Future of TRS health care hinges on lawmakers’ support

HIGHLIGHTS

AUSTIN — Retired teachers facing the unwelcome prospect of paying higher monthly health insurance premiums received better-than-expected news last week.

The Teachers Retirement System board of trustees on Sept. 21 voted not to increase premiums because the TRS staff negotiated a better rate and other cost savings with its health insurance provider, while keeping plan and pharmacy benefits the same.

The TRS Care fund balance had been projected to be $410 million in the red at the end of 2021. To address the shortfall, the Texas Legislature in 2017 directed TRS to increase premiums by $50 per year over the next four years.

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