(Austin, TX) – The Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS) is conducting statewide information sessions on the changes to TRS-Care, the program that provides health benefits for retired
public education employees and their dependents.
During the 85th regular and first called special sessions, the legislature passed 85R HB 3976 and provided additional funding to sustain the program for the next biennium. As you recall, TRSCare was
facing an estimated $1.06 billion shortfall for the FY 2018/2019 biennium and would have quickly become unsustainable and forced to close without legislative changes and additional
funding. Overall, the State contributed $1.3 billion to TRS-Care for the 2018-2019 biennium, including $395 million of one-time supplemental funding.
TRS, along with its health plan administrators, is meeting with retirees across the state to inform and assist them with the transition to new premiums, medical and prescription plans beginning January
1, 2018. Retirees in Southeast Texas can RSVP to attend an information session beginning September 5, 2018 by calling 1-800-850-1992.
Dates and locations near House District 19 are:
October 9th
9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
MCM Elegante Hotel (Grand Ballroom), 2355 I-10 South, Beaumont, TX 77705
October 19th
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Shelton’s Place, 3603 FM 2108, Lufkin, TX 75901
“As a former public educator, I understand the problems facing our health care benefits system. During the session, I worked with my colleagues to provide relief to rising premiums. The special
session appropriated additional funds to help reduce those costs. I urge educators to attend these sessions and continue to monitor their benefit changes,” said Rep. James White.
Please do not hesitate to contact either Saul Mendoza, Chief of Staff, or Shawn Dunn, District Director, with questions regarding these projects at 512-463-0490 or 409-283-3700.
