ACERA News

Retired Members: Share Your Input on Possible New Kaiser Medicare Benefit Options

Michael Fara — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 23:44:00 +0000

Retired ACERA Members: ACERA’s Board of Retirement wants your feedback on potential new benefit riders for the Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Medicare Plan. These enhancements could impact plan costs, so your input is important—whether you’d use the benefits or not.

The 5-question survey is very short and should take 4 minutes or less.

Take the Short Survey Now

Survey closes Friday, January 24, 2025.

ACERA Mailed PIN Number Letters to Retirees on January 3

Michael Fara — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 23:02:00 +0000

We want to assure retired members that the PIN number letters mailed to retired members on January 3, 2025, are legitimate. These letters are part of our MemberDirect portal launch, ACERA’s new and improved online member portal. MemberDirect is designed to provide a better experience for managing your retirement account, with features like:

Enhanced User Interface: A modern, intuitive design for easier navigation.
Enhanced Security: Strengthened protection for your personal information, including two-factor authentication.
Mobile-Friendly Access: Convenient access on any device, anytime, anywhere.

Why Did You Receive a PIN Letter?

To initially enroll in MemberDirect, you’ll need a PIN. For retirees, PIN numbers were automatically mailed on January 3, 2025. If you received a letter from ACERA with a PIN number, it is authentic and necessary for accessing MemberDirect.

How Do I Use My PIN?

Use your PIN to enroll in MemberDirect by clicking the button below. If you’re unsure about the correct link to use for enrollment, simply click the button to ensure you’re on the official page.

Enroll in MemberDirect

Need Help? We’re Experiencing High Call Volume

Due to a high number of calls about the PIN letters, our phone lines may have longer-than-usual wait times. For quicker assistance, feel free to reach out to us through our email contact form.

Need a New PIN?

If you misplaced your letter or want to request a new PIN, you can do so by clicking the button below. Please note that requesting a new PIN will deactivate any previously issued PINs, including the one in the mailed letter.

request a New PIN

Go to MemberDirect

We’re excited for you to try out the new MemberDirect portal and enjoy the improved features it offers. If you have questions about your PIN letter or need assistance, please contact ACERA.

Will All Members Receive a PIN Letter?

Yes. The PIN letter mailing schedule is as follows:

Active Members: Mailed November 4, 2024
Retired Members: Mailed January 3, 2025
Deferred and All Other Members: Will mail February 3, 2025

Web Member Services Will Be Available (Un-Updated) Through February 2025

The old portal, Web Member Services, will continue to be available through February 28, 2025. However, the data will not be updated as of October 1, 2024.

To ensure uninterrupted access to your account, make the switch to MemberDirect today!

Social Security Fairness Act Signed Into Law: Important Update for ACERA Safety Members

Michael Fara — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 00:22:00 +0000

The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law by President Biden on January 5, 2025, eliminates reductions in Social Security benefits caused by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).

This law is particularly significant for ACERA Safety Members: Retired Safety Members currently receiving Social Security benefits alongside their ACERA pension may see an increase in their Social Security payments. Active and Deferred Safety Members who have not yet retired will also benefit from this change when they begin collecting Social Security in the future.

For most ACERA General Members, this law will likely have little to no impact unless they receive a pension from non-Social Security-covered employment outside of ACERA.

What Were the WEP and GPO?

The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP): This reduced Social Security benefits for retirees who earned a pension from employment not covered by Social Security, such as ACERA pensions paid to Safety Members who did not pay into Social Security.
The Government Pension Offset (GPO): This reduced or eliminated Social Security spousal or survivor benefits for individuals receiving a pension from non-Social Security-covered employment.

What Does This Mean for You?

For Retired Safety Members Already Receiving Social Security Benefits: Your benefits will no longer be reduced by the WEP or GPO. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is working on implementing this change.
For Active or Deferred Safety Members Who Will File for Social Security in the Future: When you retire and collect Social Security benefits, they will no longer be reduced due to the WEP or GPO.

Will Your ACERA Pension Change?

No. Since the WEP and GPO did not reduce your ACERA pension, your ACERA pension will remain unaffected.

Do You Need to Take Action?

At this time, no action is required for members already receiving Social Security benefits. However, you should ensure the Social Security Administration has your current mailing address and direct deposit information, which you can update through your my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

If you are not yet receiving Social Security benefits but plan to apply, you may file online at www.ssa.gov/apply or schedule an appointment with the Social Security Administration.

Questions?

For more information about the implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act, visit www.ssa.gov or contact the Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/ or 1-800-772-1213.

ACERA Members Received Their 1099-Rs in January 2025

Michael Fara — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 16:19:00 +0000

Get an E-Copy of Your 1099-R by Logging in to Your ACERA Account

ACERA retirees and survivors will receive their 1099-Rs in the mail by January 31, 2025. ACERA reports income to payees on IRS form 1099-R, and the form should be filed with your 2024 tax return.

