Month: December 2024

Happy Holidays From LAFPP

Posted on by planeteria

This season, we extend our warmest holiday wishes to our members from LAPD, LAFD, Harbor, and Airport and their families who have dedicated their lives to ensuring the safety of our City. The holidays are a time for reminiscing and creating new memories with our loved ones. 

May this festive season bring you and your family moments of joy, love, laughter, and togetherness. 

In observance of the holiday, our offices will be closed Wednesday, December 25, 2024. We will resume normal business hours on Thursday, December 26, 2024.

For account information, please log in to MyLAFPP. MyLAFPP is the designated online portal where Active/DROP and Retired members and their beneficiaries have 24-hour access to personalized pension benefit information and services. You may view and/or update the following:

  • Summary of Personal Information
  • Retirement/DROP Estimates
  • View and Update Beneficiary Information
  • Monthly Benefit Information
  • Monthly Pension Statements
  • Tax Withholdings
  • Address Change
  • And More!

From the Los Angeles Fire and Police Pensions family to yours, Happy Holidays! 

Medicare Part B Premium Reimbursement for 2025

Posted on by bernice.ortiz@lafpp.com

SPECIAL NOTICE: This article only applies to eligible retired members of Los Angeles Fire and Police Pensions and respective Qualified Surviving Spouses/Domestic Partners.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the new standard Medicare Part B monthly premium for 2025 is $185.00. However, some pensioners may pay less than this amount, as CMS does not increase a Medicare Part B participant’s premium by more than the dollar increase of their Social Security cost of living adjustment.  This is known as the “Hold Harmless Rule” and applies to all participants who have their Medicare Part B premium deducted directly from their Social Security check and who do not pay Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts, or IRMAAs.

  • If you are a new Medicare Part B enrollee in 2025, you will be reimbursed the standard monthly premium of $185.00 and do not need to provide additional documentation to LAFPP.      
  • If you began receiving the Medicare Part B premium reimbursement prior to 2025, LAFPP will notify you by email or mail with instructions on how to update your Part B premium amount on record.   

To update your Part B reimbursement for the 2025 calendar year: 

Please submit a copy of:

  • The first page of your Social Security New Benefit Amount statement for 2025; or
  • Your next Medicare monthly or quarterly billing statement (if you do not receive Social Security benefits)

To update your Part B reimbursement for premiums paid during the 2024 calendar year: 

Please submit a copy of your:

  • Social Security Form 1099 for 2024; or
  • Your first Medicare monthly or quarterly billing statement for 2024

Please redact any birthdate or SSN information and send all documents to LAFPP’s Medical and Dental Benefits Section via:

  • MyLAFPP Member Portal; For more information visit: lafpp.lacity.gov/mylafpp-sso
  • Email to: mdb@lafpp.com;
  • Fax to: (213) 628-7782; or
  • Mail to: Department of Fire and Police Pensions, Attn: Medical & Dental Benefits, 701 E. 3rd Street, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Due to the anticipated high volume of submissions, it may take approximately three months to process your Part B documentation and update your reimbursement amount on your LAFPP pension payment.

As a reminder, Part B reimbursement only applies to Retired Members or Qualified Survivors who are eligible for an LAFPP health subsidy and are enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B. Any additional Part B penalties or fees charged by CMS are not eligible for reimbursement.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if I am eligible for Part B reimbursement?

You must be a retired member or qualified survivor who is receiving a pension and is eligible for a health subsidy, and enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B.

2. What document do I need to submit to receive my correct Part B reimbursement amount?

You must submit a copy of your Social Security benefits verification statement (your “New Benefit Amount”) or a copy of a 2025 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) billing statement.         

3. My spouse (non-LAFPP member) is currently enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.  Does he/she need to submit Medicare Part B premium documentation?

No.  Only the retired member or Qualified Survivor enrolled in Parts A and B is eligible for Medicare Part B premium reimbursement. 

4. I received a letter stating that I pay a higher Part B premium based on my income level (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount – “IRMAA”). May I submit this letter as proof of my Part B premium?

Yes.  You may submit a copy of the first page of your IRMAA letter if it contains your name, address and 2025 monthly Medicare Part B premium deduction.  LAFPP does not reimburse IRMAA fees, so your Part B reimbursement will not exceed the 2025 standard monthly premium of $185.00.  

