Early in 2024, the Retirement Administrative Service Center (RASC) implemented two service enhancement initiatives: Retirement Counseling and Advisory Services and the RASC Web Portal.
The portal allowed UC Retirement Plan (UCRP) members to schedule counseling appointments, and through this summer, the team of eight counselors has conducted more than 3.381 advisory sessions.
The feedback from UCRP members who participated in individual counseling demonstrates that the program has been well-received.
“I wanted to let you know that the retirement counselor with whom I just spoke is absolutely amazing,” said one member. “He knew the answers to every question, he also suggested next steps I might want to take, and he knew where I should go for more information. But not only was he knowledgeable, he was very personable and lively. It made the whole discussion pleasant as well as useful.”
The counselors, who are accredited financial professionals, completed extensive scenario-based training on the UCRP Plan Design as well as RASC processes and procedures to prepare them to conduct comprehensive counseling sessions. The counselors have conducted sessions with members who vary in job classification and tenure with the UC, from newly hired UC members who need to consider their retirement (pension) choice to those nearing retirement.
A formal survey is being sent to help RASC gauge overall and individual counselor performance. The survey results will also help to continuously improve the service.
The RASC web-portal is under continuous development. The initial release in January offered members a guide to retirement and the ability to schedule counseling sessions. In the near future, more content will be added, including informational videos, a calendar of webinar events, and information relevant to retirees and active and inactive UCRP members.
Visit the RASC portal at rasc.universityofcalifornia.edu.
No Lapse in Pay and Benefit Continuation (NLIP) celebrates 3rd birthday
Many new retirees utilized the popular No Lapse in Pay and Benefit Continuation (NLIP) option for the June 30, 2024 retirement season. The NLIP is an option UC began offering three years ago to provide an expedited retirement process for members who meet specific criteria.
This year, RASC created a video (available on UCnet at ucal.us/nlip) to describe the program.
RASC has done significant work on improving its processes and processing times, in fact, most participants received confirmation of their eligibility within 12 business days. These numbers represent RASC’s most successful peak season ever.
Medicare office hours and webinars
The transition to Medicare can be complicated — RASC is here to help, with weekly office hours and monthly webinars to ask questions and get answers. Registration is required, and repeat attendance is encouraged.
Every Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. (PT): Register at bit.ly/RASCWeeklyMedicare for a session with RASC to ask questions and receive support in a group setting or in private one-on-one breakout rooms for personalized assistance.
The fourth Thursday of every month, from 10-11:30 a.m. (PT): Register at bit.ly/ RASCMedicareMonthly for Understanding Your Medicare Eligibility — Medicare Presentation with Q&A, an educational webinar led by RASC subject matter experts. Join a public question-and-answer period or ask questions in a private one-on-one breakout room.