CSR In-Person Activities Suspended Until 2021 Calpers Committee

CSR In-Person Activities SuspendedUntil2021 A maintaining long-termhealthonits investment returntarget for CalPERS hasa7percent requires innovation,”Mengsaid. “The currentmarketsituation portfolio. adding moreprivateassetstoits meet investmentreturngoalsby fund, whichbelievesitcanonly the nation’s largest publicpension economy compelledactionfor Low interestratesandasluggish private debt. investments inprivateequityand Meng saidthefundwillincrease Chief InvestmentOfficerBen seek greaterinvestmentreturns. 15, CalPERSannouncedaplanto CalPERS CommitteeUpdates:June2020 T know ifyouhaveanyquestions. electronically orbytelephonetoconductrelevantchapterbusinessasthatisnotanin-personactivity. Pleasestaysafeand,asalways,letus It isimportanttonotethatthesuspensionofactivitiesappliesin-personchapterandmeetings.Chaptersmaystillcommunicate

••DATED MATERIAL – PLEASE DO NOT DELAY•• Vol. XXXIIII Committee meetingonJune t itsmonthlyInvestment health andwelfareofCSRmembers. To thisend,theCSRBoardhasextendedsuspensionofactivitiesthroughDecember31,2020. he CSRBoardofDirectorscontinuestocloselymonitortheCOVID-19situationinCaliforniawithaneyetowardmaximalprotection Legislative Watchwith

No. 7 PAID NONPROFIT PERMIT #495 U.S. POSTAGE U.S. Ted Toppin SACRAMENTO, CA SACRAMENTO,

Page 3 [email protected] – anothertermforborrowed billion portfoliointoleveraged to 20percentofitsnearly$400 CalPERS alsoplanstoconvertup Investment Officer. Pension andInvestmentsChief Bloomberg andtradepublications the newswasalsofeaturedin Journal editorial.Laterthatweek, wrote inaJune15 Wall Street with publiclytradedassets,”Meng expected volatilitywhencompared for higherreturnsandlower Private assets“havethepotential percent overthenext10years. portfolio wouldreturnonlyabout6 future. Butthestudyprojected sustainable resultsinthenear an investmentstrategytodeliver fund. Lastyear, CalPERScreated by Larry Woodsonby To YourHealth A PUBLICATION REPRESENTING CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREES Page 6 CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREES STATE CALIFORNIA 3000 Advantage Way Suite 100 Suite 3000 Way Advantage CA 95834 Sacramento, RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED return swings.MengsaidCalPERS magnify lossesandexacerbate can boostprofits—butmayalso private equityandleveragedfunds Meng said. The combinationof leverage regularlyandprudently,” – funds.“We plantodeploy workers and communities—and produce apositive impacton the benefitsofdecisiveness will to itsmembers.CalPERS believes CalPERS fulfillsafiduciary duty taking actiononclimate change, The initialreportaffirmed thatby efforts tolowercarbonemissions. resilient toriskandindicativeof to ensuretheportfolioisboth of fightingclimatechange;itaims strategy andtheglobalinitiative between CalPERS’ investment plan outliningtherelationship The grouppreviouslycreateda (TCFD). related FinancialDisclosure CalPERS Taskforce onClimate- recommendations fromthe also heardthefirstreportof The InvestmentCommittee CalPERS Portfolio Climate Changeandthe of return. There isnoalternative.” achieving ourambitioustarget rate for increasingtheprobabilityof market drawdownsastheprice to livewiththepossibilityof greater reward.“We willhave must accepttheriskasitseeks Healthy Habits We Learnedin COVID-19 Page 7 questions. CalRetirees.org Please email and Ventura counties. to SantaBarbara,SanLuis Obispo the BlueShield Trio (Basic) plan CalPERS willexpandcoveragefor In non-Medicareplannews, Medicare. and Anthem BlueCrossSelect UnitedHealthcare Medicare, plans: KaiserSenior Advantage, following Medicarereplacement in additiontoexpansionsofthe Sharp Medicare Advantage plan, June announcedtheadditionof The HealthBenefitsCommitteein meeting. the boardforapprovalatJuly Final rateswillbepresentedto rates. percent for its 2021 HMO and PPO preliminary overallincreaseof4.4 Benefits Committeeproposeda health plans,CalPERS’ Health Having consulteditscontracted profits inthefirstquarterof2020. insurance carriersreportedrecord throughout nation,somehealth elective medicalprocedures After theCOVID-19crisishalted Committee Pension &HealthBenefits retirement benefits. generate theinvestmentsthatpay on thecompaniesitreliesuponto RV Travel Tips Savvy Senior: CSRinfo@ Page 9 if youhaveany 88 JULY 2020 Continued from page 3 news

CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREES Open Enrollment is coming up! STATEWIDE OFFICERS Tim Behrens President TEL: 559.920.0371 EMAIL: [email protected] Stephanie Hueg Executive Vice President TEL: 831.588.5061 EMAIL: [email protected] J.W. “Jay” Jimenez Vice President TEL: 714.926.6409 Open Enrollment takes place each fall. EMAIL: [email protected] 2020 Open Enrollment will take place Did you know Gerald “Jerry” Fountain September 21 – October 16. CFO/Secretary that you can still TEL: 559.935.2238 Changes made during 2020 Open contribute FAX: 559.935.5884 Enrollment will take effect January 1, to your favorite EMAIL: [email protected] 2021. nonprofits CSR DISTRICT BOARD Important Health Enrollment Reminders: DIRECTORS • Be aware that a medical group ending its through your Sharon Stoltzman retirement pension? TEL: 424.228.2820 contract with a health plan doesn't create a EMAIL: [email protected] qualifying event to change plans outside of District A: Ch. 4, Ch. 9, Ch. 20 It’s the easiest way to Open Enrollment. keep giving back to Manijeh Fatollahi your community! TEL: 805.795.1968 • ID cards are issued by each health plan, EMAIL:[email protected] not by CalPERS. Contact your health plan OurPromiseCA.org/retiree District B: Ch. 10, Ch. 26, Ch. 31, Ch. 36 directly if you need additional cards. Mary McDonnell TEL: 415.509.1914 • Carefully review your pay warrant to ensure EMAIL: [email protected] the health plan premium deduction was made District C: Ch. 1, Ch. 3, Ch. 21, Ch. 23 when you change health plans, enroll for the S.E. Riazi first time, or add/delete dependents. TEL: 530.519.2174 EMAIL: [email protected] District D: Ch. 8, Ch. 13, Ch. 14, Ch. 19 Keith Umemoto TEL: 916.429.2768 EMAIL: [email protected] District E: Ch. 2, Ch. 15, Ch. 165 R. Connie Lira-Beuer TEL: 209.601.5754 EMAIL: [email protected] District F: Ch. 5, Ch. 11, Ch. 16, Ch. 35 Gaspar Luna Oliveira TEL: 619.548.4793 EMAIL: [email protected] District G: Ch. 6, Ch. 12, Ch. 17, Ch. 34 Contact us! CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREES Headquarters 3000 Advantage Way Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95834 TEL: 916.326.4292 FAX: 916.326.4201 TOLL-FREE: 888.808.7197 EMAIL: [email protected] California State Retirees: 3000 Advantage Way Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95834 WEB: www.CalRetirees.org Join online: www.CalRetirees.org/joinus

JULY 2020 CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE PAGE 2 CSR Bill Watch

LEGISLATIVE WATCH with Ted Toppin CSR State Budget Update & Bill Watch Budget Update overnor Newsom and Administration, the agreements recess, a budget that is underwater, Gthe State Legislature rely primarily on the use of and restricted access to the State reached agreement on June 26 personal leave programs – so- Capitol, legislative leaders have on a $202 billion State Budget called PLPs – in which employees largely shut down consideration for the 2020-21 fiscal year. To receive flexible leave time in of bills that were not COVID- close a $54 billion deficit created exchange for a temporary reduction 19-related or deemed absolutely by the COVID-19 pandemic, in take home pay. As most state necessary. Because of this, many of the agreement cuts billions from retirees will agree, given the the bills that CSR was supporting schools and other programs, choice, a PLP is a better result than and monitoring have been dropped. borrows from our rainy day funds, mandated, forced furloughs or an Below is an update on the and delays other critical cuts until actual pay cut. remaining CSR-supported bills. Ted Toppin the cavalry arrives. The cavalry in Employee compensation this instance would be the federal reductions, among others cuts, AB 2365 (Rodriguez) Would to affordable drugs. STATUS: government, and the hope is that would be restored if the federal provide discretionary authority Awaiting hearing in Assembly billions in additional federal government sends the additional to CalPERS to waive financial Health Committee. pandemic relief funds are headed relief aid. penalties incurred by retired to California. We shall see. The next date the Governor and annuitants who exceed the 960 SB 1264 (Committee on Human As we reported last month, the legislative leaders are looking to hour annual work cap. AB 2365 Services) Would require licensed final budget agreement provides is July 15 – when they will get a will help hundreds of retirees retain residential facilities, including the State’s required payment to clearer picture of the State’s fiscal their retired annuitant income and those that provide care and housing CalPERS for the year and fully health. July 15, you will remember, their pensions by protecting them for elderly or disabled individuals, funds state retiree health care. is the new tax day this year when from automatic reinstatement to adopt emergency and disaster The budget cuts active state Californians must file and pay and the penalties associated preparedness plans. SB 1264 will employee compensation costs their state taxes. The amount of with it. STATUS: Awaiting ensure that California seniors and by $2.8 billion during the fiscal revenue that comes in will largely hearing in Senate Labor, Public vulnerable populations will be year. As this is written, five state determine if the budget needs to be Employment & Retirement cared for in an appropriate manner employee bargaining units (SEIU reopened for additional cuts. There Committee. in the event of an emergency or Local 1000, PECG, CAPS, is every expectation that will be the disaster. STATUS: Awaiting CCPOA, and IUOE Unit 12) have case. SB 852 (Pan) Would create hearing in Assembly Human reached agreement on deals to the Office of Drug Contracting Services Committee. reduce employee compensation Bill Watch and Manufacturing to increase within those units by just short As you no doubt are well competition, lower prices, and of 10 percent. In the agreements, aware, the COVID-19 pandemic address shortages in the generic all general salary increases has generally ended business as prescription drug market. SB scheduled for the fiscal year have usual in all facets of our lives. That 852 will address the issue of been suspended. To provide the is also true for the Legislature. rising prescription drug prices cost savings demanded by the Given the unscheduled two month while increasing patient access

HAVE YOU MOVED? Website: www.calpers.ca.gov Don’t miss an issue of Phone: 888 CalPERS or the 888.225.7377 California State TTY: 877.249.7442 Retiree! Fax: 800.959.6545 Hours: Monday - Friday To update your information, please email [email protected] 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

