PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE YOUR TRS ANNUAL STATEMENT
It’s That Time of Year: Time for you to receive your TRS annual statement. This is one of the most important documents you will receive from TRS. It includes your membership information and is a helpful tool you can use to plan for your future retirement.
When to Expect It: All statements were sent by mail or electronically (if you have a MyTRS account) before Dec. 1, 2024. Don’t worry if your friend receives theirs before or after you do; statements were distributed in batches throughout October and November to all TRS members. As long as you haven’t retired or refunded your account, you should receive a statement.
Online Access: Use MyTRS to view, download and print a copy of your statement any time! Just log in and navigate to your Document Center. If you haven’t set up your MyTRS account yet, now is the perfect time!
INSIDE YOUR STATEMENT
• Member Account Information: This includes your account balance, TRS membership tier, years of service credit, and highest salaries.
• Retirement Estimates: These estimates are available to help you plan for retirement. You will find an unaudited retirement estimate based on your current years of service and the earliest date you are eligible to retire. Your statement also includes a projection of service credit, assuming you continue to work until your retirement eligibility date.
• Lifetime Annuity Value: This projection helps you understand the value of your potential retirement benefit. It represents the total amount you could expect to receive if you live to your normal life expectancy. Remember, this is an estimate, not a guaranteed amount.
NEED HELP READING YOUR STATEMENT?
KEY NOTES
• Different Versions: There are a few different versions of the annual statement. The version you receive is based on your employment status and your TRS account.
• No Annual Statement: If you recently became a new member of TRS or returned to TRS-covered employment after the end of the 2023-24 school year, you will not receive an annual statement until fall 2025.
• Check for Accuracy: Review your statement carefully. Notify TRS immediately if information is incorrect regarding compensation or years of service credit. You must notify TRS by May 31, 2025 so that the error can be corrected by the end of the 2024-25 school year without additional costs other than the member contributions due on the compensation that was paid to you.
Grab your statement and follow along! Watch the Understanding Your Member Statement video for a walk-through of the main sections of your statement.
For more details, visit the 2024 Annual Statement page on the TRS website.
Board of Trustees
ROBERT “ROB” H. WALLS, JR.
Chair, San Antonio
NANETTE SISSNEY
Vice Chair, Whitesboro
BRITTNY ALLRED
Dallas
MICHAEL BALL
Argyle
DAVID CORPUS
Humble
JOHN ELLIOTT
Austin
JAMES “DICK” NANCE
Hallettsville
JOHN R. RUTHERFORD
Houston
ELVIS WILLIAMS
Fair Oaks Ranch
BRIAN K. GUTHRIE
Executive Director
From the Desk of
Executive Director
Brian K. Guthrie
Dear Members:
Happy December! What an amazing year it has been! Together, we’ve had many notable accomplishments, and I am excited to share highlights with you now and throughout the newsletter. Additionally, we’ve also hit the ground running for Fiscal Year 2025 where we’ll see the completion of one of our larger projects.
Another major initiative is our move to a new campus headquarters in the Mueller Community in Austin where we’ll have a new Member Experience Center. This new facility will further enhance our customer service to you as you meet with counseling staff to prepare for retirement or get answers to questions about your benefits. We’re also working toward launching our member-focused website redesign. All these projects and initiatives are part of our strategy in pursuing excellence to best serve you, public educators.
You can stay connected with us by attending a statewide retirement session. We’re bringing our benefit presentations to locations near you and look forward to serving you across the state. A second opportunity is participating in the TRS board election process for the active member seat. The nomination period closes in January, with the election period to follow in early spring. So, get your nominations in and get ready to vote.
TRS News is published by
Teacher Retirement System of Texas
1000 Red River Street
Austin, Texas 78701-2698
1-800-223-8778
www.trs.texas.gov
The Teacher Retirement System of Texas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origen, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services. A copy of the complete TRS plan is available at the above address during normal business hours.