Like last year, we’ve optimized your security by displaying only the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number on your 1099-R. Rest assured, when we transmit your data to the IRS, it will include your full Social Security Number, ensuring accurate matching with your records.

Access Your 1099-R Form Electronically

You can access your 1099-R form through your MemberDirect account, ACERA’s new online member portal.

To get started with MemberDirect, you’ll need the PIN we mailed to you on January 3, 2025. If you’ve already created your account using a previously requested PIN, you can log in now to view your form.

If you’re waiting for your PIN to arrive, please allow some time for delivery. Once it arrives, you can use it to create your MemberDirect Account by clicking here.

Important: If you request a new PIN through MemberDirect, it will replace any previous PINs, including the one sent on January 3. To avoid delays, wait for your original letter to arrive before requesting a new PIN.

Consider Your 2025 Income Tax Withholding Choices

To update your income tax withholding for 2025, simply follow the instructions on each of the withholding forms linked below. Avoid paper, ink, scanning, and hassle by using the DocuSign forms.

Federal Withholding Form

DocuSign PDF

State Withholding Form

DocuSign PDF

ACERA only handles federal and California state withholdings.

2024 ACERA Hyrbrid Retiree Health & Wellness Fair

Michael Fara — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 17:44:00 +0000

Health & Harmony

One Pass Comparison Slide

Physical Activity - Every Move Matters

Relaxation Techniques

Personal Action Plan - Mental Wellbeing Focus

Resources to Build Resilience

Delta Dental PowerPoint Presentation

One Pass: Free Gym Membership and Home Fitness Kits for Kaiser Senior Advantage Members

Michael Fara — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 22:06:00 +0000

ACERA Launches MemberDirect, a New Portal for ACERA Members

Michael Fara — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 19:52:00 +0000

We’re excited to announce the launch of MemberDirect, ACERA’s new and improved member portal! This launch follows an extensive 5-year project to upgrade our systems, bring significant gains in efficiency through automation, and deliver a better experience for our members.

Enhanced User Interface: A more intuitive and modern design makes navigation easier and faster
Enhanced Security: Protecting your personal information with strengthened security measures, including two-factor authentication
Mobile-Friendly Access: Fully optimized for mobile devices, giving you convenient access anytime, anywhere

Your PIN Will Be Sent Automatically by Mail

To explore MemberDirect, you’ll need a PIN number. Your PIN is mailed to you automatically as follows:

Active Members: Mailed November 4, 2024
Retired Members: Mailed January 3, 2025
Deferred and All Other Members: Will mail February 3, 2025

You Can Request a PIN Now

If your PIN has already mailed, please allow some time for delivery.

If you request a new PIN through MemberDirect by clicking the button below, the new PIN will replace any previous PINs, including the one that has been already sent to you automatically if you’re an Active or Retired Member. To avoid delays, wait for your original letter to arrive before requesting a new PIN.

Click here to request your PIN Number!

Go to MemberDirect

Web Member Services Will Be Available (Un-Updated) Through February 2025

The old portal, Web Member Services, will continue to be available through February 28, 2025. However, the data will not be updated as of October 1, 2024.

To ensure uninterrupted access to your account, make the switch to MemberDirect today!

Notice of Election 2024 for ACERA Board of Retirement

Michael Fara — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 16:11:00 +0000

Nomination Period

9:00 a.m. September 3, 2024 – 5:00 p.m. September 30, 2024

During this period, members can request the Election Information Packet (that includes the nomination papers) by emailing a request to ACERAElectionPacket@acera.org or by calling the election coordinator at 510-628-3077. You can not request a packet before September 3. Full instructions are in the Notice of Election below.

Members submitting completed nomination papers must do so during this period.

Voting Begins

November 13, 2024

Your ballot will arrive by mail.

Voting Ends

Completed ballots must be received by MK Election Services by

December 18, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. PST

for your vote to be counted.

2024 ACERA Notice of Election

July 11 Is Cutoff for Changing Direct Deposit for July 31 Retirement Payments

Michael Fara — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 16:13:00 +0000

ACERA retirees wishing to change their direct deposit information for the July 31, 2024 retirement payment should complete and submit a new Direct Deposit form and return it to ACERA by July 11, 2024. ACERA must receive the form by July 11, 2024.

Use One of These Three Options for Submitting Your Direct Deposit Form to ACERA

Scan and Upload

Print your form and sign it.
Install the free Adobe Scan app on your smartphone:
1. Get Adobe Scan for Android
2. Get Adobe Scan for iPhone
Use Adobe Scan to create a single PDF of all pages of your form. (Watch a tutorial here.). (Alternatively, you can use a physical scanner to create a PDF.)
Log in to your account. Click the Upload Documents link to upload your signed, scanned, PDF form. (Or instead of uploading, you can email it to info@acera.org.)

