Welcome Retirees!

 

We hope you find this site useful with quick access to vital information for managing your retirement lifestyle. In the future you will find important announcements and updates affecting City of Phoenix Retirees here on this page. If there is something you would like to see, or comments you would like to make, feel free to contact a board member by email or telephone.


Mark Your Calendars — Lots Happening at COPRA!

Legislation Watch

  • COPRA Legislative Update – Arizona Bills That May Affect City of Phoenix Retirees (2025–2026 Session)
    This update provides COPRA members with a brief overview of recent Arizona legislation that may impact City of Phoenix retirees who participate in COPERS or PSPRS. The most recent legislative session did not introduce major benefit changes, but several bills were passed that influence pension administration, survivor benefits, tax relief, and retiree healthcare coordination.
  • PSPRS (Police, Fire, and Certain Public Safety Retirees)
    • HB 2144 (2026): Expanded eligibility and clarified rules for surviving spouse benefits under Tier 3. This improves processing and support for surviving families and does not change current retiree benefits.
    • SB 1402 (2025–2026): Updated DROP payout timing. This affects members planning to enter DROP but has no effect on current retirees.
    • HB 2697 (2025 carryover): Improved disability verification procedures. This helps streamline disability reviews but does not impact retirees already receiving disability benefits.
  • COPERS and Municipal Pension Governance
    • HB 2230 (2026): Requires cities to disclose pension funding status in annual budget documents. This change increases financial transparency but does not alter retiree benefits.
    • SB 1104 (2026): Directs municipalities to prioritize paying down unfunded pension liabilities. This supports long-term COPERS stability without affecting current retirees’ monthly payments.
  • Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs)
    • HB 2891 (2026): Continued state-directed study on possible COLA structures for public retirement systems. No changes were enacted, but the topic remains active for future discussion.
  • Taxes and Retiree Income
    • HB 2101 (2026): Established property tax relief options for residents aged 65 and older. While not pension-specific, this may help retirees manage rising housing costs.
  • Retiree Healthcare Coordination
    • SB 1324 (2026): Aligns state rules with Medicare enrollment timelines to help retirees avoid coverage gaps when transitioning from employer plans to Medicare. This improves administrative consistency without reducing benefits.
  • Summary
    Overall, the legislative changes from the most recent session focused on transparency, survivor benefits, and improved administrative processes. No bills reduced pension benefits for City of Phoenix retirees. Both COPERS and PSPRS continue to maintain stability while legislators explore future COLA options and funding improvements.

Time to focus on seasonal reminders, benefits, wellness, security, and year-end tasks. Here’s a ready-to-post list:

November To-Do List for COPRA Members

✅ Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for eCHRIS

  • Watch for the MFA setup email.
  • Complete registration before the required date.
  • Verify your contact information is current.

✅ Review Your Retiree Benefits

  • Confirm your medical, dental, and vision coverage selections.
  • Review any annual benefit updates.

✅ Update Contact Information

  • Verify your mailing address, phone number, and email address in eCHRIS.
  • Ensure you can receive important notifications and tax documents.

✅ Protect Yourself from Scams

  • Access eCHRIS only through the official website.
  • Never share passwords, MFA codes, or personal information with callers or email senders.

✅ Prepare for the Holiday Season

  • Review travel plans and refill prescriptions early.
  • Check healthcare provider availability during holiday periods.

✅ Practice Wellness

  • Schedule preventive screenings before year-end.
  • Take advantage of wellness resources and programs available to retirees.

December To-Do List for COPRA Members

✅ Review Year-End Benefits Information

  • Confirm all benefit elections are correct for the upcoming year.
  • Review any changes that become effective January 1.

✅ Download Important Documents

  • Save copies of benefit statements and other important records from eCHRIS.

✅ Watch for Tax-Related Communications

  • Verify your mailing address for upcoming tax forms.
  • Look for notices regarding Form 1099-R distribution.

✅ Check Prescription Needs

  • Refill medications before holiday closures.
  • Confirm pharmacy holiday hours.

✅ Update Beneficiary Information

  • Review and update beneficiaries if needed.
  • Ensure records reflect your current wishes.

✅ Strengthen Online Security

  • Use strong passwords.
  • Keep MFA enabled.
  • Be cautious of holiday phishing emails and text messages.

✅ Start the New Year Prepared

  • Review healthcare appointments for January.
  • Note any new deductibles, copays, or coverage changes.

Friendly Reminder

Always access eCHRIS directly at the official website and avoid using internet search engines to locate it. Fraudulent websites may attempt to collect your login information.

Stay informed, stay secure, and enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season! 🎁🎄


Membership Is Our Strength

As a City of Phoenix retiree, you’ve helped build the community we’re all proud of. COPRA is here to continue supporting you—protecting your pension, advocating for your benefits, and keeping you connected with what matters most in retirement.

We’d love to have you join us. Members enjoy access to the Monthly Chronicle, where you’ll find updates, helpful information, and news designed specifically for Phoenix retirees. Stay informed, stay connected, and stay supported.

Become a COPRA member today using the link below:
Official COPRA Website – City of Phoenix Retirees Association.

Preview 2024 Chronicles Here