5. I receive a monthly Social Security payment, but I did not receive/cannot locate my “New Benefit Amount” Statement from Social Security.  What should I do?

You may call or visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. You may also access proof of your 2025 Medicare Part B basic premium online at the SSA website: www.ssa.gov/myaccount. You may be required to create or register your SSA account. Please note that once you have an online account, your SSA notifications will be emailed to you.

6. When do I need to provide LAFPP documentation of my Part B Premium?

You may submit your documentation as soon as it is available and receive a retroactive reimbursement for up to twelve (12) pension roll months from the date your submission is received. 

If you have additional questions about your Medicare Part B reimbursement, please contact the Medical and Dental Benefits Section at (213) 279-3115, toll free at (844) 88-LAFPP ext. 3115, or via email to mdb@lafpp.com. 

2025 Health and Dental Subsidy Updates

Posted on by bernice.ortiz@lafpp.com

On December 5, 2024, the Board of Fire and Police Pension Commissioners approved new maximums for the Medicare health subsidy, the health subsidy for Qualified Surviving Spouses/Domestic Partners, as well as the dental subsidy. These new maximum amounts will be effective January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.

Medicare Health Subsidy Benefit

The maximum Medicare Health Subsidy increased to $581.56, effective January 1, 2025. The maximum Medicare Health Subsidy is set at the highest monthly premium of an approved plan supplemental to Part A of Medicare available to retired members of the Los Angeles City Employees’ Retirement System (LACERS), pursuant to the City of Los Angeles Administrative Code Section 4.1154(c).

A Medicare Health Subsidy is provided to eligible retired members or Qualified Surviving Spouses/Domestic Partners who are enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B. The monthly subsidy that you may receive is based on the number of whole years of service at the time of retirement (or DROP entry) as shown in the chart below.  

Member’s Whole Years of ServiceMaximum Medicare Health Subsidy*
20 or moreThe lesser of: $581.56 or 100% of the single-party premium of the participant’s health plan.
15 – 19The lesser of: $523.40 or 90% of the single-party premium of the participant’s health plan.
10 – 14The lesser of: $436.17 or 75% of the single-party premium of the participant’s health plan.
Less than 10No subsidy; Tier 6 retirees see below.**
*For members who: (1) entered DROP or retired after July 14, 2011, and (2) did not opt-in during the designated period to make the additional 2% pension contributions, the Maximum Medicare Health Subsidy is equal to the July 1, 2011 amount of $480.41.  
** Tier 6 members who retire on a service-connected disability pension with less than 10 years of service may qualify for a minimum health subsidy at age 55 if they are not eligible for a subsidy from any other source.

Qualified Survivors Non-Medicare Health Subsidy Benefit

The non-Medicare health subsidy maximum for Qualified Surviving Spouses/Domestic Partners (Qualified Survivors) will increase from $1,051.78 to $1,117.28 per month, effective January 1, 2025.

If you currently receive a survivorship pension from LAFPP, you may also be eligible for a health subsidy if the following qualifications are met:  

  • You must be enrolled in a Board-approved health plan (one offered by Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association (LAFRA), Los Angeles Police Relief Association (LAPRA), UFLAC or Fire & Police Pensions) or participate in the Health Insurance Premium Reimbursement Program.
  • The sworn member had at least 10 years of service.
  • The sworn member received, or was eligible to receive, a health subsidy at the time of death; otherwise, you will be eligible when the sworn member would have been 55 years old.
  • The sworn member was a Tier 6 retiree with a service-connected disability.
  • If you receive a survivorship benefit pursuant to a purchase made by the retired member under the Survivor Benefit Purchase Program for Retirees, you are not eligible for a health subsidy. 

Retired Member Dental Subsidy Benefit

The maximum retiree dental subsidy will remain the same at $42.93 per month, effective January 1, 2025. Per City of Los Angeles Administrative Code Section 4.1164(b), the maximum dental subsidy for retirees shall be the lower of LACERS’ maximum dental subsidy or any amount allowed active members of any LAFPP Tier.

You are eligible for a dental subsidy if you are retired with at least 10 years of service, are at least 55 years old, and are enrolled in a Board-approved dental plan. If you retire with more than 25 years of service, your eligibility is capped at 100% of the maximum subsidy. If you retire with 10 to 24 years of service, your subsidy is calculated at 4% of the current maximum for each whole year of service.

Note: Qualified Survivors are not eligible to receive a dental subsidy from LAFPP but are allowed to enroll in a Board-approved dental plan.