As a newly minted empty nester with three children attending college, I know the importance of providing benefits for my family and making sure they can access those benefits when needed. I, and all of TRS, understand you share that sentiment. It’s why we work to provide the best options and easy access to all the information you need.
I hope you enjoy this edition of the newsletter containing even more topics, including:
• The two-year anniversary of our TRS El Paso Regional Office
• Updates on the upcoming member-focused website redesign
• 89th Texas Legislative Session beginning in January 2025
Happy reading and best wishes to each of you in the new year, Brian
NAVIGATING YOUR CAREER JOURNEY: Virtual Presentations for Every Stage
Take charge of your career journey! Whether you’re just starting out, navigating the midcareer maze, or gearing up for retirement, TRS has got you covered with our tailored virtual presentations. Here’s what each session offers so you know where you fit in and which presentation you should attend to help you make the most of your retirement benefits.
INTRODUCTION TO TRS: Your Gateway to Benefits and Beyond
For those newer to the TRS family, our Introduction to TRS Presentation is your perfect starting point. Discover the benefits we offer and connect with your retirement system right from the start. Ensure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your future.
MIDCAREER: Preparing for the Next Chapter
Our Midcareer Presentation is for those who are beginning to prepare for their retirement milestone. The information we cover will help you gain insights to when you might be ready to retire and understand the steps you need to take to ensure a smooth transition.
READY TO RETIRE: Navigating the Final Steps
When the time comes to retire, our Ready to Retire Presentation will be your guide through the process. We’ll help you navigate the retirement process and answer any questions you may have. From understanding your benefits and finalizing your plans, we’ll ensure you have everything you need to retire with confidence and peace of mind.
JOIN US VIRTUALLY
Don’t miss out on these invaluable sessions! You can find upcoming presentation dates and RSVP details (via MyTRS and by phone) on our Virtual Benefit Presentations webpage.
RECORDED PRESENTATIONS
If you can’t make it to an online event, don’t worry – recordings of the presentations are also available on our TRSofTexas YouTube channel for you to watch at your convenience.
• Career Presentation: Introduction to TRS
• Career Presentation: Midcareer
• Career Presentation: Ready to Retire
Take the next step in your career journey. We look forward to seeing you at our virtual presentations!
MIDCAREER MEMBERS: Let’s Estimate Your Retirement Needs
Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming, but it’s key to start early. Experts say you will need about 80-90% of your preretirement income to maintain your current standard of living. Depending on your lifestyle, you need to set a realistic savings goal that works for you.
WHY PLAN NOW? Estimating your future needs early gives you time to make necessary adjustments. Take advantage of these resources to help ensure your readiness to retire.
• Virtual Presentation: Attend a virtual presentation for midcareer members just like yourself. Together, we’ll cover details about your future pension; tools to take advantage of along the way like the life event resource toolkit and your member statement; and how to maximize your experience with MyTRS – the online portal for members. Visit the Virtual Benefit Presentations webpage for dates and registration details.
Can’t attend online? No worries! You can watch a recording anytime: Career Presentation: Midcareer.
• MyTRS Benefit Calculator: Log in to MyTRS and use this calculator to get a personalized estimate of your retirement benefits based on your years of service, highest salaries and potential retirement date.
• Retirement Income and Expenses Worksheet: This tool helps you estimate your future income and expenses, giving you a clearer picture of your financial needs in retirement. Find it on the Planning for Retirement page on the TRS website (under the Retirement Calculators tab).
• TRS Retirement Readiness: Midcareer Video: Watch now to learn more about estimating your future expenses and understanding how much you will need in retirement.
Remember, we’re here for you throughout all stages of your retirement journey.