PAGE 3 CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE JULY 2020 A message FROM CALPERS Explore Your Health Benefits & Complete Health Transactions Online With myCalPERS myCalPERS is a quick, secure, information in your Health Plan the IRMAA determination and New This Year: CalPERS mobile-friendly way to access your Summary. increased Part B premium. Electronic Payment Gateway health information, complete health •Find what health plans are available We've made it easier than ever transactions, and conduct business in your area. Save Time — Conduct Business to submit payments by offering with CalPERS online. •Get answers to your personal with Us Online electronic payment options at pay. If you need to set up an account account questions without waiting With your myCalPERS account, it's calpers.ca.gov. or recover your password, visit on the phone through our secure quick and convenient to do business Payments that you can make to my.calpers.ca.gov Message Center. with us. Log in to: CalPERS include: •Research monthly premiums of •Modify payment methods. •Retroactive health payments Access Your Health Information, medical plans with the Search •Order and download publications. •Complementary annuitant Compare Health Plans & Make Health Plans tool. •Select mailing preferences for your premiums Changes • View Open Enrollment information statements and newsletters. •Retirement overpayments When enrolled in CalPERS health updates. •Send and receive secure messages. •Medicare overpayments coverage, use your myCalPERS For state and CSU retirees: •Transmit account information to Paying online is safe and secure, account for 24/7 access to: •Complete Dependent Eligibility third parties, such as banks. and ensures your payments are •View current and historical Health Verification (DEV) to ensure secure •View your contact information. processed quickly. Just Plan Statements. and timely processing of your DEV •Update federal or California state visit pay.calpers.ca.gov, enter your • Make health plan changes during documents. Upload all required tax withholding amounts. Visit CalPERS identification number Open Enrollment. documents online by selecting the our website to view our How to (CID) and invoice identification •Add or delete health dependents Health tab in myCalPERS. Change Your Tax Withholdings on number or last name, and enter year-round. •Request Income-Related Monthly myCalPERS (PDF) for the steps. the amount you want to pay. You •Add your Parent-Child Relationship Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). •View tax and benefit statements. can pay for free by electronic to your health coverage and easily Medicare subscribers wanting to •View and update you contact funds transfer (EFT) or e-check by upload the affidavit and supporting request additional Medicare Part information to be sure you're entering your bank routing and documentation. B reimbursement can upload a receiving important information account numbers. Credit and debit •Confirm current health coverage copy of your SSA notice showing from us. cards can also be used for a small fee. California State Retirees iPAC Application

California State Retirees: 3000 Advantage Way Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95834 Join online: www.CalRetirees.org/joinus JULY 2020 CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE PAGE 4 Movie Crossword Puzzle: One-Word Titles

This challenging crossword is for the true movie buff! We’ve gleaned 30 one-word movie titles from the Internet Movie Database’s list of top 250 movies of all time, as judged by the website’s users. One-Word Movie Titles PUZZLESUse the clues to find the name of each movie. Can you find the titles without going to the IMDb? ANSWERS ON PAGE 9 1 2 3

6 7

8 9 10

12 Grilled Chicken and Mango Skewers

13 14

15 Ingredients 16 3 medium ears sweet corn 17 18 1 tablespoon butter 19 20 1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons sliced green 21 onions, divided 22 23 1-pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, 24 cut into 1-inch cubes 25 26 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 27 1 medium mango, peeled and cut into 1-inch 28 cubes 29 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil Lime wedges, optional EclipseCrossword.com

Directions Cut corn from cobs. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat; sauté cut corn ACROSS DOWN until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in 1/3 © 2013 www.word-game-world.com cup green onions. Keep warm. 2. 1996, Ewan McGregor & Ewen BremnerAll Rights Reserved.1. 1995, Al Pacino & Robert De Niro 4. 2000, Guy Pearce & Carrie-Anne Moss 3. 2013, Hugh Jackman & Viola Davis Toss chicken with salt and pepper. Alternately 5. 1974, Jack Nicholson & Faye Dunaway 7. 2009, Sam Worthington & Zoe Saldana thread chicken and mango onto 4 metal or 6. 2007, Brad Garrett & Lou Romano 9. 1946, Cary Grant & Ingrid Bergman soaked wooden skewers. Brush with oil. (voices) 10. 1958, James Stuart & Kim Novak Grill, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. 8. 1992, Clint Eastwood & Gene 12. 1984, F. Murray Abraham & Tom from heat until chicken is no longer pink, 10- 11. 1995, Robert De Niro & Sharon Stone Hulce 12 minutes, turning occasionally. Serve with 15. 1996, William H. Macy & Frances 13. 1990, Robert DeNiro & Ray Liotta McDormand 14. 2013, Sandra Bullock & George corn mixture; sprinkle with remaining green 16. 1982, Ben Kingsley & Candice Bergen Clooney onions. If desired, serve with lime wedges. 20. 2009, Edward Asner & Jordan Nagai 17. 1940, Laurence Olivier & Joan 21. 1995, Mel Gibson & James Robinson Fontaine 22. 1972, Laurence Olivier & Michael Caine 18. 1986, Charlie Sheen & Tom Berenger 25. 1979, Tom Skerritt & Sigourney Weaver 19. 1927, Alfred Abel & Brigitte Helm 28. 1942, Humphrey Bogart & Ingrid 22. 1983, Al Pacino & Michelle Pfeiffer 23. 1950, James Stuart & Josephine Hull 24. 2000, Jason Statham & Brad Pitt 26. 1960, Anthony Perkins & Janet Leigh 27. 1975, Roy Scheider & Robert Shaw Find us online Facebook: @CaliforniaStateRetirees Twitter: @CAStateRetirees LinkedIn: @CaliforniaStateRetirees Website:www.CalRetirees.org

