[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6269004,"mediaKeyId","3048358-0fd71b4241621e2d698ffe5fb8e654bf","parentId",3048358,"title","Retired annuitant rule enforcement and coding errors leave substitute and part‑time retirees sidelined, callers say","audioSeconds",664,"startMs",1922000,"endMs",2586000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3048358-0fd71b4241621e2d698ffe5fb8e654bf&start=1922&end=2586","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3048358-0fd71b4241621e2d698ffe5fb8e654bf/thumbnail_1922000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6269004/California/Retired-annuitant-rule-enforcement-and-coding-errors-leave-substitute-and-parttime-retirees-sidelined-callers-say","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6269004-abcd9cabcad02246002f2f9794399d81/orig.mp4?Expires=1770982417&Signature=NSRglCa2odxuKAah3MePXlRXdgmHk2~y0sYQrDXSibReaKMyKRpt7m6j5pcn24US8kRuS8WflJTSOiiO7O~GbXLVcBhuie22eP1oaN8dUlP5qbiYd~TF0Cu97fmyJEaYWVmbcGrNzZNAjk6iLSFJpDNSjWi1P5fzA~dE16WOyQufDuJLRB64DNII9Uhvclpm4xHaz0UO98lUoFoA~uSrqUKIbaAtdq7q914C3twQgWIm06EdI5Y~~Nyn76CZ32ccFjCufXpGWElaknucqtiQL6wjDIrI3Al6VNb3qgOldsd6iZtk74bs5U9XXDNTeTk1m6N1dMH-UrrU5QvvpXF83A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","California Public Employees Retirement System","date","2025-04-18T08:19:10.533Z","article","Several CalPERS retirees told the board representative that enforcement of retired‑annuitant work limits, and school districts’ use of incorrect employer codes, have caused districts to end substitutes’ assignments and bar part‑time retirees from working.

Callers described similar experiences: one retired substitute (Paul) said two of three districts stopped employing his wife after circular letters and code clarifications; a retired school bus driver (Dana) said a district informed her she could no longer work as a part‑time behavioral aide and that the rule had “hurt a lot of retirees.”

Paul cited language he received from a district referencing “government code sections 7,522.5622 or 2 1 2 2 4, 2 1 2 2 7, and 2 1 2 2 9” and said the rewritten statute language appeared to have been interpreted in ways that treated intermittent substitute work as limited‑duration employment. Callers and Walker agreed the core problem often stems from districts reporting retired annuitant work under incorrect payroll codes.

CalPERS’ representative, Yvonne Walker, said staff have been conducting outreach and had issued circular letters to agencies. She asked members to check the CalPERS website (search “circular letter”) where those agency notices are posted and said CalPERS will try to reissue or clarify communications. She suggested members and unions (CSEA was named by a caller) also engage local districts to correct coding and implementation.

Why it matters: The issue affects retirees who rely on part‑time substitute work for income and can create staffing gaps for districts that depend on substitutes; correct coding and clear employer guidance determine whether retired annuitants may continue limited work under CalPERS rules.

Ending: CalPERS staff said they would continue education and outreach to districts, and Walker said she had taken down district names to follow up; members were also advised to consult circular letters posted on the CalPERS website and to contact stakeholder relations for help.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Retiree Town Hall with CalPERS Board Member Yvonne Walker – April 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple callers told CalPERS during a town hall that recent enforcement or reinterpretation of retired‑annuitant rules and employer coding has led school districts to cut substitute and part‑time retired workers; CalPERS staff said the issue is ongoing and advised members to use posted circular letters and stakeholder relations.","taxTitle","California Public Employees Retirement System, Agencies under Office of the Governor, Executive, California","taxId",70079,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6269007,"Members raise complaints after CalPERS shifts PPO to Blue Shield; board rep outlines recourse",964,2540000,3504000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3048358-0fd71b4241621e2d698ffe5fb8e654bf&start=2540&end=3504","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3048358-0fd71b4241621e2d698ffe5fb8e654bf/thumbnail_2540000.jpg","/articles/6269007/California/Members-raise-complaints-after-CalPERS-shifts-PPO-to-Blue-Shield-board-rep-outlines-recourse","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6269007-aa0ef606f6e24a52c4e5a91fe1091ef0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770982417&Signature=mOlUIfWkk2Hng6BrKdx70idtD8-cPwfZ3ItSrSzQ4BQoSK7CaIp0coONHSu-DKx3bKzH6dA7PXlbu9L98pfbCIYwB75Rp8b84oATY3ylhRaxKOkRWkGAZP4i9wo5MSqcswedbpcnA9Fy2WYCfQt9cKYi2R8U9dGWboAcbPEiuzw3QbhxvYbZv5tQVivM4BCGDX9scbNDKTP~98HntvpBjiv9Z6V8znK5buZBaR5d6zN7kw20lLHt1UH59moK8DQp--h8VNHfW3mazP7IoKDqH8zJyzrCtXh6tfqRe~5Dd3mmSt15AnAYW3DGHY275Gn9AcvmKsdM96O1Wmk8ZskKQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","CalPERS members at a virtual town hall reported problems after the system’s PPO moved to Blue Shield under a five‑year contract; members said some providers are now out‑of‑network, telehealth access questions persist and at least one retiree reported a 30% premium increase for the PERS Platinum plan.