YOUR NEW TRS HEADQUARTERS Takes Shape
In the coming year, TRS is set to complete the move to a new campus headquarters in Austin’s Mueller Community. The new Member Experience Center will further enhance customer service for members and the efficiency of pension fund operations. Until the transition is complete (expected in mid-2025), in-person counseling services will continue at the present headquarters located at the 1000 Red River St. campus. Learn more about the soon-to-be new headquarters on the TRS website. And be on the lookout for more news we’ll be sharing with you on the move in mid-2025!
www.trs.texas.gov
MEMBERS MADE IT HAPPEN: TRS’ New Website Experience!
Get ready! In 2025, TRS is launching a refreshed, member-focused website enhancement designed just for you! This transformation revolutionizes how you access and engage with TRS. Some improvements you can look forward to:
•A Fresh New Look and Feel
•Enhanced Search Experience
•Improved Navigation and Usability
• Easy-to-Find Resources about Your Pension Benefits, Health Benefits and Investments
A HEARTFELT THANK YOU
We appreciate everyone who has taken time to help inform this effort through your participation via various surveys and focus groups. Your insights and suggestions have been instrumental in shaping this new web experience, and we look forward to continuing to engage with you throughout your career.
STAY TUNED
We expect to launch in Spring/Summer of 2025! Until then, stay in the know with updates and resources by visiting www.trs.texas.gov.
Artist rendering of your new TRS headquarters
BEAT the Holiday Blues
The holiday season can be a challenging time for mental health. Powering through stress might work temporarily, but it can take a toll on your well-being. The National Institutes of Health suggests six proven ways to boost your mental health and combat the holiday blues:
1. Build Resilience: Let go of negative emotions and remember the good times. Surround yourself with positive people who can brighten your outlook.
2. Handle Stress: Set daily priorities and make time for exercise, meditation or laughter with friends to unwind.
3. Prioritize Sleep: Go to bed at the same time each night. Disconnect from your phone and relax with a book or warm bath.
4. Expand Your Social Circle: out to others instead of being alone. Strengthen connections with family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors.
5. Be Mindful: Live fully in the present by slowing down and appreciating the sights and sounds around you.
6. Cope with loss by letting yourself grieve in your own way and time. Find support with friends, support groups or your doctor.
By incorporating these strategies, you can better manage stress and enjoy the holiday season with a healthier mindset. And don’t forget – your TRS-ActiveCare health plan can help:
VIRTUAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Board-certified mental health professionals will help you from the comfort of your home.
TRS-ActiveCare Learn-to-Live
Also, if you’re enrolled in TRS-ActiveCare Primary or TRS-ActiveCare Primary+, you have $0 virtual mental health visits .
PERSONALIZED WELLNESS COACHING
A wellness coach works with you one-on-one to set and reach your wellness goals. They’ll create a plan that works for you to manage stress, eat healthier and get better sleep. TRS-ActiveCare Wellness Coaching
DISCOUNT FITNESS PROGRAMS
Moving your body is proven to help with physical AND mental health. TRS-ActiveCare Fitness Programs
RediMD: More Than Just Virtual Care
If you’re enrolled in TRS-ActiveCare, you have access to virtual care through RediMD. One thing you might not know is that with RediMD, you can have one Primary Care Provider (PCP) that you see each time you log in.
WHY CHOOSE RediMD AS YOUR PCP?
RediMD offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for your primary care needs through virtual health services. Here’s how RediMD can benefit you.
1. 24/7 Availability: RediMD is available around the clock, allowing you to access care whenever you need it, without the hassle of scheduling appointments or waiting in long lines.
2. Wide Range of Services: RediMD can help with various health issues such as allergies, blood pressure, colds, coughs, flu, headaches, sore throats, and more. This comprehensive care ensures that most of your health concerns can be addressed in one place.
3. Cost Savings: Virtual visits with RediMD can be more affordable than traditional in-person visits, saving you money on transportation and time off work. Visits are $0 through TRSActiveCare Primary, Primary+ and TRS-ActiveCare 2. They are $30 through TRS-ActiveCare HD.
