On Friday, State Representative Brooks Landgraf shared the news of the approval of a much-awaited reduction in monthly premiums for TRS-Care Medicare Advantage by the Texas Retirement System of Texas.
Several years ago, Landgraf, along with other Texas lawmakers and retired teachers, initiated a campaign for the reduction they are now advocating for.
Landgraf expressed his satisfaction, stating that the hard work put into shoring up the TRS health insurance system has paid off. This system provides health benefits to hundreds of thousands of retired teachers in Texas, but has been facing financial issues for decades. Recent efforts to ensure that TRS is making sound investments have finally yielded results, leading to the announcement of premium cuts that will save retired teachers money. Previously, the cost burden was shifted onto retired teachers due to the fund’s unreliability in covering costs. However, with these changes, retired teachers can expect to have more money in their pockets.
Retirees who are part of TRS can anticipate saving anywhere between $720 to $4,884 annually on premiums.
TRS’s announcement regarding pension benefits will bring positive changes not only for retired teachers but also for current and prospective ones, according to Landgraf.
Growing up in Odessa, I am a product of public schools, and I am immensely grateful for the impact that my teachers had on me and countless other Texas schoolchildren. They worked tirelessly, not for a big paycheck, but to ensure that we received a quality education. It is the least we can do to honor their dedication and service. Decades ago, the state of Texas made a promise to its teachers: we may not be able to offer the highest salaries, but we will provide good pensions and health insurance upon retirement. It is absolutely crucial that we keep this promise, not only to honor past commitments but also to attract and retain talented teachers today. Failure to do so will only make it more difficult to recruit the best and brightest educators to our classrooms. That is why we must send a strong message to our teachers that we value their work and remain committed to taking care of them.
