It’s important that you periodically review your insurances to ensure you and your family’s needs are being met and protected. One often overlooked insurance is life insurance. Life insurance is designed to offer you peace of mind that your loved ones will be financially safeguarded should something happen to you. Life insurance provides a payout, commonly referred to as a death benefit, to beneficiaries upon the policyholder’s death.

The death benefit can cover a multitude of expenses, including funeral costs, debts, mortgages, and daily living expenses. The burden of these expenses could fall solely on the surviving family members if there’s no life insurance policy in place. The cost of these expenses could potentially put your loved ones in a difficult financial situation.

The Insurance and Benefits Trust of PORAC (IBT) has partnered with MetLife to provide Supplemental Term Life insurance as well as Accidental Death insurance. These coverages can help alleviate any financials strain your family may face as a result of your untimely passing.

Supplemental Term Life Insurance

While the MetLife plan allows for purchasing additional term life insurance that works in conjuncture with your employer-provided coverage, it offers many additional benefits. The supplemental term life plan, at no extra cost, provides the following:

1. Will Preparation You and your family have access to MetLife Legal plan attorneys to prepare/update a will, living will or power of attorney.
2. Estate Resolution Services You and your family have access to participating MetLife Legal plan attorneys to settle your estate.
3. Grief Counseling Provides up to five counseling sessions with a licensed grief counselor.

Accidental Death Insurance

You may consider adding accidental death coverage to your life plan. Accidental death coverage works in addition to your life plan by covering you 24/7, 365 days a year. Accidental death insurance cover loss of life in the event of a fatal accident.

Life and accidental death insurances offer critical financial protection to your family and helps to ensure their future is secure, regardless of life’s uncertainties. Knowing that family members will be taken care of financially in the event of an unexpected death can reduce stress and anxiety about the future. Life insurance helps people focus on enjoying life in the present without worrying about the financial burdens their loved ones might face in the future.

To learn more about the IBT sponsored life and accidental death insurance please call Damon Kurtz, Association Retention and Recruitment Manager, at (559) 978-8065 or reach out to him via email at dkurtz@ibtofporac.org. You can also learn more by vising the IBT’s Disability, Life and AD&D page.

---

Featured in the March 2025 issue of PORAC Law Enforcement News.

The Insurance and Benefits Trust of PORAC (IBT) offers comprehensive vision coverage through VSP for retired members and active employees whose Association have opted into the IBT sponsored vision plan. Vision health is essential for maintaining a high quality of life. Your vision directly impacts all your daily activities such as reading, driving, and interacting with the world around you. The ability to see clearly is often taken for granted, yet your eyes are constantly exposed to stressors that can impact their function over time. As you age or face environmental factors, maintaining good vision health becomes an increasingly important aspect of your overall well-being.

Most people don’t often think of their eyes when it comes to taking care of their health. But according to the CDC, approximately 12 million people over 40 have some kind of vision impairment in the US and this number is predicted to more than double by 2050.¹ With such a significant increase on the horizon, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to care for your eyes and preserve your vision.

The IBT sponsored VSP plan makes it easier to prioritize your eye health by providing access to a yearly WellVision Exam. Regular eye exams are not only important for checking for vision changes but can also help detect underlying health conditions. Conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can begin to affect the eyes in their early stages.² Annual exams through the VSP plan can help identify these issues early, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. The plan also covers essential medical eye care, such as exams and services to monitor ongoing conditions like diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, and other serious eye health concerns.

VSP has been a trusted partner of the IBT for many years, offering a broad network of in-network optometrists and services. The VSP plan covers a range of benefits designed to address both routine and more complex eye care needs to ensure members have the support they need for long-term vision health.

Below is a brief summary of some of the more common benefits covered under the VSP Plan:

If you are interested in the VSP vision plan, you can contact the IBT at (800) 655-6397 to speak with one of our Insurance Service Representatives. You can also visit the IBT’s Vision page to learn more about the additional benefits offered through VSP to participating plan members.

---

Featured in the February 2025 issue of PORAC Law Enforcement News.

<sup>1. Retrieved fromthe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov ↩
2. Retrieved fromthe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov ↩</sup>

At the Insurance and Benefits Trust (IBT), we are committed to improving the lives of our members by providing comprehensive insurance solutions. As a company focused on customer care and delivering tailored benefits, we understand the importance of adapting our services to meet the evolving needs of our members and their families. In this spirit, we are thrilled to begin the new year by expanding our Disability and Health departments to include a combination of expanded administrative services and additional staff all dedicated to ensuring a seamless, high-quality experience for our members.

We believe that the strength of our company lies in the expertise and passion of our team. In order to better serve our members, we are proud to welcome several new members to our team, each bringing specialized knowledge and experience to the table.

Our expanded staff in our Health department will ensure that we are now able to assist you more efficiently and ensure that your questions are answered promptly. Whether you need help with your insurance plan, have a question about claims, or need support with any of our services, our team is ready and eager to provide the assistance you need.

In addition, the IBT has expanded our Disability and Accounting departments to assist with bringing the administrative duties from Myers-Stevens & Toohey in-house. By managing key functions such as claims processing, policy administration, and customer support directly within the IBT, we can streamline operations for our Disability and Life insurance plans. This shift allows us to have greater control over the quality and accuracy of the services we provide, ensuring that your insurance plans are handled with the utmost care and attention to detail. Additionally, it enhances our ability to monitor and improve the overall customer experience, allowing us to make quicker adjustments and offer more personalized solutions.

At the IBT, our mission is simple: to provide accessible, reliable, and tailored insurance solutions that meet the diverse needs of our members. By introducing dedicated staff and expanding our services, we are taking the necessary steps to ensure that you receive the best care, protection, and support possible. We look forward to continuing to serve you with excellence and to growing alongside you as your trusted partner.

If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you every step of the way! The IBT can be reached at (800) 655-6397.

---

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

The Insurance and Benefits Trust regularly review Short and Long Term Disability plan rates to ensure high standards for members at an affordable cost.

Following extensive deliberation and negotiations with MetLife, and after thorough discussion, the Board of Trustees approved a rate increase during the September IBT Meeting.

It was determined that, effective January 1, 2025, nearly all Short and Long Term Disability plans will experience a modest rate increase of $2.00 or less per month. This adjustment helps maintain the quality and sustainability of these benefits for members.

Safety Plans Effective 1/1/2025

Plan	Rate	Change in Rate
Silver	$18.50	No Change
Gold	$31.50	+$1.80
Platinum	$36.00	+$2.00

Non-Safety Plans Effective 1/1/2025

Plan	Rate	Change in Rate
Gold	$22.80	+$1.30
Platinum	$26.000	+$1.50

Disability can have a profound financial impact on you and your family. While some may manage without income for a short period, few can sustain this over the long term. Planning for such situations is essential to maintaining your family’s financial security and well-being.

The IBT’s Short and Long Term Disability plans offer associations and their members a unique combination of affordability, comprehensive benefits, and outstanding long-term financial stability.

Associations have the option of several group plans to choose to implement and best meet their specific needs. You can join the over 22,000 participating members from 192 associations is securing you and your family’s financial well-being.

Currently the IBT has a dedicated in-house staff to process claims, and beginning January 1, 2025 will bring additional administrative duties in-house. We are here to answer any questions you may have about coverage or the upcoming rate changes. You can contact the Insurance and Benefits Trust at (800) 655-6397.

---

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

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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!

---

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.

---

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