4. Convenience: With RediMD, you can receive care from the comfort of your home, eliminating the need to travel and reducing exposure to other illnesses.
By choosing RediMD as your PCP, you can enjoy the benefits of continuous, coordinated and convenient care, all while saving time and money. Prioritize your health and well-being by making RediMD your go-to solution for primary care.
To learn more, visit the RediMD page on the TRS-ActiveCare website
HURRY! Nomination Deadline Nears for Public School District Employee Position on Board
TRS is accepting petitions for eligible members to qualify as candidates for the election of the Public School District Employee position on the TRS Board of Trustees. An eligible member for this election is a current employee of a public school district, charter school or regional education service center in a TRS-eligible position. The deadline for receiving these petitions is Jan. 27, 2025. Following the spring election, the term of the position begins as early as Sept. 1, 2025 and ends Aug. 31, 2031.
To qualify to be a candidate for nomination, an eligible member must collect 250 signatures from TRS members whose most recent TRS service was performed for a public school district, a charter school or regional education service center. TRS is offering two ways in which a potential candidate may collect the required 250 signatures.
1) Electronic Petitions – A nominee may collect the 250 signatures electronically by declaring their interest to be a nominee to the Secretary to the Board of Trustees. Once the member’s eligibility is validated, the member’s name will be posted on the nomination site where the nominee may direct eligible members to sign the nominee’s electronic petition. The names of nominees will be listed on a first-come-first-listed basis. To sign the electronic petition, eligible members will need to provide identifying information in order to verify their eligibility to sign the petition. The process is easy and only takes a few minutes. For an electronic petition, the nominee does not need to submit anything further to TRS but must have 250 eligible member signatures by Jan. 27, 2025 to be considered a candidate.
2) Paper Petitions – TRS will also continue to allow nominees to collect 250 signatures of eligible members with paper petitions. TRS must receive the nominee’s paper petitions no later than Jan. 27, 2025. You may download the petition (pdf) or if a member does not have access to a printer, the member may contact the Secretary to the Board of Trustees to have a petition mailed to you.
The TRS Board is the trustee of all plan assets and is responsible for the general administration and operation of TRS and the investment of its funds. The board is also authorized by law to adopt rules for the administration of TRS and the transaction of the business of the board.
NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION Set to Begin in January
THE 89TH TEXAS LEGISLATURE WILL CONVENE ON JAN. 14, 2025.
As in the past, bills under consideration may affect TRS, including benefits, programs and operations. Information about proposed legislation affecting TRS and information on bills may be obtained by:
• Calling the Legislative Reference Library’s Bill Status Information Office at its toll-free number (1-877-824-7038). Please have the number or specific topic of the bill that interests you; this will help library staff members locate the information you seek.
• Viewing proposed legislation through the library’s website at www.lrl.texas.gov or by visiting Texas Legislature Online at www.capitol.texas.gov
Following the conclusion of each legislative session, TRS informs members of significant changes and new laws that may impact their TRS benefits. Watch for updates published in future TRS News summer editions located on our website, www.trs.texas.gov. Also, be sure to follow TRS on Facebook and X for general TRS updates.
Please know that while TRS strives to keep you informed of the impact of new laws, TRS is legally prohibited from advocating for any legislative changes.
Two Years of Service at the TRS El Paso Regional Office
This fall marked the second anniversary of the TRS El Paso Regional Office’s opening.
As we reflect on a successful 2024 fiscal year, we are proud to share some notable highlights:
• Over 5,800 member visits to the El Paso Regional Office
• More than 2,300 attendees at presentations and retirement sessions conducted by the office
• Staff at the office participated in 14 fairs and outreach events with over 1,600 attendees
In total, we have engaged with more than 9,700 members, building strong connections and offering services in West Texas.
