For years now, the Insurance & Benefits Trust (IBT) has been providing PORAC members with exceptional benefits designed by peace officers for peace officers. These benefits provide comprehensive coverage and affordable insurance products for our member participants.

As open enrollment has drawn to a close, the IBT would like to take a moment to review contact information with our members new and old on the coverages available.

Any Health Plan inquiries members have can be directed to the IBT directly by calling (800) 655-6397, and selecting Option 1 for Health Plan Members. We have a dedicated in-house staff whose sole purpose is to assist our members with any issues that may arise when using the Police & Fire Health Plan – including but not limited to: plan coverage and billing questions, Coordination of Benefits questionnaires, replacement insurance cards, and much more.

For concerns regarding pharmacy coverage, members can contact CarelonRX at (833) 261-2460. This is the pharmacy benefits manager the IBT and Anthem have partnered with to provide prescription coverages to members.

The IBT also offers dental and vision coverage through Delta Dental and VSP respectively. Vision coverage is available for active employees and a dental/vision package is available for Retired Associate Members. Delta Dental offers retired members a HMO or PPO plan of their choosing. Any concerns member have regarding dental coverage can be directed to Delta Dental at (800) 765-6003 and any concerns regarding vision can be directed to VSP at (800) 877-7195.

In addition, the IBT has also partnered with California Casualty to provide auto and homeowners insurance plans for our members. California Casualty offers unique coverage, exceptional service and member-only rates you cannot get through companies that insure the general public. Members can reach California Casualty by calling (833) 989-3898.

The IBT also provides a variety of supplemental insurance plans administered by AFLAC. These supplemental plans are designed to assist in offsetting the costs of medical expenses and pay benefits directly to the employees. The plans include Accident Advantage, Critical Care Protection, Cancer Protection Assurance and Hospital Choice. Aflac can be contacted by dialing (858) 344-4331.

Currently, Myers-Stevens & Toohey manages disability and life programs on behalf of the IBT. They can be contacted at (800) 827-4695. As communicated previously, there will be a change to administrative duties with regard to these plans. As we approach January 2025, the IBT will fully manage the disability and life programs in-house. During this transition, feel free to reach out to Damon Kurtz, Association Retention and Recruitment Manager, with any questions. You can reach him by email at dkurtz@ibtofporac.org or by calling (559) 978-8065.

As always, the IBT remains committed to providing quality products and services to all its members through our business partners and we will continue to find ways to enhance these products and services to best suit our member’s needs. For a more in depth look at all coverages offered visit the IBT’s site at ibtofporac.org.

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Featured in the November 2024 issue of PORAC Law Enforcement News.

CalPERS Open Enrollment Runs September 16th through October 11th

The 2025 rates for the Police & Fire Health Plan sponsored by the Insurance and Benefits Trust of PORAC were finalized. Our rates are some of the lowest rates available to our members and in some cases, lower than some HMO plans!

The Police & Fire Health Plan proudly serves over 26,000 Safety members and their families, with one of the most comprehensive health plans available in the CalPERS system.

If your employer is a member of the CalPERS health plan network, your association is an Association of PORAC and you are a member of PORAC, you may be eligible to enroll in the plan.

If you were previously covered by the Police & Fire Health Plan, but are not now, or you wish to be covered, open enrollment is the only time you can change plans (with little exception). The 2024 open enrollment period will run from September 16, 2024 through October 11, 2024.

Please review the rates and compare PORAC’s rates in your area. We encourage you and your family to consider joining the over 26,000 current subscribers enrolled in the Health Plan.

The Insurance and Benefits Trust of PORAC is committed to serving its members and we look forward to serving you and your family’s insurance needs now and into the future.

We also have a dedicated staff whose only job is to make sure you and your family receive the best care and service available.

For questions about the plan, contact our Insurance Services Representatives at
(800) 655-6397, Option 1.

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Featured in the October 2024 issue of PORAC Law Enforcement News.

The Insurance and Benefits Trust of PORAC’s (IBT) Board of Trustees have set the 2025 health plan rates for the Police and Fire Health Plan.

Following the past years trends, the cost of medical services continued to rise for the health insurance industry as a whole. Increased health insurance costs are contributed to by a continued rise in health care use, increased pharmacy spending, the rising cost of care, labor shortages and many other factors.

The IBT Board of Trustees met to review the experience for each region and Plan for active employees and retirees. The experience of all regions and Plans were thoroughly considered along with health insurance trends when determining the 2025 Police and Fire Health Plan rates.

