Presented by: Alisa Gavaller, Benefit Protection Specialist Angel Calvo, Benefit Protection Specialist

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1 Presented by: Alisa Gavaller, Benefit Protection Specialist Angel Calvo, Benefit Protection Specialist

2 Protect Our Members and Their Promised Benefits

3 Member Verification Process Our team takes a closer, more in-depth look at a member s accounts when suspicious behavior has occurred and determines the appropriate resolution plan, which includes cross-functional collaboration with management. PBI-Death Match Process Our team reconciles the death reports provided by Pension Benefit Information (PBI) and takes the appropriate actions to prevent overpayments.

4 CLEAR SEARCH SSN Online Verification Pension Benefit Information (PBI) Third-Party Investigators Handwriting Specialist External Contacts: Adult Protective Services, Public Guardian, Registrar-Recorder s Office, Ombudsmen, Law Enforcement, etc. Internal Contacts: Designated Attorney and Partnerships across LACERA Divisions

5 Case Types December 1, June 30, 2017 Case Count Lost Contact 110 Death Notifications 90 Legal Representation Issues 43 Fraud/Suspicious Activity 47 CLEAR Search 39 Active Death 19 Abuse 3 Total 351

6 Member Profile #1 79 years old In 2016, our member passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a spouse. LACERA had sent a claim form to the spouse for the $5000 burial benefit. We received no response.

7 1) Account review recent phone calls. BPU listened to calls to see if there was new contact information provided. During one of the calls, the spouse stated that the member had adopted two children one month prior to his death. 2) CLEAR search. Phone numbers and a new address was found. 3) Contact spouse. The member s wife was contacted. She was sent claim forms for the minor survivors and the Burial benefit. She provided proof of the adoption and completed claim forms. The member s minor survivors were paid a retroactive amount of $50,000 and are receiving a combined monthly continuance of $4, The minor survivors are also receiving medical insurance. The member s wife was paid the $5, burial benefit.

8 Member Profile #2 In 2011, our member dies in a car accident, leaving behind his wife and 2 children The wife is eligible for a lifetime benefit, but we are unable to locate her after several attempts Case is considered cold and placed in an unclaimed status

9 1) CLEAR search. Phone numbers and a new address was found. 2) Contact surviving spouse. The member s wife was contacted, and a new claim form was completed. The wife was paid a retroactive net amount of $43K and is receiving $1,200 a month benefit for life.

10 LACERA provides member file to PBI semi-annually BPU processes verified deaths Living members provide proof of status Unresolved cases are investigated further PBI provides death match reports weekly BPU verifies death through SSA, CLEAR, obituaries, and notification to member

11 December 1, June 30, 2017 Death s Reported by PBI Payments Suspended Prevented Overpayments 5, $1,774, The prevented overpayments figure is estimated based on the LACERA's 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), reflecting an average retirement benefit of $3, per month (general and safety members combined).

12 Birth, Marriage, Divorce, Death (Spouse or Children) Information Not Up-to Date No POA on Member s Account (should the member become incapacitated or disabled) No Named Beneficiaries on Member s Account and Determining Next of Kin Outdated Beneficiary Information

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