PAGE 5 CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE JULY 2020 To Your Health Rate increases are even higher. Los Angeles, Merced, Monterey, He recommended suspension PersCare, Choice, and Select Nevada, Orange, Placer, Riverside, of all new enrollments for this average increase is 8.54 percent, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San year. I made public comment nearly 2 times the increase for the Francisco, San Joaquin, Santa that suspension of enrollment average of HMO plans. Part of this Clara, Santa Cruz, Stanislaus, would cut off a stream of income is due to CalPERS abandonment Tulare, Ventura, and Yolo. Their to the fund which is already of Risk Adjustment 2 years ago, rates are slightly higher than hurting and would also send an as I’ve described previously. But average, however. The new Blue ominous message regarding the one must wonder why CalPERS Shield Trio HMO Basic plan will program. Even though there was self-funded plans, administered also expand into Santa Barbara, no discussion of the suspension by by Anthem, are so much higher San Luis Obispo and Ventura Board members, nor any vote on it, overall than the HMO plans. The Counties giving pre-Medicare CalPERS announced the following Basic PersCare plan shows a 12.32 retirees another option there. week that a suspension had been By Larry Woodson, CSR Health percent increase or $1,111.87 per Lastly, UHC Medicare approved. I followed up with Benefits Committee chair month for a single ratepayer. This Advantage and Kaiser Senior CalPERS staff and was told that alPERS released the will likely cause large migration Advantage plans are adding the PHBC chair had directed staff CPreliminary Health Plan from this plan, which has a higher supplemental services to their to suspend enrollments and that no Rates and plan changes for 2021 incidence of elderly, sicker and coverage. These services are of vote was needed. Although I can at the June 16 Pension and Health those with chronic conditions. a preventive health nature and see pros and cons of the action, it Benefits Committee (PHBC) They will be forced into a plan include: Kaiser MA– Post-hospital is shocking that the Chair could meeting, which was held virtually. with inferior coverage. The good discharge meal delivery, Post- unilaterally make such a major There was good news and bad news regarding rates is for those hospital discharge transportation, LTC decision for the Board. news presented at the meeting. of us on Medicare. The Medicare and Routine transportation Lastly, CSR member Tom CSR President Tim Behrens, Advantage plans show a decrease UHC MA – Post-hospital Considine and I attended (virtually) CSR CFO Gerald Fountain, of an average of 4.73 percent and discharge meal delivery, Post- the second meeting of the Healthy and I all gave public comments the PPO supplement plans show hospital discharge transportation, California for All Commission expressing concern about some decrease of .65 percent. It should and Non-skilled in-home care meeting June 12, 2020. All of the rate increases. Specifically, be noted that these numbers are I have been pushing CalPERS members and speakers participated United Health Care (UHC) rates all based on a single rate payer. and the carriers for 2 years to virtually. This commission is would increase by 5.31 percent CalPERS doesn’t calculate rates add supplemental services ever to report to the governor and increase for the Basic plan, while for combination rates (families) since the federal CMS came legislature options for attaining the overall average increase for until the date of final approval. out with regulation and policy a system of single financing for all CalPERS Basic plans is 4.57 Also, we don’t get to see what recommending MA carriers do so. health care in California. CSR percent. This increase against the CalPERS monthly contributions These are services never previously has taken no position, but is backdrop of a $5 billion quarterly to members premiums are until provided, but which can be of great monitoring. The meeting included profit by United Health Group, due then either. They did announce assistance to families in need and an Environmental Analysis in large part to COVID-19 impacts that the same 4 plans will be will help prevent recidivism and Report and the Commission causing hospitals to postpone used to calculate the contribution potential future medical costs. Work Plan. This meeting is elective surgeries, is unacceptable rate for 2021 as in 2020. So, my Thanks to UHC and Kaiser for the first post-COVID meeting to us. Rate increases nationally are assumption is that the contribution adding them. There are many other of the commission and clearly very small or none at all in some amounts will be roughly the same, supplemental services listed by COVID-19 has had an impact cases. Coupled with UHC’s 4.48 maybe a bit higher. CSR HBC CMS and hopefully others can on the commissioners’ opinions percent increase last year, would will continue to monitor and will be added in 2022. At the PHBC as well as the public who gave mean a 9.79 percent increase in review and comment on the final meeting Don Moulds, CalPERS public comment. Tom and I in post 2 years, while they remain in the proposed rates at the July 14 Director of Health Benefits, gave meeting debrief agreed that there Fortune 500’s top 10 revenue and meeting. an update on challenges and appears to be more polarization profit-making companies. There is some other good news potential changes facing the Long between the pro members and the I was provided information that regarding coverage area and benefit Term Care (LTC) program. They less pro members. Also, public UHC had made large contributions design changes. The Anthem Blue are exploring ways to mitigate comment strongly supported to communities in various ways Cross Select Medicare Advantage future premium increases, which the establishment of a public to assist with COVIS-19 impacts. service area will expand to include he outlined. However, it appears advisory group. This suggestion While their contributions were the current 26 counties in which to me that there will be another was embraced by a number of impressive, they don’t justify Anthem Blue Cross Select HMO significant increase next year, the members. We will continue this large an increase for our Basic plan is available. What this perhaps with additional alteration to monitor. For more detailed pre-Medicare retirees and their means for retirees is that there will of benefit design (decreased information visit www.chhs. dependents. Hopefully, CalPERS be another choice for both single benefit option at a lower premium ca.gov/healthycaforall/ will bring them down some in the retirees and for combo families in level). Since the lawsuit is still in Stay well, don’t make July 14 PHBC meeting when final 26 counties. The added counties litigation, the information provided unnecessary trips, social distance, rates are approved. Additionally, are: Alameda, Contra Costa, El is tentative and subject to change wear masks in public places, and the Basic plan PPO Preliminary Dorado, Fresno, Imperial, Kern, based on a settlement or ruling. lots of handwashing.