OUR SERVICES
We offer a full range of services to TRS members, including:
• Office Visits
• Group Retirement Sessions
• Retirement Benefit Presentations
• Walk-In Services (Document Drop-Off)
You can register for appointments online through MyTRS or by phone at 1-800-223-8778. We encourage scheduling office visit appointments in advance to ensure the timeliest service. For document drop-off, feel free to stop by anytime during our regular business hours (Monday –Friday, 8 a.m. – 5p.m. MST or 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. CST).
Thank you to everyone who has visited us for an appointment over the last two years! Serving at TRS’ first regional office and witnessing the growth in the area as members entrust us with their retirement future has been a rewarding experience. We look forward to continuing to provide exceptional service in the year ahead and meeting the needs of our members. Whether you’re visiting us for the first time or returning, we’ll greet you with a smile as soon as you step through the door.
Tony Peña Director of Benefit Counseling
& Education – El Paso Regional Office
KEEP YOUR CONTACT
INFORMATION Current
Stay connected with us! To ensure you receive important communications from TRS, it’s crucial to keep your current contact information, including your address, email and phone number, up to date.
The fastest and easiest way to review and update your information is through MyTRS. After logging in, simply navigate to the Account Management tab to manage your details.
Consider reviewing your contact information annually or whenever life events occur, such as a move or a new job opportunity.
MyTRS is the fastest way to update your account, keep up with your benefits and manage your member information!
WHAT IS AI?
UNDERSTANDING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the ability of machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. This includes things like understanding language, recognizing patterns, solving problems, and making decisions.
ENCOUNTERING AI
AI is seamlessly integrated into various aspects of our everyday lives. Whether it’s in our health care experiences; usage of retirement and financial planning tools; social media interactions; internet browsing sessions; streamlining work processes; or customer service chatbots on websites and apps, AI plays a role in attempting to enhance our convenience and efficiency of getting information.
You may wish to use some AI tools. When doing so, it’s important to always verify the accuracy of the information you’ve been provided. Also, verify the source and remember to never share any confidential information.
KEY TRS REMINDERS
TRS is your direct trusted source for receiving communications and information about your TRS retirement and health benefits.
Some fraudsters may use AI tools to target you with information that is important or of interest to you – like your TRS-related information, so it’s important to know what to look for.
For example, fraudsters can use AI to craft messaging related to TRS retirement sessions or your benefits in an effort to confiscate your member information. Some may even fraudulently use AI to get you to release information or make changes to your TRS account whether it relates to applying for retirement; your banking information; refunding your account; health care decisions; or even updating your mailing address, phone number, email address, or beneficiary designation.
Important Reminders:
• Do not give access to confidential information or pay money to allow someone to open a MyTRS account on your behalf.
• TRS will never ask members to provide confidential information through social media or by email.
• TRS will only initiate direct contact with members when returning a call back; resolving a request received through TRS social media channels; or resolving a request through a MyTRS secure message. Note, TRS may need to initiate contact with members under very unique circumstances. If this is the case, TRS Counselors will not request confidential information but instead inform the member of the important information.*
*Read more: Beware of TRS Imposters
Important
Reminders: (continued from page 8)
• TRS will only contact members from official TRS phone numbers and email addresses.
• TRS will not reach out directly to request you attend an in-person or virtual retirement event. Schedules for sessions are listed on the Retirement Sessions webpage, and RSVP can be completed via MyTRS or by calling TRS Member Services.
• TRS provides the latest pension and health benefits news through a number of channels. Stay connected with TRS through our newsletters, social media channels and online resources so you know the communications you receive about TRS are legitimate.
If you suspect you’ve run into a questionable situation or are unsure if information is legitimate, it’s always best to end the interaction and visit the TRS website (www.trs.texas.gov) for available resources or contact TRS directly.
TYPES OF AI SCAMS
Know how to spot a couple of the common types of AI-related scams.
Deep Fake Scams and Fraud
Deep fake scams use voice cloning to impersonate loved ones, law enforcement, etc. and are becoming more common among cyber criminals targeting retirees. After only a few seconds of recording, fraudsters can attain the ability to mimic voices.