Yvonne Walker, a CalPERS board representative, confirmed Blue Shield was selected after CalPERS’ request‑for‑proposal process and a five‑year contract awarded last year. “We won’t be returning to Blue Cross at least within the next five years,” Walker said, and acknowledged that “anytime you go through a change of that magnitude, there are always going to be blips and problems.”

Members described several specific issues: one member said their acupuncturist who previously billed Blue Cross was now out of network with Blue Shield and that paperwork delays risked large unpaid bills; another described telehealth access questions for members on certain Medicare combinations; and multiple members described confusion and hardship after a 30% premium increase for the PERS Platinum plan this year.

Walker told members how to seek help: start with the carrier, request escalation to a manager if the initial representative cannot resolve the problem, and then contact the CalPERS call center so the CalPERS health‑care team can engage with the carrier. “If you get no relief from that person … ask for it to be sent to a manager… then call the call center for CalPERS,” she said. Walker provided her CalPERS email for follow up and encouraged members to send details to stakeholder relations.

Why it matters: Network changes and premium increases affect members’ access to care and out‑of‑pocket costs; members must know escalation pathways to pursue coverage or reimbursement disputes.

Ending: Walker said CalPERS healthcare staff will monitor access complaints and urged members to call the CalPERS number, escalate to carrier managers when necessary, and submit case details to CalPERS so staff can intervene.

","CalPERS changed its PPO to Blue Shield following a five‑year contract procurement, prompting member complaints about provider access, telehealth, acupuncture reimbursement and large premium increases; Yvonne Walker described how members can escalate issues for CalPERS staff to address.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6269011,"CalPERS outlines cost‑of‑living and pension protection adjustments for retirees",280,285000,565000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3048358-0fd71b4241621e2d698ffe5fb8e654bf&start=285&end=565","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3048358-0fd71b4241621e2d698ffe5fb8e654bf/thumbnail_285000.jpg","/articles/6269011/California/CalPERS-outlines-costofliving-and-pension-protection-adjustments-for-retirees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6269011-f40ae0754c3be7ebaf7b37d60c6b514d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770982417&Signature=Hhfg1URkxrs1~7EVxKkiLQoeD7t6BJDTJLt4v4LQAmuZRUr40TySNn~dwLnJIzPcWKzAr-p6RwUh-~mts8-wcJgkqRChGZJPJ9~Vbaajya3jv2RgPTUaex8tocJcdNgkOeHXOmdJ19mqBRmjo3gnMfzuM3o1Rv~aRXvstPQKASQcjiVqReS-SuKBOvwWkhV5KC5Iwe6fyWSlqU~Bx1iKzQXhFgrUTtxcdOCzEYxjYWpwy5cdZ~DUsWIRqYkuZIX5dBJD8A9Nn~1QdwKRrwOjiA1d2jD3rjvqfrt~DtjjPm9iIvG96zPL5tsH9NsLp3D-dG8D~cGj59rJ3qgrXW0aSQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Yvonne Walker, a CalPERS board representative, told members the system’s annual cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) will appear on the May 1 pension payment for most recipients and summarized how Pension Protection Adjustments (PPA) apply to older cohorts.