JULY 2020 CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE PAGE 6 news Healthy Habits We've Learned From COVID-19: Washing our hands better, cooking more at home, and using telemedicine can help protect us now and later he past few months have wash my hands when I come into more. A January 2020 study think critically and interact with Tbeen scary and challenging, [their] home all the time,” notes published in the journal Public others,” Small says. Mahjong, especially for older adults, who are Dwayne Dobschuetz, M.S.N., Health Nutrition suggests that which can be played with others more susceptible to life-threatening R.N., an advanced practice people who cook and eat at home online, is a great option, Small complications from COVID-19. nurse in geriatrics home care at tend to have healthier diets. adds. In fact, a March 2020 study But sheltering in place has given us Northwestern Memorial Hospital The Hunter survey also found that in Frontiers in Neurology found a chance to learn better strategies in Chicago. His patients also tell 57 percent of Americans said they that people over 65 who played for infection protection, to cook him they disinfect their countertops were wasting less food during the mahjong three times a week for 12 at home more often, and even to and doorknobs daily. pandemic, and that 60 percent weeks showed improvements in check in with physicians more We 'See' Our Docs in New Ways reported searching for recipes that executive function compared with frequently via telemedicine, says In March, with many medical use ingredients they already had a control group. James Lai, M.D., a geriatrician at offices closed and hospitals and on hand. “The hope is that even The Advantages of Age the Yale School of Medicine. urgent care centers overburdened, as restaurants gradually open up,” Just as fine wine improves over “It’s also been a time of deep Medicare and some private Rabin said, “people will continue the years, the ability to weather gratitude and reflection,” says insurers expanded their coverage to cook at home because it’s less difficulties grows stronger with Bruce Rabin, M.D., Ph.D., of telemedicine. expensive, healthier, and also time. Going through life’s crises a professor of pathology, While virtual healthcare isn’t relaxing.” may help us become more resilient psychology, and psychiatry at the appropriate for everything or We're Safely Social and patient, says Rabin. "These University of Pittsburgh School of everyone, evidence suggests that it Social isolation is a major risk attributes are like muscles. They Medicine. “Older adults are turning can play an important role for older factor for dementia, says Gary become stronger the more you use inward more to find contentment adults. And research points to high Small, M.D., director of the UCLA them,” he adds. and beauty in day-to-day life. We satisfaction levels. A 2019 study Longevity Center. But when Gratitude helps, too. A 2019 appreciate things like family and by Massachusetts General Hospital we can’t see people in person, review in the Journal of Positive friends even more now.” published in The American Journal technology can help. A 2019 Psychology found that the attitude Though we don’t know exactly of Managed Care involving 254 study in The American Journal was consistently higher in older what the next few months will patients found that about 75 of Geriatric Psychiatry found adults. This may help explain the bring in terms of the coronavirus, percent rated a telehealth consult that older adults who use tools outpouring of support that essential what we’ve learned may help us as good or better than an in-person like Skype have a significantly frontline workers have received with whatever com visit. “Usually, it’s hard for a senior lower risk of depression than from seniors. "I’ve been blown We Keep Germs at Bay to get their doctor on the phone,” others. “Most of the seniors I away by the level of appreciation Learning proper hand-washing can Dobschuetz says. “With a televisit, see were already isolated before I’ve seen from my patients, the help prevent up to 40 percent of they get a doctor’s undivided the pandemic, but now it’s really emails and phone calls I’ve gotten diarrhea-related illnesses and up to attention for 20 to 30 minutes.” encouraged them to embrace thanking me for being there for 21 percent of respiratory infections Some doctors also notice the technology and not be afraid,” them,” Rughwani says. (like COVID-19), according to the benefits. “With telemedicine, Dobschuetz says. For example, one And this attitude may have health Centers for Disease Control and we can ‘see’ more patients,” of his patients plays games with benefits. A study in the Journal Prevention. says Nisha Rughwani, M.D., an his adult children on Zoom each of Health Psychology found that And thanks to frequent reminders associate professor of geriatrics Tuesday and with friends on other women who kept a “gratitude from the CDC and other groups, and palliative medicine at the Icahn days. journal” for two weeks reported we’ve learned to do it often and School of Medicine at Mount Sinai If you aren’t getting out much, try better moods and sleep, and had well: lathering soap all over our Hospital in New York City. “We doing virtual activities with friends lower blood pressure than others. wet hands, including the backs, need to allow time between in- at least two or three times a week. Editor's Note: A version of this between fingers, and under nails, person visits to thoroughly clean Keep your brain active, whether article also appeared in the August for at least 20 seconds, then rinsing and disinfect a room, [so we] it’s reading a daily newspaper or 2020 issue of Consumer Reports and drying them with a clean cannot have the same volume we doing more social pastimes, such On Health. towel. previously did.” as joining a virtual book club or We’ve also embraced infection- We Eat a Bit Better playing board games. To see the complete article, please control habits such as avoiding sick We’ve begun eating at home A 2018 study in JAMA Psychiatry visit: www.consumerreports. people if possible, always having most of the time because of the of more than 15,000 older adults org/health-wellness/healthy- tissues handy, and tossing those pandemic, and a survey of 1,005 found that those who participated habits-learned-from-covid-19- tissues right away after coughing people by Hunter, a marketing in daily intellectual activities like coronavirus-pandemic/ or sneezing into them, Lai says. firm, found that 54 percent of card games had a lower risk of “I’m amazed. People ask me to Americans have also been cooking dementia. “They all allow you to