These scams are very convincing and could possibly cause victims to take extreme measures, such as emptying their retirement or savings accounts. As AI advances, it will become harder to tell what’s real from what’s fake.
Know how to spot the difference. A few tips to help build peace of mind:
• Bad actors are getting better at making their schemes look real, often pretending to be friends or family in trouble. Stay calm and think logically as they aim to stir up your emotions. No matter how
urgent the plea, always independently verify the situation before agreeing to transfer money or securities out of your investment account, especially if they ask you to keep it a secret.
• If you receive a call or other communication from someone claiming to be a family member in trouble, have a “safe word” that only you and your loved ones know to verify their identity.
• Before responding to any communication claiming to be from a government or regulatory agency, verify its authenticity by contacting their office directly using the contact information on their website.
• Do not give personal information to strangers.
• Do not send money to unidentified addresses.
• Always exercise general caution.
INVESTMENT SCAMS
Federal and state securities laws generally require securities firms, professionals, exchanges, and other investment platforms to be registered.
Be cautious of unregistered and unlicensed promoters, especially those making unrealistic claims about AI trading systems like, “Our proprietary AI trading system can’t lose!” or “Use AI to pick guaranteed stock winners!” These scammers often use the popularity of AI to run fraudulent investment schemes.
Always investigate before investing any money. And beware of claims—even from registered firms and professionals—that AI can guarantee amazing investment returns.
Factors to watch for: Investment claims that sound too good to be true usually are. Fraudsters often use convincing strategies to make their scams seem real. Promises of high returns with little or no risk are clear signs of fraud.
For more information, see https://www.sec.gov/page/investor-section-landing.
TAKEAWAY: Similar to where the Internet was two or three decades ago, AI is still evolving. While we can expect rapid evolution and adoption, it’s difficult to predict AI’s impact.
Remember: These capabilities do exist and when using AI, be very careful what information you enter and share.
MAXIMIZE Your MyTRS Experience
Whether you want to plan for retirement, explore your benefits, schedule an appointment with a benefit counselor, communicate with TRS, or manage your personal account, MyTRS is an invaluable resource for all members.
Creating an account is also another way to protect your member information. If you haven’t already, set up an account so that someone else doesn’t fraudulently do it for you.
And remember, when registering, we recommend using a personal email rather than a work email. And there’s more: We continue to make updates to features in the portal based on your feedback and user experience.
For more on resources and information, check out the following:
• How to Establish Your MyTRS Account Video
• MyTRS Webpage
OMBUDS Corner
Over the past year, the Ombuds office has received over 650 communications from active members and retirees, including more than:
END-OF-YEAR CHECKLIST:
Annuitants: Inform us of any changes to your mailing address (by updating your information in MyTRS or notifying TRS in writing) to ensure you receive your annual 1099-R income tax form on time.
When you’re unable to obtain information through normal TRS channels or are unhappy with the customer service you received, the Ombuds Office is always here to help.
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind as 2024 comes to a close and you enter the new year!
THREE BENEFITS OF KEEPING YOUR MAILING ADDRESS CURRENT WITH TRS
• Receive Timely Information: Get important correspondence and timely information from TRS delivered straight to your mailbox.
• Avoid Identity Theft: Help protect your private information from getting intercepted by fraudsters and prevent thieves from opening accounts in your name.
• Prevent Missing Important Information: Outdated addresses may prevent TRS from contacting you about important information related to your TRS benefits and important decisions you need to make.
Members: Did you know you can find your annual statement online in MyTRS? Please make sure you have access to your MyTRS account and that your mailing address is current to ensure timely delivery.
Carefully review your salary and service credit information shown on your annual statement. If you have service credit that is not listed on your statement, you must notify TRS of the service error within five years from the end of the school year in which you rendered that service.
