Thanks for your generous donations in 2018. If you would like a year end statement for tax purposes of your annual 2018 donation amount, please contact us at https://protectourbenefits.org/contact/.
CCSF V. SFERS (PRE-1996)
POB continues to monitor the CCSF vs. SFERS lawsuit to make the pre-96 retirees eligible for the supplemental cost of living increase (COLA). As of our last writing there have been no new updates to report. The case remains on the appellate court conference list pending a scheduled court date for oral arguments. As soon as we are informed of a date, we will convey the information via POB’s Newsletter and Facebook.
For more information on the case, CLICK HERE.
Health Service System
Delta Dental PPO includes a new “SmileWay Program” as part of its plan. Enrollees in Delta Dental who have certain chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease. rheumatoid arthritis and/or stroke will be able to receive “ an annual periodontal scaling and root planning procedure (deep cleaning of gums) as well as more frequent annual teeth cleaning or periodontal maintenance service.” If you or your dependents have any of these conditions be sure to sign up for the SmileWay program by contacting Delta Dental customer service directly at (888) 335-8227. You will need to give them your treating physician name and phone number. Be sure to advise your dentist.
If you experience a problem with the Silver Sneakers Program and your gym facilities regarding your continued membership in Silver Sneakers you can contact HSS or UHC directly at (877-259-0493) the problem has been rectified and the different facilities should have been notified.
SFERS Retirement Board
What can you can say it’s been quite a ride. The month of December left many of us cringing. According to SFERS CIO report the S%P 500 experienced its worst December since 1929 losing -9.03%. Comparatively the SFERS total fund fiscal year to date was down 0.96% compared to the S&P which declined 6.65% over the same period. Well done SFERS!
SFERS has approved a small reduction to its expected rate of return to 7.4% from 7.5%. This reduction reduces the funding level to 86% from 87%.
In order to qualify for a supplemental cola SFERS must exceed its assumed rate of return for the fiscal year. During the first 6 months of the fiscal year SFERS total return on its investments was -0.96% which would require SFERS to earn 8.36% during the last 6 months of the fiscal year to reach its assumed rate of return of 7.4%. Only time will tell.
Protect Our Benefits
If you know of any retirees or those contemplating retirement from the City who may not be aware of POB, please recommend them to check out our website and Facebook. The goal of POB is to protect and preserve the health and retirement benefits of ALL CCSF retirees. The attacks on our retirees’ health and retirement benefits will be a constant battle and POB will remain vigilant in its efforts to defend your rights. Remember working together is easier, as there is strength in numbers. The more we join together as a group the HARDER we will be to defeat.
Remember, “United We Stand, Divided We Fall“.
Your continuing contributions and support are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible. Please mail them to Protect Our Benefits Trust, P.O. 210250, San Francisco, Ca. 94121-0250 or CLICK HERE to donate today!
By Skip McKinney
Protect Our Benefits is an organization whose goals are to enhance the dignity and quality of life of all San Francisco City and County retirees and preserve their health and retirement benefits. The opinions are those of the writer.