Patrick asks TRS to make health care improvements

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick sent a letter asking the TRS Board of Trustees to reduce premiums for the TRS-Care Medicare Advantage program. Patrick also asked the TRS Board to create a one-time re-enrollment opportunity for thousands of retired educators who left the Medicare Advantage program in recent years due to program changes and increased premium costs.

While Patrick didn't specify a particular percentage or dollar-amount reduction for the TRS-Care Medicare Advantage program, TRS Board members are expected to discuss the request during their meeting on May 2-3 in Austin.

The agenda for the May meeting also includes discussion of TRS-Active Care rates for the 2024-25 school year.

Meanwhile, TRS encourages educators planning to retire in the next 10-12 months to schedule a session with a TRS benefits counselor. Sessions are available in person at the TRS offices in Austin and El Paso as well as virtually.