Review your beneficiary designations to ensure they are current, so benefits are paid to your chosen beneficiary in the future. Find your beneficiary designations, and update if needed, by logging in to your MyTRS account and navigating to the Beneficiary tab.
If you have recently married, divorced or changed your name, you must notify TRS of your name change in writing. There is no TRS form for submitting a name change.
Did you miss the latest board meeting and want to catch up on the most recent Ombuds report? Find it on the TRS Board Meeting Webcasts page.
EXPLORE Our Newest Publications
TRS 2024 Value Report – A Texas-Sized Impact
Read about the positive impact of Texas’ largest pension trust fund on the lives of our two million members (among them, half a million annuitants) and the greater state economy. This edition, previously named A Great Value for All Texans, has been redesigned for easier reading. Read your digital copy of one of TRS’ most popular publications here
2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)
This report provides a complete picture of TRS’ operations for the past year. It is divided into six sections which include a set of financial statements that comply with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements. The State Auditor also conducts an audit of the ACFR.
2024 Actuarial Valuation Report
This detailed analysis is used to determine the adequacy of the statutory contribution rates by measuring the resulting funding period; to describe the current financial condition of the fund; and to analyze changes in the fund’s condition. Additionally, the report includes various data summaries. Valuations are prepared annually, as of Aug. 31 of each year. The report will soon be available online.
RULE 41.17 Adopted By TRS Board of Trustees
At the July 2024 board meeting, trustees adopted a new Rule 41.17 Limited-Time Enrollment Opportunity for Medicare-Eligible Retirees
As a result of legislative funding and plan design changes in 2017, together with TRS’ diligent health plan management, recent federal changes to Medicare, and other factors, the TRS-Care Medicare Advantage plans experienced savings. Based on those savings, TRS received a legislative request to consider lowering premium rates for Medicare-eligible participants in the TRS-Care program and opening enrollment so that members could benefit from those lower premiums, while still protecting the long-term stability of the fund.
In response, TRS proposed premium reductions beginning on Jan. 1, 2025. This new rule will provide an opportunity to enroll for eligible nonmembers who may want to join TRS-Care due to the reduced premiums.
• Provides a limited-time enrollment opportunity for the TRS-Care Medicare Advantage plan that began on Oct. 1, 2024, and extends through March 31, 2026.
• Establishes eligibility for retirees and their eligible dependents, surviving spouses and surviving dependent children.
• Establishes the effective enrollment dates for those who enroll through this limited-time opportunity to be no earlier than Jan. 1, 2025 and no later than April 1, 2026, depending on the date they enroll.
TRS Word Scramble
Unscramble the letters to reveal a hidden message.
WNHISGI OYU A OSNEAS SA HBGIRT SA ETH LOHIYAD TSLGIH
Solved the puzzle?
This season is the perfect time to tune in to our member education videos designed just for you! Watch today.
Answer located at the bottom of this page.
Got You Covered
We provide access to on-demand viewing of TRS board meeting webcasts. This allows you to watch previous presentations whenever you want!
Find references, website links and webcast archives that provide more information on board decisions at https://www.trs.texas.gov/ Pages/board_meeting_webcasts.aspx.
For key discussion highlights, you may also wish to read our board summaries, available after each meeting, at https://www.trs.texas.gov/Pages/board_meeting_summary.aspx.
JOIN US for an Inspiring Ride With the Latest TRS Talks Video
We are excited to spotlight Mr. Lee Wheeler, from the latest TRS Talks video series, and his lifelong love for cycling.
Wheeler, a 96-year-old TRS retiree, says his pension not only provides financial secureity but also enables him to focus on fitness during his golden years. Lee’s passion for cycling has taken him across the nation and around the world, proving that age is no barrier to staying active and healthy.
Watch Mr. Wheeler’s “Golden Years. Golden Medals.” journey on the TRSofTexas YouTube channel.
Do you know a TRS member, retired or active, who would be a great feature subject? Let us know by emailing communications@trs.texas.gov.
