COLA Cap

With regard to the following statement in the most recent MOSERS emailed information:
If you retire under the MSEP and were hired before August 28, 1997, you will receive a COLA of at least 4% each year (maximum 5%) until you reach your COLA cap. The COLA cap is when the sum of your COLAs equal 65% of your initial benefit amount.
Question: Please explain in more detail how the COLA cap is figured.
Is the amount of the annual COLA, for example, a 4% COLA in 2015, again in 2016, again in 2017, and again in 2018 (that amounts to about $40/month in each of those years) multiplied by 12 to get the total annual COLA ($480) for each of those years and then all of the annual totals are added together to determine when the 65% limit has been reached?
For ex.: $40 X 12 X 4 = $1920
Or perhaps it’s figured as follows: $40/mo. COLA x 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 years etc.
If not, please explain in detail how the COLA cap of 65% is figured. Thank you. 

The COLA cap* is calculated based on the initial base benefit amount, rather than on the COLA itself. Your estimated date to reach the COLA cap can be found on your annual benefit statement in the COLA section. It says “Estimated Date to Reach 65% COLA Cap….” and a date. Typically, it is around 12-13 years after you’ve retired.

Example of Calculating the 65% COLA Cap:

$1,000 (Initial Base Benefit) x .65 (65%) = $ 650 (COLA Cap) 

So, when you look back at your initial base benefit, once it has increased by 65% due to COLAs, you will no longer get the minimum 4% COLA; instead, your COLA will be based on 80% of the increase in the CPI and be between 0 and 5% each year. For example, for those who have their COLA calculated this way, it is 1.704% in 2018.

*The COLA cap does not apply to MSEP 2000 members; it applies only to members of MSEP hired prior to 8/28/97, who receive a minimum 4% COLA until meeting their COLA cap.