Benefits Report

Contact Info:

Phone:  (408)265-2607 x2385

e-mail:   jortiz [AT] valleywater.org

I have been with the District for 10 1/2 years, and in the Benefits unit for the last 9 1/2 years.  My goal as VP of Benefits is to work with management to protect the EA benefits and add new ones as seen fit for our EA membership.  This is truly a very hard time with the current economic sitaution and the District, like all other employers are trying to find ways for cost savings.  As your EA representative on the Benefits Committee, I will be made aware of possible cost saving changes which might be looked at (i.e., mandating Medicare for all retirees).  Please rest assured, I will strive to serve and protect our membership's benefits to the best of my ability along with any other challenges that face the executive board of EA.

Please remember, if you have any issues or concerns about our benefits, give me a call at extension 2385 or email me.  If I do not have an immediate answer, I will definitely look into the issue and get back to you.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in any way I can to protect and improve the wages, hours and working conditions along with the health and safety of our membership.
• Make appropriate decisions as part of the executive board which are in the best interest of the EA membership.
• Track all benefits of the District and communicate information to the general membership.
• Represent EA on the Benefits Committee.
• Represent EA on the Deferred Compensation committee.

Tasks I'm Working On:

• Esuring our members who signed up for the Section 125 plan (Health Care Reimbursement Account and Dependent Care) have completed their enrollments on time and accurately for calendar year 2010.
• Working with the Deferred Compensation committee to ensure we are completing our fudiciary responsibilities to all employees of the District.  We have had presentations by both companies and are reviewing their annual report.  The limit for 2010 is the same as 2009 which is $16,500; age 50 catch-up is $5,500 for a total contribution of $22,000.
• The Benefits Committee has approved the renewal of the Broker's contract for another three years.  Each year the Committee evaluates his performance to ensure he and his company are providing cost savings and updating the committee with any legal changes.
• Working on improving the enrollment options for life event changes through PeopleSoft

Tasks You'd Like Me To Work On:

New Benefit News:

• Flexible Spending Account - It was decided at our November Benefits Committee meeting, to leave the maximum amount for Health Care Reimbursement through the Flexible Spending Account at $3,000.  Thios will be reviewed each year and with a consensus, it will be determined what level to have this at.  There is legislation in Congress with the potention for 2011 to have the maximum amount at $2,500.  I will keep you posted.
  REMINDER - March 31, 2010 is the last day you are eligible to submit claims for reimbursement for the Health Care Reimbursement Account for expenses incurred in 2009.

• Kaiser rate increase was 5.8% for 15 months.  This way the renewals for both Kaiser and Blue Shield will be in April of each year.
• Delta Dental had a slight rate increase 1/1/2010.
• CalPERS - due to the situation in the State of California, some employers are mandating work furloughs, which is happening at CalPERS.  These offices will be closed on the first and third Fridays of the month from February 6, 2009 through June 30, 2010.  Please read the attached information.  (CalPERS notice)
• W-2's - Be sure if you have moved to change your address through PeopleSoft to ensure your W-2 is sent to your correct address.
• Overage Dependents - As a reminder, a couple of months before your dependent's birthday (between the ages of 19 and 25) you will receive a notification from the Benefits Unit asking if your dependent is still a dependent.  If so, you will need to attach a copy of full time student verification status (12 units); once your dependent reached age 24 and they are still a full time student, you are eligible to continue them on your district's coverage.  However, you will pay imputed tax on the medical premium for that individual.