Or Fax

Fax your printed, signed form to 510-268-9574.

Or Mail

Mail your printed, signed form to:

ACERA

475 14th Street, Suite 1000

Oakland, California 94612

Some ACERA Members May Be Temporarily Affected by Patelco Security Incident

Michael Fara — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:24:00 +0000

ACERA retirees and payees who have their monthly retirement payments direct deposited into Patelco Credit Union should be aware of a recent security issue being reported by Patelco. ACERA successfully transferred members’ direct deposits to Patelco on Friday, June 28 on time. On Saturday, June 29, Patelco informed its customers of potential temporary restrictions on bank accounts due to a security incident.

We sympathize with the challenges this may pose for ACERA members who bank with Patelco. Unfortunately, because the funds were successfully transferred to Patelco prior to Patelco’s issue, ACERA is unable to issue additional retirement payments or retirement checks. For the sake of our members, we hope that Patelco can swiftly resolve its security situation.

For further updates and assistance, we suggest visiting www.patelco.org or contacting Patelco directly.

Kaiser Medicare Members: Over-the-Counter Benefit Does Not Apply

Michael Fara — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 16:04:00 +0000

Please be advised that ACERA’s Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Medicare plan does not include an over-the-counter benefit for non-prescription drugs and medical supplies. Earlier this year, some Senior Advantage enrollees may have received an Evidence of Coverage document from Kaiser that mistakenly listed this benefit. As a result, a few ACERA members may have inadvertently received the benefit before Kaiser Permanente identified and corrected it. Kaiser Permanente will not seek reimbursement from members for any benefits provided in error.

Active Members Can Now Make an Advance Death Benefit Election

Michael Fara — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 22:13:00 +0000

Exciting news! ACERA Active Members have the opportunity to make a significant election that could leave greater benefits for your loved ones in case you die before retirement.

Introducing the Advance Death Benefit Election, authorized by ACERA’s Board of Retirement. Here’s what you need to know:

Potentially Increased Benefits: This election allows you to potentially increase the benefits paid to your designated beneficiaries.
Flexible Choices: Designate any person(s) you wish, including your spouse, domestic partner, children, or any other individual(s), to potentially receive lifetime benefits after your death.

There is no disadvantage to making this election. To learn more about how this election works, visit: www.acera.org/adv

How to Make the New Election

It’s simple. Just review the webpage, then complete a new Active or Deferred Member Beneficiary Designation Form designating your primary and contingent beneficiaries, and check the box for the Advance Death Benefit Election on the form. Follow the instructions on the last page of the form to submit it. Easy!

Submit a Beneficiary Designation Form

For extra help, watch this video tutorial on how to submit the form.

Important Notes

We anticipate that many active members will want to take advantage of this opportunity. Please be aware that due to high demand, it may take ACERA some time to update any changes to your beneficiary(ies) in our database. However, rest assured that the designation of your beneficiary(ies) with the new election takes effect as soon as ACERA receives your completed form, regardless of processing time.

Additionally, please note that the Advance Death Benefit Election will not be displayed in your ACERA online account.

Take this chance to maximize benefits for your loved ones!

ACERA Members Received Their 1099-Rs in January 2024

Michael Fara — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 17:27:00 +0000

Get an E-Copy of Your 1099-R by Logging in to Your ACERA Account

ACERA retirees and survivors will receive their 1099-Rs in the mail by January 31, 2024. ACERA reports income to payees on IRS form 1099-R, and the form should be filed with your 2023 tax return.

This year, we’ve bolstered your security by displaying only the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number on your 1099-R, a change from previous years where the entire number was shown. Rest assured, when we transmit your data to the IRS, it will include your full Social Security Number, ensuring accurate matching with your records.

Additionally, the 1099-R has a slightly new look, and the instruction page is on a separate sheet. See examples of here:

[file:6673]

[file:6674]

Get an Electronic Copy Now

Your 1099-R form is available now in your Web Member Services account. Log in to take advantage of this great feature.

Consider Your 2024 Income Tax Withholding Choices

To update your income tax withholding for 2024, simply follow the instructions on each of the withholding forms linked below. Avoid paper, ink, scanning, and hassle by using the DocuSign forms.

Federal Withholding Form

DocuSign PDF

State Withholding Form

DocuSign PDF

ACERA only handles federal and California state withholdings.

