Benefits Update - May 2017

COLA

The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) effective July 1, 2017, for all eligible pensioners and DROP participants will receive an increase of 2.7 percent beginning with the pension payment dated July 31, 2017. The COLA amount is based on the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County area for all urban consumers, for the annual period beginning March 1, 2016, and ending Feb. 28, 2017.

For the first time in the history of the LAFPP, the value fund is over $20 billion. I would like to personally thank the LAFPP staff and pension commissioners for their hard work, dedication, due diligence, commitment and loyalty to the men and women of police and fire. LAFPP’s best practices have earned this historical moment. Additionally, the pension funding status is at 93.9 percent, which is incredible in today’s environment. Pension plans throughout the country can learn a few best practices from our talented staff and commissioners.

Open enrollment for Delta Dental is May 1–31
Delta Dental open enrollment is from May 1–31, 2017. This year we are again pleased to announce there will be no cost increase to members while retaining all the outstanding benefits members who participate in Delta Dental currently enjoy.

Several new benefit enhancements are:
• Orthodontics coverage increased from $2,000 to $2,250
• Diagnostic and preventive procedures will no longer be applied to your calendar year maximum
• New cost estimator to budget/estimate any covered benefit
• Elimination of the two-year waiting period to re-enroll

Last year, many members took advantage of the many outstanding benefits our plan provides, such as no deductibles for PPO dentists and increased orthodontic and implant benefits, to name a few. If you are not a Delta Dental member, we urge you once again to take a look at the League Delta Dental plan and see for yourself if the number one name in dental coverage, with the country’s largest PPO network, is right for you.

The League’s new online Benefit Solver (LAPPLbenefits.com) provides all the information and tools you need to review or change your dental coverage effective July 1, 2017. Members can make any changes online to Delta Dental starting May 1 through May 31, 2017, only.

Please don’t forget that Open Enrollment is the time to make any changes to your profile, include new family members, or enroll if you do not currently participate in the League Dental Plan!

New dental cost estimator
Looking to budget your dental costs? Try the cost estimator. This feature of Delta Dental’s online services gives you a personalized estimate of how much you’ll pay for your next dentist visit.

Whether you’re getting braces or need a cavity filled, you’ll choose from the top reasons for visiting the dentist, written in everyday language. The cost estimator organizes information logically, so you don’t need to be concerned whether the service involves multiple procedure codes or visits.

Advantages:
• It is easy to use, and the questions guide you through the process, letting you add services to your visit, like getting X-rays or a cleaning alongside your dental exam.
• It is based on real data. Your cost estimate is calculated from actual claims Delta Dental has processed and is updated daily.
• It is personalized. You’ll get a customized cost based on your actual benefits, taking into account any maximums and remaining deductible.
• It is available on desktop and mobile, so get an estimate on your computer, tablet or phone.

Features:
• Change your dentist. Want to know if you’d save by switching to another dentist? Test it out by comparing up to five dentists.
• Personalize your procedure. Specify which tooth is being treated, the type of filling you need or whether you’re going to a specialist. The price will be calculated accordingly.
• Keep track of your benefits. A handy sidebar shows the current status of any deductibles and annual and lifetime maximums.

How to navigate:
Start by selecting the service you need. As you explore, you can answer additional questions (like “Which tooth?” or “Are you a new patient?”) to further customize your results. If you’ve been using your dental benefits, your current dentist will show up by default, but if you want to see other options, just click on “Select dentists” to compare. Whenever you’re ready, click “See cost.”

Try it out! Ready to get an estimate?
1. Log in to your account at www.deltadentalins.com. (If you don’t have one yet, click on “Register.”)
2. Click on the “cost estimator” link by your name.

If you have any questions, please call me at (213) 792-1089 or email me at [email protected]. Be safe.