Although industry rate trends increased, the 2025 rates for the Health Plan still remain lower than some HMO plans and the Plan’s Special Reserves remain strong.

Public Agencies

	EmployeeOnly	Employee+1 Dependent	Employee2+ Dependents
Region 1	$975.00	$2,218.00	$2,777.00
Region 2	$970.00	$1,951.00	$2,484.00
Region 3	$970.00	$1,951.00	$2,484.00
Out of State	$1,106.00	$2,246.00	$2,661.00
Supplemental Plan to Medicare	$507.00	$1,123.00	$1,521.00

Region 1: Northern California
Region 2: Central California
Region 3: LA, Riverside & San Bernardino

State Agencies

	Employee Only	Employee+1 Dependent	Employee2+ Dependents
California	$894.00	$1,789.00	$2,325.00
Out of State	$1,106.00	$2,246.00	$2,661.00
Supplemental Plan to Medicare	$507.00	$1,123.00	$1,521.00

If you were previously covered by the Police and Fire Health Plan, but are not now, or you wish to be covered or make changes to your coverage, open enrollment is the only time to do so.

Open Enrollment for 2025 coverage will be from September 16, 2024 through October 11, 2024.

The Insurance & Benefits Trust of PORAC is committed to serving its members and we look forward to serving you and your family’s insurance needs now and into the future. We also have a dedicated staff whose only job is to make sure you and your family receive the best care and service available. Any questions regarding coverage can be directed to an IBT Insurance Services Representative at (800) 655-6397, Option 1.

The Police and Fire Health Plan proudly serves over 25,000 Safety members and their families with one of the most comprehensive health plans available in the CalPERS System. We encourage you to contact your Human Resources Department or CalPERS, if you are retired, and make the change to the IBT’s Police and Fire Health Plan.

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Featured in the September 2024 issue of PORAC Law Enforcement News.

Good oral health is important to maintaining your general health and well-being. Poor oral health can cause pain, poor performance, productivity loss, and a lower quality of life. Oral diseases — which range from cavities and gum disease to oral cancer — are largely preventable with a combination of professional and self-care. ¹

Some of the steps you can take to maintain good oral hygiene include:

1. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
2. Cleaning between teeth regularly, aiming for once a day.
3. Eating a well-balanced diet and making sure to limit sweets and sugary drinks.
4. Visiting the dentist for routine check-ups and professional cleanings. ²

Oral disease may not always cause pain or show any easily detectible signs until the disease has reached a more serious stage. This is why routine dental check-ups are so important. Dental check-ups can also be a time when you and your provider discuss your unique risks for developing oral diseases, and how to help protect your oral health. ³

The Insurance and Benefits Trust of PORAC (IBT) provides dental insurance administered by Delta Dental to Retired Associate Members (RAM) so you can take a step in the right direction when it comes to your oral health.

Retired Associate Members (RAM) are eligible for both HMO and PPO dental coverage plans with a large, stable network of dentists. When it comes to choosing a dental plan, you want benefits that fit the needs of you and your family. Delta Dental PPO and DeltaCare USA both offer comprehensive dental coverage, quality care and excellent customer service.

To learn more about each plan, you can visit the Dental page, or call to speak with an IBT Insurance Service Representative at (800) 655-6397, Option 1.

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Featured in the August 2024 issue of PORAC Law Enforcement News.

<sup>1. Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov ↩
2. Retrieved from National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, nidcr.nih.gov ↩
3. Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov ↩</sup>

Moving forward this summer the Insurance and Benefits Trust of PORAC (IBT) will take over full administrative duties from Myers-Stevens-Toohey & Co. Inc. (MST).

For the last 33 years, the IBT has been offering disability, life, accidental death and dismemberment, and vision and dental plans to law enforcement and their families administered though MST. The IBT has always been about cops working for cops, and with this shift to bring administrative duties in-house, the IBT is living up to that commitment.

In addition to premium payment collection, the only administrative change for members will be that the IBT is now your point of contact for any inquiries related to applications, member enrollment, updates to your information and benefits. By bringing the direct administration of the above-mentioned plans in house, the IBT will be able to generate long-term cost savings while increasing customer service and responsiveness. We will also be able to provide more direct oversight. We want to ensure this transition is as smooth as possible and to minimize any potential disruptions to your service.

In addition to the changes to disability, life, accidental death and dismemberment, and vision and dental plans the IBT is happy to announce that our health plan team now has more representatives available than ever to assist with your needs.