Questions

If you would like more information about LAFPP’s Health and Dental Subsidy program eligibility requirements, please contact the Medical and Dental Benefits Section at (213) 279-3115. Information is also available in the Retired Members section of www.lafpp.lacity.gov.

2025 Retired Fire Election Notification – Board of Fire and Police Pension Commissioners

Posted on by nashamah.freeman@lafpp.com

ELECTION NOTIFICATION

An Election to select the Fire Department Retired Member of the Board of Fire and Police Pension Commissioners (Board) is scheduled on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. The candidate elected will serve the term beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2030. 

BOARD MEMBER DUTIES – The Board exercises the prudent person standard in the discharge of its duties. It has sole and exclusive fiduciary responsibility to administer the Fire and Police Pension System (System) and its assets; has the authority to set and adopt investment policies for over $33.37 billion in fund assets (unaudited as of September 30, 2024); and has the duty to establish actuarial assumptions and adopt rules and regulations necessary to administer the System. 

Preparation for regular and special meetings requires an individual to commit hours of advanced reading of Board Reports and disability cases. The Board normally meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 8:30 a.m. (PT). Most meetings are from three to four hours in duration. Regular in-person attendance at Board meetings is required.  

ELECTION PROCESS – Only retired, sworn Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) members of the System are eligible to run and vote for this Board seat. Members who are interested in becoming a candidate are required to complete and submit the Notice of Intent form which was mailed with the Election Notification. Signature gathering by eligible members is not required to run as a candidate. 

Along with the Notice of Intent, the candidate has the option to submit an Occupational Ballot Designation and a typewritten Statement of Qualifications. The Occupational Ballot Designation will be printed under the candidate’s name and should consist of three words to describe the following: (A) the current principal profession, vocation or occupation of the candidate, or (B) the principal profession, vocation or occupation of the candidate during the last calendar year immediately before the filing of the Notice of Intent to become a candidate. The Statement of Qualifications may include information on education, work experience, years of service, date of retirement, and other relevant qualifications and shall not exceed 300 words in length. Any words beyond the 300-word limit will not be printed. 

Starting at 8:00 a.m. (PT) on Monday, December 30, 2024, candidates who wish to qualify for the ballot are required to provide the following documents: 1) Notice of Intent; 2) Occupational Ballot Designation (Optional); and 3) Statement of Qualifications (Optional). The three (3) approved methods of submittal are detailed below. Documents received any other way will NOT be accepted. 

  1. Hand Delivery: Candidates may hand deliver the completed forms by visiting the Office of the City Clerk – Election Division (Election Division) at Piper Technical Center, 555 Ramirez Street, Space 300, Los Angeles, CA 90012. 
  1. Mail: Candidates may submit the completed forms via U.S. Postal Service using the postage-paid envelope provided along with Election Notification. 
  1. Email: Candidates may submit the completed forms via email to Clerk.ElectionAdmin@lacity.org. 

The completed Notice of Intent must be received by the Election Division by the deadline of 5:00 p.m. (PT) on Friday, January 10, 2025. 

Eligible voters will receive a ballot in the mail. Voters may choose to return their ballot via mail or may deposit it at the drop box located at the Election Division. Ballots received any other way will NOT be accepted. All completed ballots must be received by the Election Division by 5:00 p.m. (PT) on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 to be counted. 

Retired, sworn members of LAFD who become eligible within 30 calendar days prior to the Election and wish to vote in the Election should obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (Certificate) from the Department of Fire and Police Pensions (LAFPP). LAFPP is located at 701 E. Third Street, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Beginning at 8:00 a.m. (PT) on Monday, March 3, 2025, after securing a Certificate, the newly eligible voter may present themselves in person at the Election Division and receive a ballot. 

The ballots will be tallied on Friday, March 14, 2025, in the presence of candidates and their designated observers. To request the livestream of the tally please email Clerk.ElectionAdmin@lacity.org. The Election Division will furnish to the Board the official certified results of the election within 14 days after the date of election. In the event that no candidate receives a majority of all votes cast in the initial election, a runoff election shall be conducted on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, for the two (2) candidates receiving the highest number of votes.  

QUESTIONS – Inquiries regarding the election process may be directed to the Election Division at       (213) 978-0444 or by email at Clerk.ElectionAdmin@lacity.org. Inquiries may also be directed to the Administrative Services and Human Resources Section of the Department of Fire and Police Pensions at (213) 279-3080. 

