PPOA Retiree Representative
LASD retired
jschallert@ppoa.com
Welcome to 2026! I am writing this in 2025, but I get to say that early. Last year was a banner year for retirees. We got some good tax breaks, they increased the Blue Cross cap (and it looks like there will be more), we had a great Retiree Roundup and we have hopefully all tried to do something to be healthier in retirement. Of course, we have lost some amazing people as well. Each year, I reflect on those we have lost and I cherish the memories I had with them.
It looks like the upcoming year may result in better tax breaks for Social Security recipients (now that WEP is gone, you get the reality of paying taxes on those higher earnings as well … nothing is free), but it appears there will be an additional $6,000 deduction to help offset the gains.
Health care continues to be the huge question mark in the country, as well as the cost of prescription drugs. As things change, or if it appears we will be impacted, I will be sure to let you know what I see coming.
PPOA held our first electronic elections for the Board seat representing Sheriff Security Officers and Sheriff Security Assistants this year. We had a good turnout, especially considering that electronic elections require registration. Retired members also need to register to vote. Please register at PPOA.com so you can participate in surveys, elections and other instances where we need your input. Many of us prefer paper and pen, but the world is changing and we need to adapt.
With that said, please beware of all the scams out there directed specifically at retirees. The simple rules that I follow are:
- If it looks too good to be true, it’s a scam.
- If someone is saying your credit card or account has been locked until you contact them, it’s likely a scam and you need to call the institution, but not at the contact number or link in the email. Go to your statements to get the correct number or look on the back of your credit card.
- If someone says your relative is being held hostage in another country, it is likely a scam.
- If someone says you need to pay taxes by buying a bunch of gift cards, it’s likely a scam.
- If someone calls from Windows support, it’s a scam. Never let anyone remotely log in to your computer.
In closing, please take care of yourselves and your families, get out and walk every day, and schedule your colonoscopies and skin cancer checks. Do the simple things to make the best of your retirement!