This is especially important as CalPERS has announced their open enrollment dates. The 2024 CalPERS Open Enrollment period will run from September 16, 2024 to October 11, 2024.

The Board of Trustees will be meeting in the coming months to establish rates for the 2025 coverage year. Please look for more information in the coming issues to stay informed on the 2025 rates.

As always, the IBT thanks PORAC members and its participants for supporting the IBT’s benefits. The IBT will continue its commitment to serving its participants and we look forward to serving you and your family’s insurance needs now and into the future.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to your Region Trustee or the IBT at (800) 655-6397. We are looking forward to working with you!

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Featured in the July 2024 issue of PORAC Law Enforcement News.

To allow for technical development and to ensure a smooth transition for our members, we will continue to utilize the services of Myers-Stevens & Toohey (MST) through the end of the year.

Dental/Vision premiums should continue to be sent to MST. If you have submitted a Dental/Vision premium to the Insurance & Benefits Trust (IBT) that is acceptable. The IBT is working in partnership with MST and your premium will be accepted and processed.

You may carry insurance on important and valuable items in your life like you home and auto, but have you considered protecting one of your most crucial assets? Your ability to earn an income. It may seem unfathomable to someone who is healthy; however, one-in-four individuals in the US will experience a disability in their lifetime and Peace Officers may experience periods of disability at a higher rate due to their line of work.

The Insurance and Benefits Trust of PORAC (IBT) offers participating associations access to Group Short and Long Term Disability (STD/LTD) plans. These STD/LTD plans provide the protection you will need by replacing a percentage of your income should you become disabled and unable to work. This gives you the peace of mind needed to continue supporting yourself and your family.

Currently, there are over 23,000 PORAC members from more than 190 participating associations enrolled in the IBT’s disability plans. The STD/LTD plans offered through the IBT have several coverage options available to best suit an association’s specific needs. Each of the group disability plans provide accidental death benefits of up to $65,000, which covers you on and off duty 24/7.

There are two main types of disability coverage – Short Term and Long Term coverage. Both replace a portion of your lost income up to a maximum amount. Short Term Disability (STD) plans typically provide benefits for a few months up to one year as long as you’re unable to perform the duties of your occupation.

Long Term Disability (LTD) plans typically provide benefits until your disability ends or until you reach retirement age. The LTD plan offered through the IBT is administered through MetLife, one of the largest disability insurance providers in the nation. MetLife has been insuring people for over 150 years and has a financial strength rating that is among the highest in the industry.

On behalf of the Insurance and Benefit Trust, we’d like to thank our currently participating associations for their continued confidence and trust in us as your Disability Plan provider. If your association does not currently participate in the Group STD/LTD plans, we would welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss the plans with you.

For questions regarding the STD/LTD plans, call the IBT at (800) 655-6397 or review the Disability Plan Comparison to learn more.

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Featured in the June 2024 issue of PORAC Law Enforcement News.

Aflac is here to help you when things go wrong. Our plans are designed to help you through catastrophic events and accidents big or small, by paying you based on medical treatment received. Over 50% of bankruptcies are caused by medical bills, AFLAC was designed to help keep you whole financially while you are dealing with a serious illness or accident.

Today we offer PORAC members Accident, Cancer, Critical Care and Hospital. We also offer Short Term Disability when appropriate.

We call AFLAC Accident coverage a no brainer. This plan covers you on or off the job and pays you based on what happens at doctors and hospitals, as well as ambulance, ICU, surgeries, MRIs, and more. Added benefits for organized sporting activities. These benefits are payable if you know when and how you were injured, and you get medical treatment. There is also a once per year, per policy wellness benefit of $60.

Scenario 1: You chase a suspect and tweak your knee; you have a claim. Scenario 2: You are having a fun off-road weekend with your family and crash your bike, you have a claim. Scenario 3: Your kid is playing football, cheerleading, playing T-ball or jumps off the furniture and they get hurt, you have a claim. If you see a doctor for the injury, you have a claim.

The Cancer plan covers all types of cancers, from minor skin cancers to profoundly serious internal cancers. Coverage includes benefits for diagnosis, surgeries, hospitalization, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy and approved experimental treatments. There are over 30 benefits available on this plan. There is also an annual wellness benefit of $75 each year for each family member, when having a cancer screening.