01/17/2025 UPDATE:

To All Retired (not including DROP), Sworn Fire Department Members

We extend our deepest sympathies and solidarity to all those affected by the unprecedented wildfires impacting the City and County of Los Angeles. We recognize the challenges you may be facing and want to ensure that you are still able to participate in the 2025 Election for the Fire Department Retired Member of the Board, even if your personal residence has been impacted.

Beginning Tuesday, February 18, 2025, if you require a replacement ballot, you may contact the Office of the City Clerk – Election Division through any of the following methods:

  • Phone: (213) 978-0444
  • Email: Clerk.ElectionAdmin@lacity.org
  • In-Person: 555 Ramirez St., Space 300, Los Angeles, CA 90012,

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)

The Election Division will provide you with an Affidavit of Loss/Non-Receipt to complete. Once the Election Division receives the completed Affidavit back – by email, mail, or in-person – they will confirm your eligibility to participate, and you will be issued a replacement ballot. Your replacement ballot can be picked up in-person from the Election Division or mailed to you via U.S. Postal Service to an alternate address. You will also receive a Business Reply Envelope, and an Identification Envelope.

Place the completed Identification Envelope with the voted ballot enclosed into the Business Reply Envelope and deposit in any U.S. Postal Service mailbox. Alternatively, you can provide Election Division the ballot in-person by use of the drop box or mail slot at their office. All ballots must be received by the Election Division no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

LAFPP remains committed to supporting you during this difficult time and ensuring your voice is heard in this important election.

2024 Valuation Reports Approved

Posted on by Elizabeth Trevizo

There are various measures that can be reviewed to determine the overall health of a retirement plan. One such measure is the plan’s funded ratio, which is the ratio of a retirement plan’s assets to its liabilities (i.e., the pension or retiree health benefits we expect to provide to members).

Based on the actuarial report for the period ending June 30, 2024, the combined funded ratio for pension and health benefits is 97.0%, up from 96.8% the previous year. This marks the seventh consecutive year that the combined funded ratio has increased for LAFPP. The pension benefit funded ratio is now 99.8%, up from 99.5%, and the retiree health benefit funded ratio increased from 77.7% to 78.2%. The favorable results are indicative of the continued strength and stability of LAFPP.

Every year a valuation of the LAFPP fund is performed by the Board’s actuary. The valuation reviews the System’s assets and liabilities and establishes the City’s (including the Harbor and Department of Airports) contribution to the fund for each fiscal year. The City’s combined contribution rate, payable on July 15, 2025, will decrease by 2.87% of sworn payroll, from 38.51% to 35.64%. The contribution rate decrease is primarily due to the net loss layer from the June 30, 2009 valuation being fully amortized and the higher than expected investment return on the valuation value of assets (after smoothing), partially offset by higher than expected salary increases for active members and COLA increases for retirees and beneficiaries. The overall unfunded liabilities have decreased from $975 million to $955 million.

The actuarial valuation reports can be found on the Financial Reports page of our website.

Election – Board of Fire and Police Pension Commissioners Police Department Employee Member

Posted on by nashamah.freeman@lafpp.com

ELECTION NOTIFICATION

An Election to select the Police Department Employee Member of the Board of Fire and Police Pension Commissioners (Board) is scheduled on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. The candidate elected will serve the term beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2030.

BOARD MEMBER DUTIES – The Board exercises the prudent person standard in the discharge of its duties. It has sole and exclusive fiduciary responsibility to administer the Fire and Police Pension System (System) and its assets; has the authority to set and adopt investment policies for over $33.43 billion in fund assets (unaudited as of September 30, 2024); and has the duty to establish actuarial assumptions and adopt rules and regulations necessary to administer the System.

Preparation for regular and special meetings requires an individual to commit hours of advanced reading of Board Reports and disability cases. The Board normally meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 8:30 a.m. (PT). Most meetings are from three to four hours in duration. Regular in-person attendance at Board meetings is required.

ELECTION PROCESS – Only active, sworn Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) members of the System are eligible to run and vote for this Board seat. Members who are interested in becoming a candidate are required to complete and submit the Notice of Intent form which was mailed with the Election Notification. Signature gathering by eligible members is not required to run as a candidate.