PAGE 7 CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE JULY 2020 SAVVY SENIOR RV Travel Tips in the Summer of COVID Dear Savvy Senior, friends, you may want a larger RV refill fresh water. Can you write a column with slide outs and more sleeping You should also know that because on RV travel for novices? My areas. See GoRVing.com for a of COVID-19, most RV rental husband and I have been cooped breakdown of all the different companies are vigilant about Send your senior questions to: up all spring and summer types of RVs available today. cleaning and disinfecting their because of the coronavirus and Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443 To locate an RV rental dealer units. But if you want to be extra Norman, OK 73070 would like to take a trip using a or visit SavvySenior.org rented RV but could use some tips and want to be safe. points of interest and restaurants Recently Retired along the way. You should also consider Dear Recently, becoming a Good Sam Club Recreational-vehicle (or RV) travel member (GoodSam.com/club, has become a very popular option $29/year), which provides access to among U.S. retirees over the past its web-based trip planner, camping few decades and is probably one and fuel discounts, and a copy of of the safest and most convenient the Good Sam Guide Series that ways to get away this summer. features detailed information on Because it’s a small home on more than 12,000 private RV parks wheels, RV travel will allow you and public campgrounds. to distance yourself from crowds Most RV parks rent spaces on a of people and reduce your risk of nightly or weekly basis with rates COVID exposure that comes with typically ranging from $30 to $50 other forms of travel, i.e. air/train per night, however some in city and country parks may be $10 or travel, hotel/Airbnb lodging and near you visit CruiseAmerica. safe, the CDC offers tips at CDC. eating in restaurants. But there are even free. com, one of the largest RV rental gov/COVID19 – type “Cleaning RV parks can also range from still risks – especially in public companies in the world or search and Disinfecting Your Home” in places like gas stations, shared rustic facilities with limited or no the Recreation Vehicle Rental the search bar. utility hookups, as are more often restrooms and picnic areas – so Association at RVRA.org. Or use exercise caution. If you’ve never found in state and national parks, peer-to-peer RV rental sites like Trip Planning Tips to luxury resorts with amenities traveled by motor home or RV, RVshare.com or Outdoorsy.com, It’s always wise to map out here are a few tips to consider. that rival fine hotels. which are usually a little cheaper. your trip route and reserve For first-time RV renters, staying Rental costs will vary greatly your campgrounds in advance, at a fully loaded RV park or Renting an RV depending on what you choose especially now during the To help you determine the RV size campground with full hookups, and how far you drive, ranging pandemic, because some a dump station, and staff on site and model you need for your trip, anywhere from $50 up to $500 campgrounds and RV parks, as consider your budget, destination is highly recommended. Look at per day. When renting a rig, be well as local, state, and national Kampgrounds of America (KOA. and the number of travelers. If it’s sure you get detailed instructions public parks may be closed or just you and your husband, and com) or ReserveAmerica.com to from the owner or rental company operating with restrictions. browse the accommodations. you’re visiting several locations on how to use the RV’s systems, A free tool that can help you plan and driving lots of miles you may And for more safe travel tips this including the generator, air- your trip is Roadtrippers.com, summer, visit Coronavirus.gov want a smaller motor home with conditioning, leveling, slide outs, which lets you plot out routes, better fuel economy. But if you’re – click on “specific resources for electric and entertainment, as well calculate mileage and travel time, travelers.” taking other family members or as how to empty waste tanks and and will identify RV campgrounds, CSR MEMBERS! we need to stay connected now more than ever. Sign up for the CSR E-Newsletter and update us if you have moved To sign up for the CSR To update your contact E-Newsletter, visit information, email www.castateretirees.org/ [email protected] csrnewsletter

JULY 2020 CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE PAGE 8 CHAPTER MEETING NOTICES PLEASE NOTE: FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES-ALL CSR MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN CANCELLED. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE EMAIL [email protected]

CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 9 CHAPTER 15 CHAPTER 23 CHAPTER 35 ALAMEDA/CONTRA COSTA LOS ANGELES AREA SIERRA FOOTHILLS SAN JOSE AREA SO. CENTRAL VALLEY PORTERVILLE AREA COUNTIES President: Luanna Allard, (323) President: Joann Stewart, (916) 412- President: Maria Aguilar, (408) President: Lou Flores, (559) 362- President: Carol Bowen , (510) 304.9894, LAllard@CalRetirees. 2075; Vice President: Ruth Braun, 706-0366, MAguilar@CalRetirees. 0689; Vice President: Mary McCaig, 527-5131, CBowen@CalRetirees. org; Vice President: Raelene Allard, (916) 434-6680, rbraun1110@gmail. org; Vice President: Brad Geldert, (559) 359-6069; Secretary: Joyce org; Vice President: Stella Torrez; (323) 221-6010, raeleneallard@ com; Treasurer: Debora Remington, (408) 655-4799, [email protected]; Jarrett, (559) 348-7845; Treasurer: Treasurer: Digna Laureano ymail.com; Secretary/Treasurer: (916) 402-9118, DRemington@ Secretary: Christine Jasper, (408) Donna Hernandez, (562) 405-1387, CalRetirees.org; Secretary: 373-1655, chris0521@sbcglobal. Larry Long, (559) 781-8761. CHAPTER 2 [email protected]. Frank Weinstein, (916) 223-5957, net; Treasurer: Larry Roberts, CHAPTER 36 SACRAMENTO/YOLO AREA CHAPTER 10 [email protected]. (510) 827-7938, lroberts1956@ President: Louis Espinoza, (916) yahoo.com. MONTEREY BAY AREA 397-2526; LEspinoza@CalRetirees. SAN LUIS OBISPO CHAPTER 16 President: Quen Quigley, (831) 261- org; Vice President/Membership: President: : Ranell Bailey, (805) 610- SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY CHAPTER 26 7540, [email protected]; Phyllis Johnson, (209) 471-2192; 4400; Vice President: Ron Garcia, President: Evelyn (Evie) Poppa- BAKERSFIELD/KERN COUNTY Vice President: Carolyn McIntyre, [email protected]; (805) 543-2511; Secretary: Pearl McKenna, (209) 608-2149, President: Ophelia Rabanal, (831) 722-3827; Secretary: Susan Treasurer: Kathleen Elwell, (916) Cole, (805) 489-5194; Treasurer: [email protected]; Vice (661) 458-6588, ORabanal@ Sisson; Treasurer: Christine 395-3717; Secretary: Dianne Welsh, Marsha Epstein, (805) 704-0723 President: Marina Estrada, (928) CalRetirees.org; Vice President: Checchettini (916) 682-7810 592-7087; Secretary/Treasurer: Henry Mendoza, (661) 725-8604; CHAPTER 11 Sheila Ward-Shaw, (209) 915-1020, Secretary: Sue Kimbriel, (661) CHAPTER 165 CHAPTER 3 MID VALLEY [email protected]. 333-0575, [email protected]; SACRAMENTO President: Christy Christensen- WEST BAY AREA Treasurer: Joe Salcido, (661) 477- President: Joe Reynoso, (916) 708- Fountain, (559) 707-7067; CHAPTER 17 President: Skip Charbonneau, 2015 , [email protected]. 0369, [email protected]; CChristensenFountain@CalRetirees. (415) 648-4946; Vice President: GREATER SAN DIEGO Vice President: Gail Fasciola, (916) org; Vice President/Secretary: Billie Feliciano, (415) 324-9058; President: Steve Haley, (619) 441- CHAPTER 31 386-1553, [email protected]; Claudine Edwards-McDougall, 8769, [email protected]; Vice Secretary: John Bowden, (916) 361- Secretary: Lily Gee, (650) 992-2526; VENTURA/SANTA BARBARA (559) 696-2628; Treasurer: Gigi President: Elaine Edwards Yahraus, 8786, JBowden@CalRetirees,org; Treasurer/Chapter Membership President: V. Raylene Laverentz, Subilosky, (559) 269-5380; (619) 435-4044, eyahraus@gmail. Chapter Treasurer/Oregon Chair: Erlinda Villa (415) 407-7905, (805) 986-1854, cell (805) 551- com; Secretary: Gloria Koch, (619) Subchapter Chair: Geanie Hixon, [email protected] CHAPTER 12 2278; Vice President: Roberta 455-1917, kochgloria303@gmail. (541) 646-0925, geanie.hixon@ Aminian, (805) 368-5838; Secretary/ EASTERN MOUNTAIN AND com; Treasurer: Diane Whorton, gmail.com CHAPTER 4 HIGH DESERT AREAS (619) 467-7861, dlw.union@gmail. Treasurer: Esther Whitcomb, (805) GREATER LOS ANGELES President: Linda Currie, (661) com 874-1434 President: Marta Zaragoza, (310) 273-6390, lcurrie197@roadrunner. 204-0484; Vice President: Cynthia com; Vice President: Stephanie CHAPTER 19 CHAPTER 34 Frison, (424) 227-6489; Secretary: Pryzbeski-Gilbert, (661) 537-3811, NORTH COAST AREA ORANGE COUNTY– Virginia Griffin, (323) 290-3655; [email protected]; Secretary: SANTA ANA President: Skip Hulet, (707) 279- Treasurer: Emma Johnson, Blanca Rodriguez, (909) 553-5625, President: Jenny Hayden, (714) 743- 4643; Vice President: Natalie (213)258-8796 [email protected]; Treasurer: 8423, [email protected]; Daugherty, (707) 485-8857; Barbara Griffin, (661) 266-1130, Vice President: Joe Whaling, (714) Treasurer: Dorothea M. Parsons, CHAPTER 5 [email protected] 349-5393; Secretary: Adolfo Zavala, (707) 462-1209; Secretary: Marilyn CENTRAL VALLEY FOOTHILLS (714) 388-5355; Treasurer: Bill Saegert, (707) 513-8943. President: Anita McCabe, (209) CHAPTER 13 Serb III, (714) 826-6029; Legislative 602-7775; Vice President: Alice NO. CALIFORNIA/REDDING Representative: Karen S. Hight (949) Powell, (209) 677-9136; Secretary: President: Warren Schlatter, (530) CHAPTER 20 300.0627; Membership Chair: Jack Korryn Koplen, (209) 577-8376; 605-1588, WSchlatter@CalRetirees. SAN FERNANDO VALLEY AND Vander Bruggen, (949) 857-0955.Movie Crossword Treasurer: Tom Hill, (209) 524-6650 org; Vice President: Robert Black, LOS ANGELES AREA (530) 722-0511, bob_linda@charter. President: M. Cora Okumura, (818) Answers CHAPTER 6 net; Secretary: Audrey Sandeen, (530) 359-7625, [email protected]; answers from page 5