Scenario: You are diagnosed and don’t know how you’re going to manage, because you need to be off work for a time for surgery, hospitalization, chemo, radiation, etc. This plan will continue to pay you when you have ongoing treatment or a reoccurrence down the road.

Critical Care Protection covers specific serious events like heart attacks, strokes, major third-degree burns, comas, paralysis, and more. Some covered events are accidents, others are illnesses. This policy also covers hospitalization for the listed specific events, and ICU for any reason. It includes continuing care to help you get better after an event.

Scenario: ICU is the most used part of this plan, mostly for NICU babies. They are automatically covered when born and for their first 30 days if they are born at least 10 months after the policy goes into force.

Hospital Choice has benefits for emergency room, short stay, surgeries, hospital, and ICU. It also has benefits for physician visits, major diagnostic exams, labs and x-rays, and ambulance.

The AFLAC for PORAC team is here to help you by explaining plans in more detail. We can also help you file claims, from helping gather the documents you need, to getting them uploaded to AFLAC. We can also help with coverage changes, questions about benefits, enrollments, etc. Always call your AFLAC for PORAC team when you need anything regarding AFLAC.

To learn more about AFLAC plans and how they can help you and your family, please visit the IBT’s Supplemental coverage page or call (858) 344-4331 to find your local AFLAC for PORAC agent. Stay safe!

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Featured in the May 2024 issue of PORAC Law Enforcement News.

Did you know the Insurance and Benefit Trust (IBT) of PORAC offers a Medicare Supplement plan? In addition to supplementing treatment covered by Medicare, the IBT plan also covers some services that are not covered by Medicare such as vision and hearing care.

Along with Medicare Supplement coverage, comes prescription coverage. The plan provides coverage for generic, brand name and specialty drugs that Medicare covers, plus additional medications beyond what Medicare allows, known as “extra covered drugs”. There are 65,000 network pharmacies, plus a mail order option.

It is important to be proactive and start the process of transitioning to Medicare and Medicare Supplement well before you turn age 65. IBT will reach out to you 60 to 90 days before your 65th birthday to let you know it is time to begin the transition. The process involves the below three steps:

1. Contact Social Security at (800) 772-1213 to enroll in Medicare or enroll online at SSA.gov
2. Once you have enrolled in Medicare, provide CalPERS with your completed Certification of Medicare Status by sending it via fax to CalPERS at (800) 959-6545.
3. Once you have received your Medicare ID cards and have sent proof of your Medicare enrollment to CalPERS, complete the Anthem Blue Cross Senior Prescription Plan enrollment form. There is no additional cost to enroll in the prescription plan as it is included in your Medicare Supplement premium.

In addition to health and pharmacy benefits, our members receive discounts on fitness and wellness products at over 16,000 participating fitness centers nationwide, as well as access to online health and wellness classes. You also have access to savings on certain vision and hearing products.

Insurance Service Representatives are available at (800) 655-6397 to answer any of your questions.

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Featured in the April 2024 issue of PORAC Law Enforcement News.

Since its inception in 1914, California Casualty has steadfastly honored our commitment to safeguarding customers, prioritizing the well-being of our policyholders at the forefront of our mission. Today, we are reaffirming our unwavering dedication to serving affinity partners and their members.

California is currently contending with a profound auto and home insurance crisis, leading numerous insurance companies to suspend their customer service or exit the California marketplace entirely. In significant contrast, California Casualty has consistently kept our promise and set ourselves apart by delivering exceptional service and peace officer-specific benefits, even amid the most challenging economic times. Our dedication to serving PORAC members remains resolute, a commitment upheld for over 50 years.

The present state of the auto and home insurance industry in California is influenced by various factors, both historical and ongoing. These encompass the post-pandemic surge in claim frequency and severity, unprecedented wildfires and weather events, inflation driving up costs for replacement, repair, or rebuilding, and supply chain disruptions causing delays in parts and materials, among others.

Compounding these challenges are government regulations and requirements in some states, like California, which prevent insurance carriers to quickly adjust insurance rates as needed. The consequence has been insurance carriers abandoning the California market, leaving many people struggling to secure essential insurance protection, and rates increasing significantly to catch up with years of suppressed costs and today’s higher claims expenses.

As we reiterate our commitment to serving PORAC members, it’s crucial to acknowledge that California Casualty has not been immune to these challenges.