Walker said “most of the 98% of the people who receive a pension from CalPERS … will get a 2% COLA.” She explained state retirees’ COLAs are set by law at 2% and that many school retirees also receive 2% based on negotiated terms.

Walker described the PPA, which she said was intended for people who retired in earlier decades and who otherwise lost purchasing power: “that was put into place for people who retired 20 to 30 years ago … anybody that retired from … 1965 to 1986” for state and school retirees she said would see a 2.95% adjustment; she said contracting agencies’ eligible retirement dates run to 1989 and are eligible for the same 2.95% figure.

Why it matters: COLA and PPA affect monthly benefit amounts for most retirees, particularly those who retired several decades ago and whose fixed benefits lost purchasing power.

Walker also noted ongoing work on health‑care transitions that may affect members' out‑of‑pocket costs and choices, but she said COLA and PPA timing remains as described.

Ending: Walker encouraged members with questions about specific payments to consult CalPERS member communications and stakeholder relations for details about their individual cases.

","Yvonne Walker said most CalPERS retirees will receive a 2% cost‑of‑living adjustment on May 1; certain retirees who retired in earlier date ranges may receive a 2.95% pension protection adjustment (PPA).",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6269016,"CalPERS board representative tells members pension fund remains intact amid market uncertainty",258,123000,381000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3048358-0fd71b4241621e2d698ffe5fb8e654bf&start=123&end=381","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3048358-0fd71b4241621e2d698ffe5fb8e654bf/thumbnail_123000.jpg","/articles/6269016/California/CalPERS-board-representative-tells-members-pension-fund-remains-intact-amid-market-uncertainty","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6269016-084b9e8c695102d5ab95b6fe0726819b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770982417&Signature=EwMsOP9jUJq2lQYSwfxUXsTV7MsPh8B-IMfETdjx4kX4A8~BB3ROziFj0t41E8~wyYpLOp1kI2yO5c8pM3B4~kS4N4L4gXqCP-JHbKB-tszvJFaHVzCfoofHlaOWmQs5vlRT3qi8I7TzdI9WMwaTNHpmL9m-~xaluGEvmUMmH21nXeIIIAbRwD6fHBbuYYhwL4ucSgKJYbMeLx0D4YxfD3CxGbhfXvcPDV3pwthRfi25TFjX9eXbW1SJkgg1wjrYIDEsxWBdxyhq-u4rvepb~GJ1uGJMVjRbbEc~qWegLufZn6~QM-U09QwkRbbquXLnUdhBqnZP04GE-0LEgPimwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Yvonne Walker, a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System board, told participants at a CalPERS virtual town hall that the pension fund remains able to pay retiree benefits despite recent economic uncertainty.

Walker said the fund is “a long term investor” and that CalPERS’ portfolio is diversified. She said the fund is “currently valued at more than $500 billion” and that the system requires “about $32 billion” annually to pay retiree pensions. “There’s ample funds to continue paying our benefits,” she said.

Why it matters: CalPERS is the pension system for many California public workers and retirees; statements from board representatives and staff about funding and liquidity inform members concerned by market volatility.

Walker described steps CalPERS staff have taken to monitor markets, saying the chief investment officer, CalPERS’ chief executive officer Marcy Frost and investment staff have been “on it” and actively watching developments. She acknowledged markets may experience downturns but said she did not expect any event that would “take CalPERS out.”

Walker also addressed members’ worries about political risk to benefits, saying a CalPERS defined‑benefit pension cannot be taken away by the president or governor. “Your CalPERS pension is a defined benefit that you have worked for, that you have earned,” she said.

Ending: Walker closed by reiterating confidence in staff oversight and monitoring and invited members to raise specific concerns during question periods and follow up via stakeholder relations.

","Yvonne Walker, a CalPERS board representative, told members at a CalPERS town hall that the system remains financially able to pay benefits, describing the fund as a long‑term investor and noting current reserves and ongoing monitoring by investment staff.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Retired annuitant rule enforcement and coding errors leave substitute and part‑time retirees sidelined, callers say

Members raise complaints after CalPERS shifts PPO to Blue Shield; board rep outlines recourse

CalPERS outlines cost‑of‑living and pension protection adjustments for retirees

CalPERS board representative tells members pension fund remains intact amid market uncertainty