ACERA 2023 1099-R Sample

ACERA 1099-R Instruction Page

2023 Virtual ACERA Retiree Health & Wellness Fair

bramirez@acera.org — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 17:00:00 +0000

Here's to a Healthier You

Caution: Beware of Fraudulent DocuSign Emails Targeting ACERA Retirees

Michael Fara — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 02:15:00 +0000

On Thursday, July 20, 2023, one of ACERA’s retired members received a fraudulent email, disguised to appear as though it was sent from DocuSign. This deceptive email asked the recipient to resubmit a direct deposit form for their ACERA pension. This email was designed to confuse, because DocuSign is a legitimate company that ACERA uses to provide electronic form submittal to our members.

What the Fraudulent Email Looked Like

For your reference, here’s an image of the fraudulent email that was received by our member (recipient name has been changed):

ACERA Will Be Closed June 19 in Observation of the Juneteenth Federal Holiday

Michael Fara — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 23:47:00 +0000

County of Alameda offices, including ACERA, will be closed on Monday, June 19, 2023 in observation of the Juneteenth federal holiday.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the date Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas with news of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation that the war was over, and that enslaved people were free throughout the nation. While celebrated in communities throughout the United States for many years, in June of 2021, Juneteenth became an official federal holiday, recognizing the end of slavery in the United States and marking a day of remembrance and celebration of Black culture and history.

Covid Testing and Treatment Coverage Rules Have Changed for Some ACERA Members Enrolled in Kaiser Permanente Plans

Michael Fara — Thu, 25 May 2023 19:35:00 +0000

Changes at the federal level may have resulted in changes to coverages for Medicare-eligible ACERA retirees enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Plan. See the table below for current coverage levels and rules.

The State of California has issued an extension until November 12, 2023 before Covid coverage changes take effect for non-Medicare (under age 65) enrollees in the Kaiser Permanente HMO. See the table below for current coverage levels effective until that date.

ACERA’s Office Closed to In-Person Visits Due to Site Maintenance on Friday, May 26

Michael Fara — Thu, 11 May 2023 21:48:00 +0000

Phones Will Be Open

ACERA’s office will be closed to in-person visits due to site maintenance on Friday, May 26, 2023. However, ACERA will be open for business that day virtually, and will be taking calls and answering emails. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Would YOU Make a Good Grand Juror?

Michael Fara — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 15:58:00 +0000

Do you want to increase the efficiency of local government, save taxpayers’ dollars, and improve services?
Are you a good listener?
Can you cooperate with 18 others towards a common goal?
Can you keep a secret? All of your work must be kept confidential.
Can you commit yourself to a full year of work?
Can you ask thoughtful questions, review documents, and help write reports?
Can you attend at least two morning meetings each week in Oakland?
Can you contribute a substantial amount of time to the Grand Jury? (at least 10-20 hours or more per month)

Alameda County Superior Court is seeking at least 30 nominees to serve on the Grand Jury — six from each Alameda County Supervisorial District. Ultimately, 19 jurors will be selected randomly from this pool to be impaneled as the Alameda County Civil Grand Jury for 2023-2024. Nominations are accepted throughout the year, however, the focus at present is to build a Grand Jury for this fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023. That means staff must receive nominations no later than May 5, 2023.

The jury’s primary responsibility is to examine and report on the operations of local government agencies and to investigate citizen complaints, acting as the public’s watchdog.

More Information

For more information on what Grand Jury service entails, review these flyers:

How to Apply

Information about qualifications and the application process can be found on the Civil Grand Jury page.

Questions?

For questions about Grand Jury service, please email accivilgrandjury@alameda.courts.ca.gov or call the Court’s Executive Office at 510-924-3800.

ACERA Office Will Open for Walk-In Visitors Weekdays March 1

Michael Fara — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 19:42:00 +0000

Beginning March 1, 2023, ACERA’s office will reopen to the public on weekdays from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Walk-ins are welcomed.

For members ready to retire, ACERA offers in-person and virtual Ready-To-Retire Counseling appointments.

Members not yet ready to retire but seeking an in-person or virtual appointment can schedule an appointment here or call 510-628-3000.

ACERA continues to monitor the public health situation and may adjust our in-person offerings as the situation changes.

Submit Documents in Our Drop Box Without an Appointment

Members can submit forms and documents in-person utilizing the drop box in our office elevator lobby on the 10th floor of 475 14th Street in Oakland without needing to speak with ACERA staff.

Continue to Connect With Us Virtually

Though the pandemic has eased somewhat, a top priority at ACERA remains the health and wellbeing of our members, our employees, and our families. To keep ensuring members’ safety while serving members’ retirement needs, we’re encouraging members to continue connecting with us virtually whenever possible, thereby limiting visits to ACERA’s office. We’re regularly expanding our virtual services and educational resources to help members plan their retirements.

Counseling appointments will continue to be offered via Zoom and over the phone, which is how 99% of appointments are currently being conducted. Our call center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm. We continue to respond to members’ emails within 2 business days. We continue to hold all seminars as webinars.