One notable impact has been the downgrade of our AM Best financial rating. Fortunately, the vast majority of our policyholders remain unaffected. A small percentage, primarily those with a home policy underwritten by specific mortgage companies, may need to take action. Additional information can be found here. Rest assured, California Casualty possesses the necessary capital to meet all policyholders’ needs, and we are actively working to enhance our financial rating, ensuring we remain a reliable and stable insurance provider.

A more widespread impact is the increase in the cost of coverage. Despite being a family-owned company not swayed by stock market pressures, California Casualty has found it necessary to adjust rates. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by the public safety community, we diligently work to minimize these costs, maintain affordability, and secure the long-term sustainability of your PORAC auto and home insurance member benefit.

Even in the face of the evolving insurance landscape, PORAC members who are California Casualty policyholders boast an impressive 93%* retention rate, far surpassing the industry average. Program participation remains robust, with over 21,000 vehicles and homes currently in force.

No matter the challenges ahead, California Casualty remains dedicated to serving members with the utmost care and compassion. Our STAR PROMISE™ is to provide protection that is Simple, Trusted, Affordable, and Right for YOU.

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Featured in the March 2024 issue of PORAC Law Enforcement News.

*As of 11/30/2023 for PORAC members in California

Coverages, benefits, availability, rates and discounts may vary by area, state, or individual rating factors and are subject to underwriting approval. Policies in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Oregon and Wyoming are underwritten by California Casualty; policies in other US states may be available through California Casualty Agency Services. To reach Agency Services, please call (877) 652-2638.

February isn’t just for celebrating Valentine’s Day! February is also Heart Health Month and February 2nd is National Wear Red Day!

These campaigns were designed to bring awareness to heart disease, which is a leading cause of death for many Americans. An important goal of these campaigns is to educate men and women about the risk factors surrounding heart disease and providing information on how to prevent and reduce heart disease.

For both men and women, heart disease is the leading cause of death but it is also a preventable disease. 600,000 Americans die from heart disease every year.¹

One of the most common types of heart disease is coronary artery disease – also called coronary heart disease or cardiovascular disease – where plaque, made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances in the blood, builds up and can lead to atherosclerosis, a thickening and hardening of the arteries.² Plaque can build up end up causing blockage in the blood vessels, resulting in a heart attack or possible sudden cardiac death.

Law enforcement officers have an even more heightened liklihood of heart disease than the general population, with risk factors that include acute and chronic physical and psychological stress, sleep deprevation due to shift work, increased obesity and more.³ Studies have shown that officers suffer heart attacks at a younger age than their civillian counterparts, and those attacks are much more likely to be fatal.⁴

Heart disease is common, but it is also a preventable disease. Many organizations, including the American Heart Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Dignity Health all agree that choosing a heart healthy lifestyle is the best decision you can make.

The good news is that there are several small steps you can take to reduce your chance of heart disease:

1. Exercise regularly and moderately for at least 20 to 30 minutes; if you have heart disease, contact your physician for a safe exercise regimen;
2. Incorporate a diet that is low in salt, sugar and saturated fats, such as a Mediterranean Diet;
3. Maintain a body weight that is within the normal range in accordance with organizations like the National Institute of Health and the American Heart Association and be aware of the number of calories in the foods you eat and make needed adjustments to maintain a healthy weight;⁵
4. Reduce stress by getting sufficient sleep and learning and practicing relaxation techniques;
5. Avoid smoking, recreational drug use and drinking alcohol excessively, and,
6. Know your family health history and review your risk factors with your physician.

Knowing that heart disease remains the nation’s most preventable medical condition, it’s important to adopt a healthy lifestyle and take positive steps to stay healthy and prevent heart disease. A 1% change is better than no change at all.

For more information on a heart-healthy lifestyle, please visit the resources on the Anthem Blue Cross website.

PORAC and the Insurance and Benefits Trust wish you all a happy and healthy New Year and we hope that this information will be both helpful and encouraging!

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Featured in the February 2024 issue of PORAC Law Enforcement News.

<sup>1. Retrieved from Dignity Health, dignityhealth.org ↩
2. Retrieved from The Heart Foundation, theheartfoundation.org ↩
3. Retrieved from Tara A. Hartley, et al., “Health Disparities in Police Officers: Comparisons to the US General Population.” ncbi.mlm.nih.gov ↩
4. Retrieved from John M. Violanti, et al., “Life Expectancy in Police Officers: Comparisons to the US General Population.” ncbi.mlm.nih.gov ↩
5. Retrieved from The National Institutes of Health, nhlbi.nih.gov/ ↩</sup>