Along with the Notice of Intent, the candidate has the option to submit an Occupational Ballot Designation and a typewritten Statement of Qualifications.  The Occupational Ballot Designation will be printed under the candidate’s name and shall consist of three words to describe the following: (A) the current principal profession, vocation or occupation of the candidate, or (B) the principal profession, vocation or occupation of the candidate during the last calendar year immediately before the filing of the Notice of Intent to become a candidate. The Statement of Qualifications may include information on education, work experience, years of service, and other relevant qualifications and shall not exceed 300 words in length. Any words beyond the 300-word limit will not be printed.

Starting at 8:00 a.m. (PT) on Friday, December 13, 2024, candidates who wish to qualify for the ballot are required to provide the following documents: 1) Notice of Intent; 2) Occupational Ballot Designation (Optional); and 3) Statement of Qualifications (Optional). The three (3) approved methods of submittal are detailed below. Documents received any other way will NOT be accepted.

1. Hand-Delivery: Candidates may hand deliver the completed forms by visiting the Office of the City Clerk – Election Division (Election Division), at Piper Technical Center, 555 Ramirez Street, Space 300, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

2. Mail: Candidates may submit the completed forms via U.S. Postal Service using the postage-paid envelope provided along with the Election Notification.

3. Email: Candidates may submit the completed forms via email to Clerk.ElectionAdmin@lacity.org.

The completed Notice of Intent must be received by the Election Division by the deadline of 5:00 p.m. (PT) on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.

Eligible voters will receive a ballot in the mail. Voters may choose to return their ballot via mail or may deposit it at the drop box located at the Election Division. Ballots received any other way will NOT be accepted. All completed ballots must be received by the Election Division by 5:00 p.m. (PT) on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 to be counted.

Active, sworn members of LAPD who become eligible within 30 calendar days prior to the Election and wish to vote in the Election should obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (Certificate) from the Personnel Department. Newly eligible members may request an appointment with the Personnel Department to obtain the Certificate by emailing Per.PersonnelServices@lacity.org with the subject line “Request for COE 2025.” The Certificate will be provided to eligible members via secure email. Beginning at 8:00 a.m. (PT) on Friday, February 14, 2025, after securing a Certificate, the newly eligible voter may present themselves in person at the Election Division and receive a ballot.

The ballots will be tallied at the Election Division on Friday, February 28, 2025, in the presence of candidates and their designated observers. To request the livestream of the tally please email Clerk.ElectionAdmin@lacity.org. The Election Division will furnish to the Board the official certified results of the election within 14 days after the date of election. In the event that no candidate receives a majority of all votes cast in the initial election, a runoff election shall be conducted on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, for the two (2) candidates receiving the highest number of votes.

QUESTIONS – Inquiries regarding the election process may be directed to the Election Division at (213) 978-0444 or by email at Clerk.ElectionAdmin@lacity.org. Inquiries may also be directed to the Administrative Services and Human Resources Section of the Department of Fire and Police Pensions at (213) 279-3080.

01/17/2025 UPDATE

To All Active (Including DROP), Sworn Police Department Members

We extend our deepest sympathies and solidarity to all those affected by the unprecedented wildfires impacting the City and County of Los Angeles. We recognize the challenges you may be facing and want to ensure that you are still able to participate in the 2025 Election for the Police Department Employee Member of the Board, even if your personal residence has been impacted.

Beginning Monday, February 3, 2025, if you require a replacement ballot, you may contact the Office of the City Clerk – Election Division through any of the following methods:

  • Phone: (213) 978-0444
  • Email: Clerk.ElectionAdmin@lacity.org
  • In-Person: 555 Ramirez St., Space 300, Los Angeles, CA 90012,

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)

The Election Division will provide you with an Affidavit of Loss/Non-Receipt to complete. Once the Election Division receives the completed Affidavit back – by email, mail, or in-person – they will confirm your eligibility to participate, and you will be issued a replacement ballot. Your replacement ballot can be picked up in-person from the Election Division or mailed to you via U.S. Postal Service to an alternate address. You will also receive a Business Reply Envelope, and an Identification Envelope.

Place the completed Identification Envelope with the voted ballot enclosed into the Business Reply Envelope and deposit in any U.S. Postal Service mailbox. Alternatively, you can provide Election Division the ballot in-person by use of the drop box or mail slot at their office. All ballots must be received by the Election Division no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

LAFPP remains committed to supporting you during this difficult time and ensuring your voice is heard in this important election.