221-3500, theswede8243@gmail. Vice President: Raymond Cole, 1 2 3 SAN BERNARDINO/ H T R A I N S P O T T I N G com; Treasurer: Georgene Gibson, (818) 898-9613, flipcole@yahoo. 4 RIVERSIDE COUNTY M E M E N T O R (530) 529-0277, rbjeepman10@ com; Treasurer: Gaylonn Mayo, 5 President: J. Dee Stoddard, (909) A C H I N A T O W N (310) 897-7950, gaylonn28@gmail. 6 7 862-1870; Vice President: Frank hotmail.com; Chapter Membership R A T A T O U I L L E S 8 9 10 Ornelas, (909) 948-8758; Secretary: Director: Ed Huey, (530) 246-9456, com; Secretary: Norma Gallegos, V U N F O R G I V E N 11 Patsy Hollis, (909) 862-7615; [email protected]. (818) C A S I N O O N E 12 T A T E R Treasurer: Erlinda Ochoa, (909) 13 14 CHAPTER 14 CHAPTER 21 A G G M O R T 822-4128. 15 F A R G O R A R S I NORTHERN SONOMA, MARIN, NAPA 16 CALIFORNIA/CHICO O G A N D H I G CHAPTER 8 AND SOLANO COUNTIES 17 18 R P D V E O O President: Vincent Herrera, (916) President: Ron Franklin, (707) 938- 19 20 NORTH COAST AREA E L M F I U U P 804-6613,VHerrera@CalRetirees. 2288, [email protected]; 21 President: Veronica Avila, (707) B R A V E H E A R T S S org; Vice President: Joyce Finch, Vice President: Donald Lehnhoff, 22 23 487-0235, veronicacupcake57@ E T T L Y S L E U T H (530) 873-1165, joycef14@sbcglobal. 24 gmail.com; Vice President: Karen (707) 795- 9405; Secretary: Eric C O R L S C A 25 26 Smith-Sayer (530) 277-7357, net; Secretary: Todd Mayer, (530) Norrbom, (707) 322-1528; Treasurer: C O O A L I E N A P R 519-2897, [email protected]. Harold Rose, (707) 542-5628. A N P S A R S V [email protected]; Secretary: 27 O T J F Y E Sue D’Errico, (707) 954-2904, 28 L C A S A B L A N C A Y [email protected]; Treasurer: 29 G L A D I A T O R H W C H Patti Falk, (707) 445-1196, pmfalk@ S S E O earthlink.net. EclipseCrossword.com

JULY 2020 CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE PAGE 9

CalPERS retirees: Consider a Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan for: To learn more and find • Affordable, high-quality care out how to enroll through CalPERS, call a Kaiser • Your choice of great Kaiser Permanente doctors and Permanente Medicare a wide range of specialists. And all of our available specialist toll free: doctors welcome Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan members. 1-877-619-7752 (TTY 711) 7 days a week, • Our Medicare health plan is rated 5 out of 5 stars in 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. California for 2020, making it Medicare’s longest-running, highest-rated plan in the nation (2012–2020).* Or go to kp.org/calpers

*Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Kaiser Permanente is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Kaiser Permanente depends on contract renewal. You must reside in the Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan service area in which you enroll.

Please recycle. 523141265_CSR June 2020

PAGE 10 CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE JULY 2020 Save on essential news for California retirees! Get discounted digital access to The Sacramento Bee’s coverage of CalPERS, state worker pensions and more. New subscribers get two months free, then $7.99 a month. Go to www.sacbee.com/stateworkeraccess.

PAGE 11 CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE JULY 2020 CSR is the largest, most experienced organization exclusively representing state retirees! To protect the pension and health OUR MISSION benefits of all retired state employees

Take the next step! Here are 10 great reasons to join! 1. Advocacy: CSR has 87 years of experience representing 6. Retired Annuitant Program: Looking to keep retired state employees. Protecting your rights and benefits busy? Only CSR members are eligible for the CSR Retired is our top priority. We strongly oppose legislation that Annuitant Program List. State offices throughout California threatens to undermine the CalPERS system. contact our annuitant members for temporary, part-time jobs with the state. 2. Member discounts: We have discounts ranging from emergency travel assistance and insurance to recreational 7. 39,000 members strong and growing: Our activities and legal services. If you are not a member, you opinion matters to legislators, our governor, CalPERS are at risk of losing your CSEA benefits. and other agencies that can impact the pensions and benefits of state retirees. There is strength in numbers! 3. CalPERS coverage: Not everyone can attend CalPERS Board and committee meetings. Our staff and leadership 8. Minimal monthly dues: Our dues are minimal, do the work for you. We speak on behalf of our members but the benefits are significant. Our dues range from $1 and make sure your voice is heard. to $12 per month, depending on your CalPERS monthly allowance. 4. Monthly newspaper: The California State Retiree provides valuable information about issues affecting your 9. Giving back: Our members are active in their communities pension and benefits; services for retirees; and features with a wide range of volunteer and charitable activities. about retirees like you. Make a difference after retirement while having fun!

5. Community: There are 26 chapters throughout the 10. All are welcome: Any California state retiree can state. Attend your chapter’s meetings for fun, social and become a CSR member and get access to our exceptional educational events and speakers! Stay informed and be member benefits and be included in our strong retiree a part of an amazing community. community. Join today calretirees.org/joinus

CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE