does not plan to visit a military base or certain federal facilities, they do not need a REAL ID and will have the option to apply for a federal non-compliant driver license or ID card. Valid California driver's licenses

and ID cards will continue to be

accepted by TSA to board a domestic

flight and by federal agents to enter

certain federal facilities until Oct. 1,

2020. After that date, a REAL ID or

other federally accepted ID will be

required.

"The DMV wants to make

sure our customers are informed

about their choices starting in

January 2018," DMV Director Jean

Shiomoto said.

"If you choose to apply for a

REAL ID, consider waiting until

your renewal date, if possible. We

always encourage customers to

make an appointment when visiting

a field office."

A DMV field office visit is

required to apply for a REAL ID

card. Applicants should make an

appointment and must be prepared

with the following documents:

-Proof of Identity: Such as

a certified copy of a U.S. birth

certificate, a valid U.S. passport,

employment

authorization

document, permanent resident

card or foreign passport with an

approved form I-94.

-Proof of Social Security

Number: Such as a Social Security

card, W-2, or paystub with full

SSN.

-California

Residency

Document: Such as a rental

agreement, mortgage bill, utility

bill, medical, employment or school

document.

-Name Change Document: This

may be required if your identity document is different from the name on your application. Such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, other court documents.

Customers do not have to come into a field office immediately to apply for a REAL ID card. They can still use a valid California driver's license or ID card for federal purposes until Oct. 1, 2020. Customers can always use a passport, military ID, or TSAapproved identification documents in lieu of a federally approved driver license.

A REAL ID is not needed to: - Drive - Vote - Apply for or receive federal benefits (Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration) - Enter a federal facility that does not require ID (post office) - Visit a hospital or receive lifesaving services

For more information on REAL ID, visit portal/dmv/detail/realid.

Contact us!

CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREES

Headquarters 1108 O St., Suite 300 Sacramento, CA 95814

TEL: 916.326.4292 FAX: 916.326.4201 TOLL-FREE: 888.808.7197 EMAIL: csrinfo@ WEB:

JANUARY 2018

UPCOMING EVENTS 2018

Jan. 1 (Monday) New Year's Day-HQ office closed

Jan. 15 (Monday) Martin Luther King Jr. Day-HQ office closed

Jan. 16-18 CalPERS Board of Administration and committees offsite meetings in Petaluma

Feb. 21 (Wednesday) CSR committee meetings. Holiday Inn Sacramento, 300 J St, Sacramento, CA 95814

Feb. 22 (Thursday) CSR Board of Directors meeting. Holiday Inn Sacramento, 300 J St, Sacramento, CA 95814

*CSR Election timeline: Page 8-9

CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE

PAGE 3

LEGISLATIVE WATCH withTedToppin

DRUG COMPANIES SUE TO BLOCK SB 17

You didn't really think that huge, multinational drug companies would give up easily, did you? Did you think they would just sit back and let California implement a law that requires them to give notice before raising drug prices? Of course not. In December, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association (PhRMA) filed suit in federal district court to block implementation and enforcement of SB 17. SB 17, which passed with strong CSR support, seeks to bring simple transparency to prescription drug pricing practices and, in doing so, hopefully will slow the meteoric increases in the cost of drugs. It requires drug manufacturers to provide a 60-day notice of price increases and price justification for expensive new drugs. It also requires health plans to report on the impact prescription drug prices have on the cost of health care. It is scheduled to go into effect Jan. 1, 2018. The suit claims the state is attempting to dictate federal health care policy and has unfairly singled out drug manufacturers when other

industries share responsibility for high health care costs.

More specifically, PhRMAclaims that SB 17 violates the following three separate constitutional provisions:

? The Commerce Clause, which prohibits states from inappropriately regulating interstate commerce.

? The First Amendment, by requiring drug makers to speak and express viewpoints that are not consistent with their own views. In other words, SB 17 requires them to report drug price increases where they otherwise would not.

? Finally, the suit claims SB 17 is unconstitutionally vague in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment due process clause. The claim here is that SB 17 is silent on whether the reporting requirement must take into account price increases that took effect before the effective date of the bill.

PhRMA seeks a judgment that SB 17 is unconstitutional and, of course, a permanent injunction preventing implementation of the bill's provisions. No hearing has been set, but you can be sure we will follow the case closely.

No one should be surprised by

the litigation. It is just further proof

that big drug companies will pursue

any measure, take any step, and

fight every battle to get out from

under laws and regulations that

threaten their exorbitant profits.

A recent column in the Kaiser

Health News by Jay Hancock

provides some big picture

perspective:

`Facing bipartisan hostility over

high drug prices in an election year, the pharma industry's biggest trade Ted Toppin

group boosted revenue by nearly

a fourth last year and spread the by increasing its resources."

millions collected among hundreds The group, already one of the

of lobbyists, politicians and patient most powerful trade organizations

groups, new filings show.

in any industry, collected $271

It was the biggest surge for million in member dues and other

the Pharmaceutical Research and income in 2016. That was up from

Manufacturers of America, known $220 million the year before,

as PhRMA, since the group took according to its latest disclosure

battle stations to advance its with the Internal Revenue Service.'

interests in 2009 during the run-up By passing SB 17, California's

to the Affordable Care Act.

Legislature ? and the countless

"Does that surprise you?" said groups who supported it ? proved

Billy Tauzin, the former PhRMA that the PhRMA playbook doesn't

CEO who ran the organization a win every battle. But, alas, it was

decade ago as Obamacare loomed. just the first step in this fight. Let's

Whenever Washington seems hope SB 17 survives round two ?

interested in limiting drug prices, he the federal court challenge.

said, "PhRMAhas always responded

10 GREAT REASONS TO JOIN CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREES

1. Advocacy: CSR has 86 years of experience

representing retired state employees. Protecting your rights and benefits is our top priority. We strongly oppose legislation that threatens to undermine the CalPERS system. We work with a highly influential and educated team to protect your rights.

2. Member discounts: We have discounts

ranging from emergency assistance and insurance to recreational activities and legal services. If you are not a member, you are at risk of losing your CSEA benefits.

3. CalPERS coverage: Not everyone

can attend CalPERS Board and committee meetings. Our staff and leadership do the work for you. We speak on behalf of our members and make sure your voice is heard.

4. Monthly newspaper: The California

State Retiree provides valuable information about issues affecting your pension and benefits; services for retirees; and features about retirees like you.

PAGE 4

5. Community: There are 26 chapters throughout

the state. Attend your chapter's meetings to hear interesting guest speakers, find out about possible changes to your pension and medical benefits, partake in social activities, and enjoy a low-cost lunch! Your peers are your best resource. Stay informed and be a part of an amazing community.

6. Retired Annuitant Program: Looking

to keep busy? Only CSR members are eligible for the CSR Retired Annuitant Program List. State officials at around 200 state offices throughout California contact our annuitant members for temporary, part-time jobs with the state.

7. 36,000 members strong: Our opinion

matters to legislators, our governor, CalPERS and other agencies that can impact the pensions and benefits of state retirees. We are 36,000 members strong ... and growing. Join us!

8. Minimal monthly dues: Our dues are

minimal, but the benefits are significant. Our dues range from $1 to $12 per month, depending on your CalPERS monthly allowance.

CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE

9. Giving back: Our members are active

in their communities. They participate in food drives, give student scholarships, work with charities, attend seasonal parties and so much more. Make a difference after retirement while having fun!

10. All are welcome: While we concentrate

specifically on state issues that affect your health and your pensions, there are so many other perks of membership from which all public employment retirees can benefit. Any California public employment retiree can be a member and get access to some of the exceptional member benefits and strong retiree community.

To view a complete list of member benefits go to

benefits To join, send an application at

joinus

JANUARY 2018

MEMBERS ON THE MOVE

Chapter 11 members and participants parade through the streets of Fresno for the 98th Annual Veterans Day Parade. Pictured are Richard Conness, Chapter 11 President Christy Christensen, CSR CFO Jerry Fountain, Chapter 11 Treasurer Gigi Subilosky-Perlingieri, Ramona Trejo, Jess Beltran, Marcia Mason-Wilson, Chapter 11 Secretary Claudine Edwards McDougall and George Perlingieri. Don Truesdale (front) was the chairperson of this event and represented the chapter.

Chapter 2 President Louis Espinoza joins his wife Arlene Espinoza at the Dante Club in Sacramento.

Kathy Elwell and Diane Welsh check in guests at the Chapter 2 Christmas lunch held at the Dante Club in Sacramento.

Chapter 165 enjoy a moment together during their Christmas luncheon. Pictured are Geanie Hixon, Gail Fasciola, President David Phillips, Bobbi Smith and Eleanor Poole.

Chapter 11 attend their holiday luncheon in Fresno. Pictured are Jess Beltran, Jerry Fountain, Richard Conness, Don Truesdale, George Perlingieri, Gigi Subilosky-Perlingieri, Marcia Mason-Wilson, Claudine Edward-McDougall, Christy Christensen-Fountain, Ramona Edwards and Linda Edwards.

Chapter 11 holds their annual holiday luncheon in Fresno. The Chapter donated close to 700 coats, 350 pairs of socks and 100 teddy bears. They also provided $1,700 to the Fresno Police Chaplaincy Program's Teddy Bear Project. During their meeting, a motion was made to donate an additional $2,000 from their chapter raffle account.

JANUARY 2018

CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE

PAGE 5

NEWS

CalPERS | Special Power of Attorney

It is important retirees understand the significance of having a CalPERS special power of attorney form and the importance of having one on file. You must complete a power of attorney form while you are able to understand the powers you are granting. If you become incapacitated or otherwise unable to handle your affairs before completing a power of attorney or other estate planning documents, CalPERS may find it necessary to withhold your retirement allowance until a court appoints a conservator to handle your affairs. Since appointment of a conservator can be both expensive and time consuming, you should consider completing the CalPERS special power of attorney form located on my | Did you know powers of attorney are not all the same? A durable power of attorney contains a "durability clause," which is a provision permitting your designated attorney-in-fact to act on your behalf even if you become incapacitated or otherwise unable to handle your affairs. A special or limited power of attorney grants only the powers that are specifically stated in the power of attorney document. A contingent/springing power of attorney only goes into effect once certain conditions that you specify are met. This type of power of attorney is often designed to go into effect if you become disabled, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to handle your affairs. A general (non-durable) power of attorney permits your attorney-in-fact to act on your behalf in all your personal affairs. It automatically terminates when you become incapacitated unless it contains a durability clause. A health care power of attorney permits your attorney-in-fact to make decisions about your health care if you are unable to do so. Please note: CalPERS cannot accept this type of power of attorney for retirement transactions. A special

power of attorney grants only the powers that are specifically stated in the power of attorney document. The CalPERS special power of attorney form only authorizes your attorney-in-fact to handle your CalPERS retirement affairs. It is specifically designed for retirement matters administered by CalPERS, the Judges' Retirement System I and Judges' Retirement System II or the Legislators' Retirement System. Because of the broad power granted by the CalPERS special power of attorney form, we recommend that you consult an attorney before signing the form. With the appropriate authority, having a CalPERS special power of attorney on file with us ensures that your designated attorneyin-fact can perform important duties concerning your CalPERS business, such as address changes, federal or state tax withholding elections, lost or stolen retirement checks, beneficiary designations, or retirement benefit elections should you become unable to act on your own behalf. However, you cannot use the CalPERS special power of attorney form to appoint an administrator of your estate before your death. calpers..

Authority granted by your

CalPERS special power of attorney Form

You choose the specific authority given to your attorney-in-fact.

1. Select a retirement payment option on your behalf. If this specific authority is granted, your attorney-in-fact can select a payment option on your behalf. ? If this authority is not granted, and there is a beneficiary on file, then your attorney-in-fact may elect the unmodified allowance or the return of remaining contributions option 1: If this authority is not granted, and there is no beneficiary on file, then your attorney-in-fact may only elect the unmodified allowance.

2. Designate a beneficiary of your retirement benefits. If this specific authority is granted, pursuant to Probate Code section 4264, your attorney-in-fact may designate a beneficiary or change the beneficiary that you designated. If no beneficiary is on file at the time of your death, any retirement benefits payable will be paid as provided in Government Code section 21493 and/or Probate Code section 6402. 3. Designate himself or herself as your beneficiary. If this specific authority is granted, your attorneyin-fact can designate himself or herself as your beneficiary.

Duration of your CalPERS special power of attorney

You can specify when you want your CalPERS special power of attorney to commence and terminate:

1. Durable: The attorney-infact's authority will commence immediately and will remain in effect for your lifetime, even if you become incapacitated, unless you specifically revoke it. You may also continue to act on your own behalf.

2. Limited: You specify a date or event when the attorney-infact's authority will commence and terminate.

3. Contingent/Springing: For the purposes of the CalPERS special power of attorney form, the attorneyin-fact's authority will commence only upon a determination that you are unable to handle your own retirement affairs. You specify the name and relationship or title of the person who is authorized to make the determination (usually a physician).

4. General (non-durable): The attorney-in-fact's authority will terminate if you become incapacitated. You specify the name and relationship or title of the person who is authorized to make the determination (usually a physician).

Changing your power of attorney If you change your mind or need to update your CalPERS special power of attorney form, you must:

1. Complete a new power of attorney form with the changes you desire.

2. Inform those who may have a copy of the old power of attorney form that it is no longer valid and ask that copies of the old form be returned to you or destroyed.

3. Provide copies of the new power of attorney form to those people who may need to carry out your wishes.

Revoking your power of

continued on page 15

PAGE 6

CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE

JANUARY 2018

To Your Health

By Larry Woodson, CSR Health Benefits Committee chair

CSR board members attending the CalPERS Stakeholders Briefing on Dec. 14 had their first look at the details of the proposed design changes to the three Anthem PPO Basic Plans (PERSCare, PERS Choice and PERS Select) for 2019. I reviewed the changes prior to the meeting and found large increases in deductibles for all three plans. The presentations by CalPERS staff at the Stakeholders Briefing barely mentioned the increases and focused primarily on share of cost reduction incentives built into their Value Based Insurance Design (VBid) program for Anthem Basic Plans. That exact program seeks to manage costs and improve health outcomes and future goals we support. However, the proposal will have the opposite effect for many.

CSR President Tim Behrens and I gave public comment strongly objecting the proposal at the Dec. 19 CalPERS Pension and Health Benefits Committee meeting.

Here are the highlights of the proposal: it applies to all members on the three Anthem Basic Plans which include active employees, retirees who are not yet on Medicare and all combination families (at least one on Medicare and others under 65). It does not apply to members solely on Medicare or to Kaiser or UnitedHealthCare plans. It would raise the already high deductibles (money we must pay before the plan begins coverage) by 100 percent, 200 percent and 300 percent for Choice, Care, and Select, respectively. Deductibles for Choice would go from $500 to $750 for an individual and $1,000 to $1,500 for a family. Deductibles for Care would go from $500 to $1000 for an individual and $1,000 to $2,000 for a family. Deductibles for Select would go from $500 to $1500 for an individual and $1000 to $3000 for a family. There are also proposed co-pay increases for urgent care and specialist visits. Select would see an increase for ER visits from $50 to $200.

For Select Plan members only, there are reduction incentives which would lessen, but not erase, these

increases. The reduction incentives are for member participation in such things as flu shots, immunizations, certification of non-smoking, and requesting a second opinion for complex conditions. A $100 credit would be given for each. Since there are only five categories, it's unlikely it will reduce deductibles to match the current year deductibles.

A positive aspect of the proposal is that with the increase in deductibles, Anthem and CalPERS have agreed to lower monthly premiums. However, in most cases, the premium reductions would not offset the deductible increases. Combination families have the hardest hit. Since their premiums are fully covered by the monthly CalPERS contribution, it appears they would see no relief in lower premiums. The savings to CalPERS will be compensated in large part by increased cost to combination members.

In my opinion, it is likely the dramatic increase in deductibles will have the opposite of the desired effect by causing migration away from Select and by discouraging members who may be having financial difficulties from seeking needed medical treatment. The result may cause inadequate medical outcomes and ultimately higher overall costs.

Tim and I pointed out in our comments there are 18 mostly-rural counties where members have no choice but the Anthem plans, since UnitedHealth and Kaiser have no presence many will be trapped into these increased costs.

On a positive note, at the December meeting, PHBC Chair Priya Mathur expressed concerns and asked questions about the need for these large increases. CalPERS staff said the plan is not set in concrete, as approval of a final plan will occur in March 2018. CSR will continue our communication with staff and the Board to modify and reduce the burdens of the current proposal. I want to thank Dr. Mark Hynum on our HBC for his thorough analysis of this VBid proposal. It formed the basis for Tim's and my comments.

OPTUMRX UPDATE CSR Executive VP Stephanie Hueg and CSR Board member Mary McDonnell met with senior managers of the CalPERS Health Benefits program on Dec. 14 to follow up our discussion on the progress being made toward improving our members' experience with OptumRx. We also discussed the issue of "claw back" by Pharmacy Benefit Managers

continued on page 13

SilverSneakers

continued from page 1

one you like, or use them all. You can search gyms and classes by visiting

What is a SilverSneakers class like? Have fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscle strength, range of movement and activities for daily living. Hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles and a SilverSneakers ball are offered for resistance. A chair is used for seated exercises and standing support. For more information on either fitness program or to find your closest location, contact SilverSneakers at 888.423.4632 or Silver&Fit at 877.750.2746.

CALPERS Retirement Pay Days

JANUARY 2018

CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE

PAGE 7

Election | Chapter Officers & Delegates

If interested in running for a chapter office position including delegate, cut out this form and complete it. Submit the form to either CSR Headquarters by Feb. 28, 2018,

or at your chapter's Open Nominations Meeting.

CANDIDATE CONSENT STATEMENT FORM

PLEASE PRINT NAME AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON THE BALLOT

I, _____________________________________________________, ________,

(Print Name)

(Chapter)

hereby consent to be a candidate for the chapter office(s) of ________________ ___________________________________, and if my eligibility is verified, I hereby affirm my willingness to be a candidate and to serve if elected; and I affirm my willingness to serve by (1) Attending Chapter and Chapter Executive Board meetings unless excused by the chapter president, (2) Abiding by the Bylaws and Governing Rules of California State Retirees (CSR) as well as the CSEA Bylaws and Policies, and (3) Attending sessions of the Delegate Assembly and General Council unless excused by the Corporate President. I understand failure to abide by these provisions will result in my removal from office.

Dated ____________________ Signed _______________________________

Phone____________________ Address ______________________________

_________________________ (Last 4 Social Security No.)

________________________________

(City)

(State)

(Zip)

_________________________ E-mail

PAGE 8

CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE

JANUARY 2018

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