If You’ve Had TRS-CARE Issues, Contact Me Now

            At least at the state level, the 2020 election is now over. Two months from tomorrow, on January 12 2021 at noon, the 87^th Texas Legislature will convene. Although we know the state is in a drastically different financial state as a result of COVID-19, that and so much more about the session remain elusive.

           What does not remain elusive is the state of health care for current and retired educators (not just teachers but all public-school-district employees). In fact, it is anything but elusive. We are living with decisions the Texas Legislature made during the 2017 Legislative Session that created an even wider divide between the health insurance provided for retired educators in Texas and the health insurance provided to all other state-employed retirees, including our Texas legislators.  (Go here to see a historical perspective on those differences.)

            Unless we RISE UP, SPEAK UP, and FIGHT for health care that is equitable to our retired legislators’ ERS-Care, we will have to wait another two years for the 2023 Legislative Session.  Like me, I’m quite sure you are thinking, “WE CAN’T wait that long!”

            And this is not just about those of us who are retired. I know many of you currently working in our schools also have health-care stories that need to be told.

            I would like to compile as many stories as possible from current public-education employees whose districts use TRS-ActiveCare and from retirees with TRS-Care Standard (retirees younger than 65) and TRS-Care Medicare Advantage (retirees 65 and over) about health-care issues you have faced—and/or are currently facing—due to the high deductibles, procedures/visits not being covered, not being able to get your medication because you can’t afford it…and so on.

My plan is to compile everyone’s stories so our legislators can see how all of us are being impacted by the decisions made in 2017, so I need those stories now.

This is “the ask”:

1.          Please send your story to me at cardis1022@aol.com. What have you gone through? How have you attempted to deal with it? Have you had to skip doctor visits/procedures or medications because of the insurance and if so, what/why/how…?
2.            Please include your first and last name, the district where you were last employed, and the number of years you worked in the public-education system in Texas.
3.       If you are willing, please include a picture so our legislators can SEE the faces of bus drivers, secretaries, custodians, counselors, teachers, cafeteria staff, librarians, administrators, FMO employees, social workers, sign-language interpreters, and all others who work/worked in our schools. 

NOW is our chance, and it won’t come around again for two more years. We have dedicated our lives to the children of the State of Texas. Let’s fight for equity between TRS-Care and ERS-Care!

p.s. The Texas Tribune is keeping track of bills being filed. The filing period started Monday. Since we are now "TAKING CHARGE," let's keep an eye on this page to see what bills are being filed that directly impact public education and TRS. Knowledge is emPOWERment!

p.s.s. This is why this is critical. It was brought to my attention earlier today: HB 430, filed by Rep. Ken King reads, "Relating to the termination of the Texas Public School Employees Group Insurance Program for retirees." I have a lot of questions: Is he referring to TRS, because I have never heard it called "Texas Public School Employees Group Insurance Program"? According to the text of the bill --
a.  Current public-ed employees, ARE YOU LISTENING?--"An individual who is not a participant in the group program on August 31, 2021, is not entitled to obtain coverage under the group program after that date."
b. An individual who is a participant in the group program on August 31, 2021, and who is, on September 1, 2021, eligible to participate in Medicare, is not entitled to continue coverage under the group program after August 31, 2021.
c. An individual who is a participant in the group program on August 31, 2021, but who is not, on September 1, 2021, eligible to participate in Medicare, may continue coverage under the group program in accordance with this subchapter until the earlier of: (1) the date the individual first becomes eligible to participate in Medicare; or (2) September 1, 2031. 

And there's more....read the bill (link above). More on this SOON!!!!!

FOLLOW UP: I sent Rep. King an email Thursday morning and received a prompt reply from his chief of staff.  I sent back a response to her email. Click here to read all three of them.

Chris Ardis retired in May of 2013 following a 29-year teaching career. She now works as a freelance writer and editor and remains committed to education educators, and students. Chris can be reached at cardis1022@aol.com. (Photo by Linda Blackwell, McAllen)